When applying for the Partner 820 visa, it can become increasingly difficult without the right information. This visa enables a holder to remain permanently with their partner if they are already in Australia. Before the process even begins, several criteria must be fulfilled to be considered eligible. By knowing these requirements in advance, applicants can minimise errors that can lead to a delay or refusal of their application. In this post, we’ll outline the key selection requirements that applicants must meet before applying.
Genuine and Continuing Relationship Requirement
A key criterion that applicants must meet to obtain a partner 820 visa is the existence of a real and continuing relationship. Authorities are expecting evidence of an actual and substantial relationship between the two. And the proof could be in divided bills, ties to a lease, and a string of messages over the years. Images, travel experiences, and remarks from good friends or family members can also bolster the case. People applying need to prove that the relationship is ongoing and not just for the purpose of obtaining a visa.
Australian Sponsorship
Applicants must have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must enter their personal information and pledge to support the applicant for a certain period. This ranges from financial support, board membership, and assistance with local integration. Sponsors must also satisfy character requirements, which include obtaining police certificates. These restrictions may differ if the sponsor has sponsored someone in the past or has been the subject of a sponsorship.
Onshore Application Requirement
Only applicants already in Australia can apply for the Partner 820 visa. A prerequisite is being in the country legally. In the vast majority of circumstances, this means having a visa with no conditions that restrict the lodgement of a Partner visa. During processing, bridging visas can be provided, which allow the applicant to stay lawfully in the country while their visa application is being assessed. However, some visa holders with a condition of “no further stay” will not be eligible to apply. It is essential to review your visa conditions before applying.
Health and Character Checks
Like with any visa, those applying for this visa must meet health and character requirements. All applicants and family members are required to undergo medical examinations to ensure they do not pose a risk to public health before submitting their application. Those medical tests will typically include tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and other infectious diseases. Additionally, applicants must provide a police clearance from every country where they have resided for more than 12 months since the age of 16. You can be turned away for any arrests or felonies ever on your record. Absolute honesty in disclosure is crucial for a seamless process.
Relationship Duration and Evidence
The duration and nature of the relationship can influence the type and extent of evidence required. Everything tends to be a bit easier for couples who have been married or living together for at least twelve months. Parties in a de facto relationship are required to prove that they have been living together for a minimum of 12 months before the application, unless exceptional circumstances warrant the grant of a visa. This 12-month de facto requirement can, in some cases, be overcome by registering the relationship with the local authorities. Approval entails documenting the relationship through bills, joint assets, and social proof.
Age and Legal Status
The applicant and their sponsors must be over eighteen years of age. This is the phrase that ensures marriages or relationships must be lawful under Australian law; in other words, the couple must have the legal capacity to marry or live together as a couple. The visa does not allow for unsuitable marriages or partnerships related to coercion, consent, or minors. These are the things that authorities pay close attention to as they strive to protect vulnerable people and uphold the law.
Financial and Social Commitment
Officials look at the financial and social support each partner provides to the family. Proof of shared costs, a joint checking account, and shared household management are applicable. The application is also strengthened by relatives and friends who share statements accepting the relationship. Statements from loved ones, family invitations, and photo slides of family scenes evidence social recognition. An application is stronger, the more extensive the evidence is about its merits.
Conclusion
Gaining sponsorship on a Partner 820 visa requires more than just stating there is a commitment. Submitting a successful application will depend on meeting all eligibility criteria from the start. Apart from proving that there is a bona fide partnership, you must also meet health, character, and legal requirements. Careful preparation, meticulousness, and full disclosure will help applicants achieve their objective of establishing a joint life in Australia.
