Marriage Visa Sponsorship Opportunities in Australia
Marriage visa sponsorship in Australia offers a gateway for couples to build a life together. Whether you’re planning to reunite with your spouse or make Australia your home with your partner, understanding how to navigate marriage visa sponsorship opportunities in Australia is crucial.
The process can feel overwhelming, but with the right information and preparation, you’ll be ready to take the next steps. Marriage visa sponsorship in Australia allows Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their spouse or partner to live in Australia.
This pathway is designed to help couples stay together, with the ultimate goal of obtaining permanent residency in Australia for the non-Australian partner.
If you’re married or in a de facto relationship, this visa allows you to build a future with your loved one in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Types of Marriage Visas in Australia
Australia offers several types of visas under the marriage visa sponsorship umbrella. Each visa caters to a specific relationship type and stage, ensuring that couples have the right support regardless of where they are in their journey.
Let’s have them.
1. Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801)
This is one of the most common marriage visa sponsorship options in Australia. It’s for individuals who are married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The visa is split into two parts:
- Subclass 820: This is a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia while your permanent residency application is processed.
- Subclass 801: After holding the Subclass 820 visa for two years, you can apply for permanent residency through this visa.
The beauty of this two-stage process is that it allows couples to live together while working toward a more permanent arrangement.
However, the waiting period for Subclass 801 can be long, so patience is key.
2. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
If you are engaged but not yet married, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) may be the best option. This visa allows you to enter Australia to marry your partner within nine months of arrival.
Once married, you can apply for a Partner Visa to stay permanently. This option is ideal for couples who are committed but have not yet tied the knot.
The Application Process for Marriage Visa Sponsorship in Australia
The application process for marriage visa sponsorship in Australia can be lengthy and requires attention to detail.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to guide you through it:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before diving into the application process, make sure you and your partner meet the basic eligibility criteria.
For the sponsor: They must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
For the applicant: You must be married or in a de facto relationship with your sponsor.
Relationship criteria: Your relationship needs to be genuine and ongoing.
You’ll be required to provide evidence of this, such as joint bank accounts, shared bills and photos of your relationship.
Step 2: Gather Documents
The next step involves gathering the necessary documents. This includes identification, proof of relationship and personal documents.
You’ll also need to show that your relationship is genuine.
For this, you may need to provide a variety of evidence, such as:
- Joint lease agreements
- Photos together
- Proof of communication (messages, emails)
- Statutory declarations from family and friends
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you have all your documents in order, you can submit your application online via the Department of Home Affairs website. The processing time for marriage visas can vary, so it’s important to apply as early as possible.
It’s not uncommon for the initial processing of the temporary visa to take 18 months or more.
Step 4: Temporary Visa Approval
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a temporary visa (Subclass 820 or 300, depending on the visa type).
This will allow you to enter and live in Australia while your permanent residency is processed.
Step 5: Permanent Residency Application
Once the waiting period is over, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 801 visa.
Keep in mind that the waiting period can last up to two years, so you’ll need to maintain your relationship throughout this time.
Sarah and Leo’s Journey
Take the case of Sarah and Leo, who met while traveling in Europe. Sarah, an Australian citizen and Leo, from Italy, fell in love and decided they wanted to build a life together in Australia, they applied for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820) and though the process was challenging, they gathered extensive documentation to prove the authenticity of their relationship.
From photos of their travels to a joint bank account and statements from friends and family, they were determined to show that their relationship was genuine.
Though it took 16 months for their temporary visa to be approved, they were overjoyed when Leo could finally join Sarah in Australia. Now, they are happily awaiting the two-year mark to apply for permanent residency.
Challenges Couples Face During the Visa Process
Marriage visa sponsorship opportunities in Australia can be incredibly rewarding, but they’re not without challenges.
Here are some common hurdles couples encounter:
1. Long Waiting Periods
One of the biggest frustrations couples face is the long waiting time.
The processing time for a Partner Visa can stretch beyond a year and the wait for permanent residency can be even longer.
2. Proving the Genuineness of Your Relationship
Australia has strict requirements for proving that your relationship is real and ongoing. This can feel invasive, as you’ll need to provide personal details including your finances and relationship history.
However, these steps are crucial to ensure that visas are granted only to genuine couples.
3. Financial Costs
Marriage visas in Australia aren’t cheap. The cost of applying for a Partner Visa can exceed AUD 7,000, which doesn’t include additional costs like health checks and legal fees.
It’s important to be financially prepared before starting the application process.
Visa Sponsorship Requirements for Marriage Visas
When it comes to marriage visa sponsorship in Australia, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet specific requirements.
This ensures that the process is smooth and that both parties are eligible for the visa.
For the Sponsor:
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must be over the age of 18.
- Cannot have sponsored more than two people for a Partner or Prospective Marriage Visa.
For the Applicant:
- Must be married or in a de facto relationship with the sponsor.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Cannot have had a visa canceled or an application refused in the past.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The processing time for marriage visa sponsorship in Australia varies depending on the visa type. On average, the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) takes 12-24 months to process, while the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) takes two years after receiving the Subclass 820 visa.
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) typically takes 12-15 months, giving couples plenty of time to plan their wedding.
Can You Work on a Marriage Visa?
Yes, one of the key benefits of marriage visa sponsorship opportunities in Australia is that it allows the visa holder to work and study while in Australia. This provides financial support and career development opportunities for those building a new life in Australia with their partner.
Sophie and Ahmed’s Experience
Sophie, an Australian citizen, met Ahmed, who lived in Egypt, through mutual friends. After dating long-distance for a year, they decided to apply for a Partner Visa so that Ahmed could move to Australia. Though the process was daunting, they gathered every piece of evidence they could find to prove their relationship.
From screenshots of their daily conversations to photos of their trips together, they ensured their application was airtight. After waiting nearly 18 months, Ahmed’s visa was approved and the couple is now living together in Melbourne.
Their patience and persistence paid off.
FAQs
1. How much does a marriage visa cost in Australia?
The cost of applying for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801) is approximately AUD 7,850. Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates and legal assistance.
2. Can I apply for a marriage visa if I am not yet married?
Yes, if you’re not yet married but plan to marry your partner, you can apply for the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300). This visa allows you to enter Australia and marry your partner within nine months of arrival.
3. What is a de facto relationship in Australia?
A de facto relationship is when a couple lives together and has a genuine, ongoing relationship but is not legally married. To apply for a Partner Visa in Australia, you must be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying.
4. Can I work in Australia while on a marriage visa?
Yes, visa holders under marriage visa sponsorship opportunities in Australia can work and study while their visa is being processed.
5. What happens if my relationship breaks down?
If your relationship ends after you’ve received a temporary Partner Visa, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs.
In some cases, the visa may be canceled unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as domestic violence.
