820 Visa Checklist: Your Guide to Navigating the 820 Partner Visa Process

Understanding the 820 Partner Visa Requirements

The 820 Visa in Australia is designed for individuals in a de facto relationship or marriage with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Central to this visa application is the need to prove the legitimacy and continuity of your relationship across various dimensions.

The Four Pillars of Relationship Verification – Partner Visa Checklist

Your application must convincingly demonstrate the depth and authenticity of your relationship through these key areas:

Commitment

Illustrating your mutual dedication is pivotal. This goes beyond mere expressions of affection, extending to your plans, wills, and everyday interactions that signify a long-term bond.

Cohabitation

Evidence of living together or at least the intention to do so plays a crucial role. This includes shared leases, utility bills, or other official documents listing both partners’ names and shared addresses.

Financial Interdependence

Financial entanglement is a clear indicator of a serious relationship. Joint bank accounts, shared property ownership, and collaborative financial responsibilities underscore your combined economic life.

Social Recognition

Your relationship should be acknowledged and integrated within your social circles. Joint social activities, mutual friends, and public recognition of your partnership all contribute to this narrative.

Gathering Your Partner Visa Documentation

Compiling the right documentation is a meticulous task, requiring a strategic approach to prove each aspect of your relationship.

Financial Evidence: Merging Lives and Resources

Proof of financial togetherness can include joint asset ownership, shared bank accounts, and evidence of collective financial planning.

Household Nature: Sharing Your Domestic World

Evidence here shows how household responsibilities are shared, from cohabitation arrangements to joint utility bills and home maintenance tasks.

Social Context: Public Aspect of Your Relationship

This includes photos, social media interactions, joint travel documents, and third-party statements about your relationship’s social integration.

Commitment Evidence: Proving Long-Term Intent

Long-term plans, mutual care arrangements, and documented shared life goals officially bolster a relationship’s perceived longevity.

Common Questions in Partner Visa Applications

Do all my documents need to be certified?

The Department of Home Affairs has shifted from requiring certified copies to accepting high-quality scanned or photographed colour copies of the original documents.

Can I include my family members in an 820 visa application?

Dependent children, whether from the current relationship or a previous one, can be included as secondary applicants in your 820 visa application. Generally, dependents are considered to be children under 18, though exceptions allow for older children in certain conditions. Due to the complexity of the eligibility criteria, professional advice from a migration agent is recommended for including adult children.

What are the health and character requirements for an 820 visa?

For the health assessment, applicants need to undergo a medical examination, which typically includes a general check-up, chest x-ray, and blood tests. Depending on your medical history, additional tests may be required. The character assessment necessitates police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more within the past decade. Those with health issues or criminal records should consider consulting with Immi Response, as these factors don’t automatically lead to application refusal, with outcomes heavily reliant on the specific circumstances and their presentation.

Are there any obligations for sponsors of an 820 visa?

Sponsors of an 820 visa must provide support, including accommodation and financial assistance, to the visa holder and any dependent children for the first two years after the visa is granted. They must also inform the Department if the relationship ends before the subsequent 801 visa is granted.

What happens after I apply for an 820 visa?

After application, a Bridging Visa A is issued to applicants, allowing them to stay legally in Australia while awaiting the visa decision. This visa lacks automatic travel rights; hence, a Bridging Visa B is necessary for overseas travel.

What is the current processing time for an 820 visa?

The processing times for the 820 visa are updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs on their website. The processing speed often depends on the completeness and quality of the application submitted. A well-prepared application with all necessary documentation can significantly expedite the visa approval process, while one with insufficient or inadequate information may face delays. Prioritising a thorough and detailed application is crucial for a faster outcome, especially when residing in Australia on a bridging visa, which can present its own set of challenges.

Am I eligible for Medicare on this visa?

Yes, lodging an 820 visa application grants eligibility to enrol in Medicare, providing access to healthcare benefits in Australia.

What if my circumstances change?

Any significant life changes post-application, like address, passport, or phone number updates, must be promptly reported to the Department. Changes can be communicated through the ImmiAccount or by submitting a Form 1022 Notification of Changes Circumstances, available here.

The Role of an Immigration Agent in Your Visa Journey

Expert immigration agents guide you through the labyrinth of requirements, enhancing the persuasiveness of your application and addressing intricate legal nuances.

Why Choose Us for Your Partner Visa Process?

Our agency prioritises transparency, expertise, fast response, ethical guidance, and adaptability, ensuring that each client’s unique immigration journey is handled with utmost care and professionalism.