Partner Visa Tips
Nomos
So you want to apply for a Partner visa! You may think that a Partner visa is one of the easiest visas to apply for – after all, how hard can it be to show that you love your partner? Partner visas are certainly one of the most common pathways to permanent residence. It is also one of the most complex and expensive. All the more reason to get it right!
HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS FOR GETTING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME AROUND
1. Apply for the right visa
It may sound obvious, but make sure you’re applying for the right visa. There is a Partner visa for someone who is overseas and there is one for someone who is already in Australia. Make sure you pick the right one for your circumstances – even if they are similar in terms of requirements, you can’t just change from one to the other once the application is lodged.
2. Supply the correct evidence
Your application will be decided based on the evidence you provide to the Department of Home Affairs. Make sure you submit solid evidence of your relationship. Independent, third-party evidence is generally the best type of evidence to submit. Keep in mind that the terms ‘spouse’ and ‘de facto partner’ are defined in immigration law, so your evidence must show how you meet these legal definitions. A lot of people assume that simply being married or being in a registered de facto relationship will meet these definitions – that is not the case. You should include evidence of your shared financial life with your partner, your household, your shared social life and your commitment to the relationship. Remember that if you don’t submit sufficient evidence, you run the risk of the Department not believing that your relationship meets the requirements.
3. Avoid inconsistency
If you or your partner have ever applied for any Australian visa before, it is important that the information you submit is consistent with what you are submitting this time. It is also vital to ensure your information is consistent across between you both – for example, does the visa application have the same key dates as the sponsorship? Both components will require a lot of dates and information, like previous addresses, key dates in your relationship and so on. These can be hard to remember at the best of times, so make sure these are consistent before lodging anything. Lastly, check your social media – the Department often does!
4. Don’t provide misleading information
The Department can refuse an application if they determine you or your sponsor have provided false or misleading information in the application. To avoid such an allegation, make sure you are honest in your answers – this is especially true if you’ve had a previous visa refusal, a visa cancelled or if you have a criminal conviction that has been expunged. Going through every little detail with a fine-toothed comb is an essential part of any visa submission.
Get help if you need it
If the process seems confusing, daunting or if you’ve run into difficulties, there are professionals like us who can help you. Speaking with us can save you time and money in the long run, especially if there are serious issues like those to do with someone’s health, character or immigration history.
The visa application charge is currently $8,085 and immigration law changes constantly, so it makes sense to get advice. It’s much easier to get it right the first time than try to fix problems down the line!
If you feel like you might benefit from an initial consultation with a professional, please click through to our Fair Day initial consultation page and send us your details.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this page is of a general nature only and should not be used as legal advice. The information is current as at the date of publication and is subject to change. If you do want legal advice on your particular situation, please contact us. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.