Applying for a partner visa is a complex process and depending upon the individual circumstances a serious effort and a substantial amount of documents might be required to get the visa approval.
The Partner visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to stay in Australia temporarily.
Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner visa followed by a pathway to permanent residency.
Migration expert, Navjot Singh Kailay told SBS Punjabi that the process for a partner visa is rather complex and time-consuming.
“It’s a costly affair. The lack of guidance and insufficient paperwork often results in delayed outcomes,” he said.
“There are thousands of applicants who are desperate to get this visa. But it all depends upon individual circumstances and how organised the applicant is.”
“I’ve seen visa approvals in five to seven months. For a fast-track process, the visa application must be thorough and extensively supported through evidence and supporting documents.”
Mr Kailay advises that Partner visa applications should be lodged as ‘decision-ready’ by attaching all documents at the time of application.
Migration expert Navjot Singh Kailay (L) in conversation with SBS Punjabi’s Preetinder Singh Grewal. Source: SBS
“You can significantly cut the wait time if you lodge a ‘decision-ready’ application which is commonly known as a ‘front-loaded’ application,” he said.
“We’re talking about the world’s costliest visa application that comes at a hefty price of $7,160. So give it a thorough preparation and enough time before the final submission.”
The Department of Home Affairs’ current processing time for partner visa applications is between 17 to 21 months.
The global processing time for these applications was last updated on 21 November 2018 for the month ending 31 October 2018.
Mr Kailay mentioned that the applicant should submit documents covering identity and character requirements, as well as evidence of a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian partner.
Source: Supplied
Source: Supplied
"The sponsor must be of good character and must not be limited to sponsor for the partner visa. The ‘five-year’ clause applies in this condition," he adds.
He said that key to a successful application lies in following the so-called ‘five pillars’ that establish the genuineness of a relationship:
- Mutual commitment - The evidence can be provided on how the couple is committed to a long-term relationship e.g. written statements on knowing each other’s background, families, the terms of their wills etc.
- Financial aspect - Evidence supporting joint financial liabilities including bank accounts, investments and savings can be provided.
- Household aspect - The applicant needs to establish how they share joint household responsibilities. The evidence may include joint utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage etc.
- Social aspect – The applicant needs to prove how society accepts them as a couple. The documents including photographic proofs can be submitted for joint invitations, joint activities, travel together etc.
- The evidence and the statements on how they met and the development of their relationship.
The number of partner visas has remained 47,825 out of the 57,400 places for the annual family migration program planning levels since 2014-15.
to know more about partner visa - Below is an official booklet explaining the partner visas, eligibility and the application process.
