Australian Marriage Visa For Immigrants
If you want to settle in Australia with your spouse or partner, the Australian Marriage Visa is your first step to achieving this feat. This visa allows immigrants to live with their partners in Australia.
Types of Australian Marriage Visas
Before we talk about the application process, it’s essential to know that Australia offers two main types of marriage visas, which are as follows:
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
This is for those engaged and planning to marry their Australian partner within nine months of arriving in Australia.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
This visa allows you to stay in Australia with your spouse if you’re already married or in a de facto relationship till when you will get permanent residency.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applying for an Australian Marriage Visa comes with a few essential requirements that must be met. Here are some of them:
- Relationship Proof: You must be engaged or married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. In the case of a de facto relationship, you’ll need to show evidence of living together for at least 12 months.
- Health and Character: Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which usually involve a medical check-up and police clearance.
- Genuine Relationship: The Australian government will assess the genuineness of your relationship, so you’ll need to provide proof such as joint bank accounts, communication history, and shared responsibilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an Australian Marriage Visa- Migrate to Australia
We’ll break down how you can apply for this visa with the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1. Gather Your Documents
Before you even start the online application process, gathering all the necessary paperwork is essential. This will speed up your application and reduce the chance of delays. Key documents include:
Identity Documents: Passports, birth certificates, and identification cards for both partners.
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, engagement details, or evidence of a long-term de facto relationship.
Health and Police Checks: Results from your health examination and police clearance certificates from any country you’ve lived in for over 12 months.
Step 2: Submit the Application
You can apply for the visa online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website here by following the steps below:
- Create an ImmiAccount: This is where you’ll submit and manage your visa application.
- Fill Out the Visa Application: Make sure all the details are accurate and complete.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The fees differ depending on the type of visa. For the Partner Visa, expect to pay a higher fee compared to the Prospective Marriage Visa.
Step 3: Attend the Medical and Police Checks
Once your application is submitted, you must complete your health examinations and submit police clearance certificates. These are mandatory steps that cannot be skipped.
Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing
The processing time for Australian Marriage Visas can’t be the same depending on the visa type. The Prospective Marriage Visa typically takes 7 to 18 months, while the Partner Visa can take anywhere between 8 to 24 months. A lot of patience is needed during this period, as your application will be scrutinized by immigration officers.
Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview
In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview. This is usually done to confirm the legitimacy of your relationship. Make sure you and your partner are prepared to answer questions about your relationship, living arrangements, and plans together.
Tips That Will Help Your Australian Marriage Visa Application
By following some of the tips we’ll mention below, your Australian marriage visa will be hassle-free and successful. See the tips below:
- Be Thorough. Pay close attention to detail when filling out the application, and make sure all questions are answered truthfully.
- Prepare Relationship Evidence: Collect
photos, joint financial statements, and any other evidence that shows your relationship is genuine.
- Stay Organized: Create a checklist of all documents needed and regularly track your application’s status.
- Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If you feel overwhelmed, consult a migration agent who can guide you through the process and ensure everything is in order.
Once your visa is approved, you can enter Australia and start your life with your partner. If you’ve applied for the Prospective Marriage Visa, you must get married within nine months of your arrival. For the Partner Visa, you’ll initially be granted a temporary visa (Subclass 820) before being eligible for permanent residency (Subclass 801) after two years.
Finally, on How to Apply For an Australian Marriage Visa- Migrate to Australia
Applying for an Australian Marriage Visa can seem like a long and complex process, but by staying organized and understanding the steps involved, you can make your application as smooth as possible. Follow the guide we provided in this article, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to living happily ever after in Australia.