Most Australian Partner Visa applications follow a two-stage process. Applicants are generally assessed for a temporary visa first before becoming eligible for permanent residency if they continue to meet the visa requirements. This process allows the Department of Home Affairs to confirm that the relationship remains genuine and ongoing over time.
Key takeaways
- Most Partner Visa applications involve two stages: a temporary visa stage and a permanent visa stage.
- When you lodge a Partner Visa application, you are applying for both the temporary and permanent Partner Visas.
- If the application is successful, the applicant is granted the temporary Partner Visa first.
- Approximately two years after lodging the initial application, the applicant is required to provide further information and evidence for the permanent Partner Visa
- To be granted the permanent Partner Visa, the applicant must demonstrate that they remain in a genuine and continuing relationship with their sponsoring partner.
- Some applicants may be assessed for permanent residency earlier in limited circumstances.
- Understanding the two-stage process can help you prepare a stronger Partner Visa application.
What is the two-stage Partner Visa process?
Australia’s Partner Visa program is designed to assess both the current relationship and its ongoing nature.
In most cases, applicants lodge a single application that covers:
- a temporary Partner Visa
- a permanent Partner Visa
If the temporary visa is granted, applicants can remain in Australia while waiting to be assessed for the permanent stage.
The second assessment allows the Department of Home Affairs to confirm that the relationship continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
Which visas are included in the two-stage process?
The two-stage process applies to both onshore and offshore Partner Visa pathways.
This includes:
- the Subclass 820 Partner Visa, which may lead to the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa
- the Subclass 309 Temporary Partner Visa, which may lead to the Subclass 100 Permanent Partner Visa
Although the visa subclasses differ, the overall concept is similar.
Why is the two-stage process required?
The two-stage process is intended to ensure that the relationship remains genuine and ongoing before permanent residency is granted.
This allows the Department of Home Affairs to:
- assess the relationship over time
- review updated evidence where required
- confirm that applicants continue to meet the relevant visa requirements
The process is designed to protect the integrity of Australia’s migration program while providing a pathway to permanent residency for eligible couples.
Do you need to lodge a second Partner Visa application?
No.
Applicants do not lodge a completely new Partner Visa application for the permanent stage. However an additional form must be completed and additional documentation must be submitted.
The Department of Home Affairs will contact eligible applicants when it is time to submit the permanent visa stage.
Applicants are asked to provide updated information and evidence demonstrating that the relationship is still genuine and continuing.
What evidence is required for the second stage?
Applicants are required to provide updated evidence such as:
- financial documents
- shared household information
- photographs together
- communication records
- travel history
- evidence of ongoing commitment
Providing organised and consistent information can help the assessment process.
Are there any exceptions to the two-stage process?
Yes.
In limited circumstances, some applicants may be eligible for immediate assessment of the permanent Partner Visa without waiting for the usual two-year period.
This generally applies where the parties have been in a married or in a well-documented de facto relationship for at least three years, or for at least two years where there is a child of the relationship.
Because these situations are assessed on a case-by-case basis, applicants should obtain advice if they believe an exception may apply.
Is there any way around the two-stage process?
For most applicants, no.
The two-stage process is a standard part of Australia’s Partner Visa program.
While certain exceptions may exist under Australian migration law, they apply only in specific circumstances and are not available to every applicant.
Rather than looking for ways to avoid the process, it is generally more beneficial to understand what is required at each stage and prepare accordingly.
Planning for the permanent stage
Many applicants focus on obtaining the temporary visa, but it is equally important to prepare for the permanent assessment.
Maintaining records of your relationship throughout the visa period can make it easier to provide updated evidence when requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Many couples also seek guidance from a Migration Agent in Sydney or another registered migration professional to ensure they understand the requirements for both stages of the process.
Understanding the Partner Visa pathway
The two-stage Partner Visa process is a normal part of Australia’s migration system and provides a structured pathway towards permanent residency for eligible couples.
If you are unsure how the process applies to your circumstances, book a free consultation to discuss your visa pathway with a registered migration agent.
