A Partner Visa is a type of visa for Australia that allows the partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to enter, stay, and work in Australia, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the visa granted.
To be eligible for this visa, the partner must have a relationship with either a permanent resident of Australia, a citizen of Australia, or an eligible citizen of New Zealand. There are two types of partner visas: Onshore and Offshore Partner visas.
These visas can be granted as either temporary or permanent visas, allowing the holder to live in Australia for a finite period or indefinitely. For more details, you can contact us to get a free consultation.
What is An Onshore Visa? (subclass 820/801)
An Onshore Visa (subclass 820/801) is a visa that allows a temporary partner who is already in Australia to remain in the country. In contrast, the permanent partner visa (subclass 801) is being processed.
This visa permits its holder to stay in Australia and to be legally employed. It also allows them to travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be sponsored by their Australian partner, or by another eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident, who has been living in Australia for at least 12 months.
The sponsor must be aged 18 or over, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) for their partner. The visa application must include evidence of the applicant’s relationship with the sponsoring partner, such as shared bank accounts and photographs.
It is also necessary for the two partners to provide health and character documents. Once approved, the Onshore Visa (subclass 820/801) will enable the applicant to remain in Australia until a decision is made on their permanent partner visa (subclass 801). The visa may also be extended if the application is taking longer than expected.
The Onshore Visa (subclass 820/801) also allows its holder to access certain health care benefits under Medicare. If the visa holder is already employed in Australia, they may be able to keep their job while the visa is valid.
Furthermore, they may be able to study at approved institutions while on this visa. This visa also enables its holder to apply for Australian citizenship after two years of marriage.
What is An Offshore Visa? (Subclass 309/100)
An Offshore Visa (Subclass 309/100) is a temporary visa available to an eligible partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows the holder to live in Australia with their partner until a decision is made on their permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100).
The visa also allows the holder to work in Australia and travel in and out of the country for the duration of the visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must be outside Australia when you apply for it and meet certain criteria related to your relationship, such as being in a genuine ongoing relationship with your partner, who must sponsor you.
You must also meet health and character requirements. This visa can be applied for online. Our Services may help you with this process.
Applicants must also provide evidence of their relationship in the form of documents, such as photographs and joint bank accounts, as well as birth certificates and other relevant documents to demonstrate their financial dependence on each other.
If a couple has been married for less than two years, they may still be eligible; however, they must provide additional documents to demonstrate the genuineness of their relationship.
Before any visa is granted, applicants must pass character and security checks. These include police certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
The security checks may take some time to complete, so it is important to allow for this when applying for the visa. The visa can be valid for up to three years before the permanent Partner visa application is processed.
What is the Difference Between Onshore and Offshore Visas?
Onshore visas are issued to individuals who wish to travel to a specific country and remain within its borders during their stay. These types of visas are commonly used by individuals who want to visit family or friends, conduct business, or take a short holiday.
The application process for onshore visas varies between countries but typically requires proof of sufficient funds, a valid passport, and other relevant documentation.
Offshore visas, meanwhile, are generally applied for at a foreign embassy or consulate in one’s home country. These types of visas may be used for work purposes, such as studying or working abroad, or for other activities, including investment or residency.
Depending on the country, applicants may be required to provide additional documents such as a letter of guarantee from a sponsor, financial evidence, and/or a valid passport. In some cases, offshore visas may also require personal interviews.
The application process typically takes longer than for onshore visas and involves more stringent requirements.
Additionally, offshore visas may be required for visa holders to leave the country at some point during their stay; this is not always the case with onshore visas. Furthermore, certain restrictions may be placed on the activities of visa holders, including those related to business, work, or travel.
Depending on the country, an offshore visa may also provide access to preferential services, such as banking, insurance, education, and healthcare. In some instances, a visa holder may even be eligible for citizenship after a certain period.
Requirement for Partner Visa in Australia
- Applicant must be the spouse/de facto partner of an Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
- Applicant must be under 18 years of age.
- Applicant must satisfy the health and character requirements set by the DHA/immigration department.
- Applicant must not owe any money to the Australian government. Applicant must provide evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship. If a de facto relationship, evidence that it has been going on for more than 1 year.
- Acceptance of the visa conditions attached to the partner visa is mandatory before applying.
Conclusion
We have provided a comprehensive guide for both onshore and offshore visa applications. Our team of experienced professionals at CDR Report Writer has taken the time to analyse each application type, helping you understand the differences between them and providing advice on how to make each application successful. With our Step-by-Step Guide, we’ve made the complicated process of applying for a visa easier and more efficient. We are confident that our solutions will help you achieve the best possible outcome. Thank you for choosing us as your service provider.
