Understanding the Partner Visa for Applicants in a Long Term Relationship
Are you and your Australian partner in a long-term relationship and want to live together in Australia? Securing a double grant for a long term relationship partner visa could be your path. This article will explain the steps, eligibility criteria, and essential documentation you need. You’ll also find tips for a successful application and understand the benefits this visa offers.
Key Takeaways
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- The Partner Visa process requires an initial application for a temporary subclass 820 Partner visa, followed by the subclass 801 for permanent residency. Couples in long-term relationships with an Australian partner have the opportunity to receive a double visa grant if they meet specific criteria.
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- To be eligible for the double grant of the Partner Visa, applicants must be in a genuine relationship for at least three years. However, this period can be reduced to two years if the couple has a dependent child. Additionally, applicants must fulfill health and character requirements.
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- Strong documentation of the relationship, including financial, social, and household evidence, is essential for a successful application, alongside understanding the associated costs and budgeting effectively.

The Partner Visa, including subclasses 820 and 801 (or 309 and 100 for offshore applicants), is designed for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. Having an Australian partner is crucial for the application process. The temporary partner visa subclass 820 allows partners to stay temporarily while their permanent partner visa subclass 801 application is being processed.
Applicants make a combined application for both subclasses visa while in Australia. If they successfully gain the temporary partner visa, they can then progress to the subclass 801 visa after two years. A unique aspect of this process is the possibility of a partner visa double grant, where both temporary and permanent visas are granted simultaneously if the relationship meets specific criteria. However, this is not guaranteed and requires substantial evidence of a genuine long-term commitment. Demonstrating mutual reliance and a shared life is critical. This evidence will be explored further in the eligibility criteria and required documentation sections.
Eligibility Criteria for Partner Visa applicants in a Long Term Relationship
To qualify for a partner visa, the applicant needs to meet the following criteria:
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- Be in a married or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen partner, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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- Ensure that the relationship is genuine and ongoing, which will be scrutinized during the visa application process, including the prospective marriage visa.
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- Both the applicant and their partner must be at least 18 years old.
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- Meet specific health and character criteria as mandated by Australian laws.
Previous visa cancellations or refusals can severely hinder eligibility. Additionally, any outstanding debts to the Australian government must be resolved, as these can negatively impact the partner visa acceptance. All financial obligations should be settled before applying.
Meeting these basic criteria is the first step. The length of your relationship plays a pivotal role, especially when aiming for a double grant. This will be explored in more detail in the following section.
Length of Relationship
The duration of your relationship with an Australian partner is crucial in determining eligibility for a partner visa. For a de facto relationship, the minimum period required is 12 months. However, there is an exception to this one-year cohabitation requirement if the relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory.
A long-term relationship, in the context of partner visas, refers to a de facto partner or spousal relationship that has lasted at least three years or two years if the couple has a dependent child. This definition is vital as it influences the potential for a double grant of both subclass 820 and 801 visas in long term relationships.
Meeting these timelines and the minimum length of relationship criteria can enhance your application. A well-documented long-term relationship can be the deciding factor between a provisional and a permanent visa grant.
Benefits of a Long Term Relationship Partner Visa
One of the most significant benefits of a long-term relationship partner visa is the potential for immediate permanent residency if you have an Australian partner. If your relationship is considered long-term at the time of application, you may receive a direct grant of a permanent partner visa. This means bypassing the provisional stage and gaining the ability to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Additionally, holding a partner visa allows you to sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia. This can be a tremendous relief for those who wish to keep their family close. Furthermore, once granted a permanent partner visa, you are on the path to becoming an Australian citizen, provided you meet the residency and other requirements.
Evidencing Your Long Term Relationship

Robust evidence of your long-term relationship with an Australian partner is crucial in the partner visa process, covering financial, social, and household aspects. Essential financial documentation includes joint bank statements, shared mortgage documents, and joint utility bills.
Social evidence can include photographs with family and friends, joint invitations, and social media posts that demonstrate your relationship’s public recognition. Household evidence, like shared leases, mail addressed to both partners, and joint responsibility for bills, further solidifies your case. Submitting documents that clearly demonstrate a shared household, such as joint leases, is more impactful than lesser documents.
Couples in long-distance relationships can include travel evidence, communication records, and statements from friends and family. Personal statements detailing your relationship history, including key milestones, can support your application. Meticulously organizing your evidence will strengthen your application.
Costs Associated with the Partner Visa
The partner visa application process comes with significant financial considerations. The primary cost is the application fee, starting at AUD 9,095 for most applicants. This substantial upfront cost is non-refundable, even if the application is denied. Ensuring your application is thorough and complete helps avoid costly mistakes.
Other charges may include medical examinations, police checks, and the cost of gathering and certifying documents. These additional costs can add up quickly, so budget accordingly and plan for these expenses in advance.
Understanding the financial commitment involved helps you prepare and avoid unexpected financial strain. Proper budgeting and financial planning are key to a smooth application process.
Tips for a Successful Partner Visa Application
Success in the partner visa application process hinges on thorough preparation and attention to detail. One of the most critical steps is to maintain open communication with your partner throughout the process. This helps navigate the emotional aspects and ensures that both partners are on the same page. Documenting crucial relationship milestones, such as when you first met or moved in together, can provide a solid foundation for your partner visa journey.
Organized records of bills, correspondence, and photographs are essential. These documents serve as evidence of your shared life and significantly support your application. A comprehensive relationship history statement allows you to narrate your journey as a couple, which can be compelling for the case officer.
While providing detailed evidence is important, you are not obligated to disclose intimate details or explicit documents. Focus on relevant relationship evidence that showcases your genuine commitment and shared life. Consulting with a migration agent can provide valuable guidance to strengthen your application.
Summary
Applying for a partner visa in a long-term relationship with an Australian partner involves understanding the eligibility criteria, providing compelling evidence, and managing the associated costs. The journey to securing a permanent partner visa can be complex, but with thorough preparation and attention to detail, it is achievable and a double grant of both temporary and permanent visas is likely.
By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you can enhance your chances of a successful application and look forward to building your life together in Australia. Remember, the key is to demonstrate a genuine, ongoing relationship and to provide clear, comprehensive evidence of your shared life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum length of a de facto relationship required for a partner visa?
The minimum length of a de facto relationship required for a partner visa is 12 months, unless the relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory.
Can previous visa cancellations affect my partner visa application?
Yes, previous visa cancellations can significantly impact your eligibility for a partner visa, potentially complicating the application process. It is essential to address any past issues transparently.
What types of evidence are needed to support a partner visa application?
To support a partner visa application, it is essential to provide evidence covering financial, social, and household aspects, such as joint bank statements, shared leases, and photographs with family and friends. This comprehensive documentation is crucial for demonstrating the authenticity of your relationship.
How much does it cost to apply for a partner visa?
The cost to apply for a partner visa starts at AUD 9,095, and additional expenses may include medical exams, police checks, and document certification. Be aware of these potential costs when planning your application.
What are the benefits of a long term relationship partner visa?
If you are in a long-term relationship, you may be granted both the temporary and permanent partner visas at the same time. to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, sponsor eligible family members, and ultimately pursue Australian citizenship. This visa provides a pathway to stability and integration into Australian society.