Understanding the Partner Visa Program
The Partner Visa Program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their foreign partners to Australia for both temporary and permanent stays. There are two key visa subclasses under this program: the Partner visa subclass 309 and the Partner visa subclass 801.
Temporary Partner Visa Subclass 309
The Partner visa subclass 309 is the first step in the two-stage Partner visa application process. It is a temporary visa that allows the applicant to enter and stay in Australia with their Australian partner. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The applicant must also be outside of Australia when applying for this visa and when it is granted.
Once the Partner visa subclass 309 is granted, the applicant can live, work, and study in Australia for up to two years from the date of visa grant. This visa also provides access to Medicare, Australia’s public health care system, and allows the applicant to travel in and out of Australia multiple times during the visa validity period.
Permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801
The Partner visa subclass 801 is the second stage of the Partner visa application process and provides permanent residency to the applicant. This visa can only be applied for after the applicant has held the temporary Partner visa subclass 309 for at least two years. The applicant must still be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their Australian partner.
When applying for the Partner visa subclass 801, the applicant is not required to be outside of Australia. Instead, they can be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted. This means that the applicant can remain in Australia once the temporary Partner visa subclass 309 expires while their permanent visa application is being processed.
Once the Partner visa subclass 801 is granted, the applicant is granted permanent residency in Australia. They have the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. This visa also provides access to social security benefits, allows the applicant to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency, and provides a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Key Differences between Subclass 309 and Subclass 801
The main difference between the Partner visa subclass 309 and subclass 801 is the stage of the application process they represent. The subclass 309 is the initial temporary visa, while the subclass 801 is the subsequent permanent visa.
Another key difference is the required waiting period. To be eligible for the subclass 801 visa, the applicant must have held the subclass 309 visa for at least two years. This waiting period ensures that the applicant’s relationship is genuine and ongoing. During this time, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional evidence such as joint financial commitments, shared household responsibilities, and social recognition of the relationship.
Additionally, the subclass 801 visa does not require the applicant to be outside of Australia when applying or when the visa is granted, unlike the subclass 309 visa. This allows the applicant to remain in Australia while their permanent visa application is being processed, providing them with more stability and flexibility.
Conclusion
The Partner visa program offers a pathway for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their foreign partners to Australia. The two-stage process involves obtaining the temporary subclass 309 visa first, followed by the permanent subclass 801 visa. Understanding the differences between these visa subclasses is crucial for those navigating the partner visa application process. Complement your reading by accessing this suggested external resource. Investigate supplementary data and fresh viewpoints on the subject addressed in the piece. 820 partner visa, dive deeper into the subject.
By following these steps and preparing a strong application, individuals can navigate the partner visa process with more clarity and confidence.
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