Australia is known for its multicultural society and a warm welcoming attitude towards people from all over the world. For many individuals who are in relationships with Australian citizens or permanent residents, a partner visa offers a pathway to live together in Australia. The Australia Partner Visa Subclass 309/100 is one such visa that is designed for people who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows individuals to live, work, and study in Australia and eventually apply for permanent residency.
In this blog, we will delve into the eligibility, cost, and processing time for the Partner Visa Subclass 309/100, based on the most recent information available from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
What is the Australia Partner Visa Subclass 309/100?
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a temporary visa granted to people who are in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This is the first stage of a two-stage process that allows the visa holder to live in Australia while their permanent visa application (Subclass 100) is being processed. The Partner Visa Subclass 100 is the second stage and allows you to live in Australia permanently. The Subclass 100 visa is granted once the Department of Home Affairs is satisfied that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Subclass 309 visa, being the temporary one, allows you to remain in Australia while you wait for the Subclass 100 visa to be processed.
The 309 visa allows you to live in Australia, but it’s important to note that it’s only valid until you are granted the Subclass 100 visa. Once the Subclass 100 visa is approved, you can remain in Australia indefinitely.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 309/100?
To be eligible for the Australia Partner Visa Subclass 309 and eventually the Subclass 100, you must meet certain criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. Let’s go over the main requirements:
- Relationship Requirement: The most crucial factor is that you must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner. This could be a de facto relationship or a marriage. Your partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. For a de facto relationship, you and your partner must have lived together for at least 12 months before applying. However, if you are married, there is no such requirement, though you still need to demonstrate the relationship’s authenticity.
- Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet the health and character requirements stipulated by the Department of Home Affairs. This means that you may be asked to undergo a medical examination to ensure you do not have any health conditions that could result in significant costs to Australia’s health care system. You will also need to provide police certificates to show that you have no criminal record or history that could affect your eligibility for the visa.
- Age Requirement: For the Partner Visa Subclass 309, there is no specific age requirement for the applicant. However, applicants should be at least 18 years of age or older. Additionally, your partner must also be at least 18 years of age.
- Sponsor Requirements: Your sponsor (the Australian citizen or permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen) must also meet certain requirements. They must:
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Be at least 18 years old.
Be able to financially support you during your stay in Australia.
Not have sponsored other partners before (there are limitations on how many people they can sponsor).
The sponsor will need to provide proof of their relationship with you, including details about your joint financial arrangements, living arrangements, social activities, and the future of your relationship.
- Genuine Relationship Evidence: Both the applicant and sponsor must provide evidence of their genuine relationship. This could include:
Joint bank accounts, utility bills, or lease agreements.
Evidence of living arrangements (photos, correspondence).
Statements from friends and family attesting to the genuineness of the relationship.
Evidence of shared responsibilities, such as joint ownership of pets, children, or shared financial obligations.
Cost of Australia Partner Visa 309 & 100
The cost of the Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) is AUD 9,095.00, which includes both the temporary visa and the permanent visa (subclass 100) application fees. This combined fee covers the entire application process from the moment you apply for the provisional visa until you receive your permanent visa, assuming all requirements are met. It’s essential to understand that the fee for the subclass 309 visa also encompasses the cost for the subclass 100 permanent visa. Applicants do not need to pay separately for the permanent visa if they apply for the combined visa.
In addition to the main visa fee, other potential costs may arise during the application process. Applicants are generally required to undergo a medical examination, which can cost between AUD 300 to AUD 500, depending on the clinic and the required tests. Police certificates from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more can also incur extra charges, typically between INR 500 to INR 2,000. If documents are not in English, you may need to have them translated, which could cost anywhere from INR 500 to INR 2,000 per page. These costs should be factored in when budgeting for the visa application process to avoid surprises. The visa application fee is paid at the time of submission, and applicants should ensure that they meet all the requirements to avoid additional fees or delays.
Processing Time for Subclass 309 and 100
The processing time for the Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) and the Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your application, the volume of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs, and whether additional documentation or information is requested.
Processing Time for Subclass 309 (Provisional) Visa
The processing time for the Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) typically ranges from 10 to 12 months. This temporary visa allows you to live in Australia while your permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) application is being processed. While this visa is valid for a temporary period, it grants you the right to stay, work, and study in Australia. It is important to note that the subclass 309 visa does not guarantee immediate permanent residency, but it acts as a stepping stone toward obtaining the subclass 100 visa.
Processing Time for Subclass 100 (Permanent) Visa
The Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) is typically processed after you have been granted the subclass 309 visa. The permanent visa application begins once you have held the subclass 309 visa for at least 2 years. The processing time for the subclass 100 visa can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. However, this time frame depends on the individual case and whether the Department of Home Affairs requires additional evidence or interviews to confirm the authenticity of your relationship.
Overall Processing Timeline
In total, the entire process from applying for the subclass 309 to receiving the subclass 100 visa may take around 2 to 3 years. This timeline can be influenced by your specific circumstances and the efficiency of the application process. Applicants should plan for this time frame and ensure they meet all requirements to avoid delays.
How to Apply for the Partner Visa Subclass 309/100?
Applying for the Partner Visa Subclass 309/100 involves a clear and structured process. Below are the key steps you need to follow when applying for the temporary Subclass 309 visa (which is the first step) and the permanent Subclass 100 visa (the final stage).
- Prepare the Required Documents: Before you begin your application, it’s essential to gather all necessary documents to support your case. These documents typically include:
Proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Relationship evidence, including photographs, joint bank accounts, bills in both names, and declarations from friends and family about the authenticity of your relationship.
Police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Health examinations to meet the health requirements.
Translations for any documents not in English.
It’s important to ensure all documents are up-to-date and meet the Department of Home Affairs’ specific requirements.
- Complete the Online Application: Once your documents are ready, you can begin the application process by submitting your Partner Visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Create an account and complete the application form. The process is fully online, which means you can submit your application from anywhere in the world, including India. Be thorough when filling out the forms to avoid errors that could lead to delays.
- Pay the Application Fee: The Partner Visa Subclass 309/100 requires a combined application fee of AUD 9,095.00. You’ll pay this fee online as part of your application submission. The fee includes both the temporary and permanent visa processing costs. Make sure to keep a record of the payment.
- Provide Biometrics and Medical Examination: Once your application is submitted, you may be asked to undergo biometric collection and a medical examination. These are part of the visa assessment process. You’ll receive instructions on how to complete these steps, and they may require you to visit an approved clinic for medical checks and a biometric center for fingerprinting.
- Wait for the Visa Decision: After submitting your application and completing the additional requirements, all you need to do is wait for the decision. During this time, the Department of Home Affairs may contact you for additional information or updates on your application status. The temporary Subclass 309 visa may be granted first, allowing you to live in Australia while the permanent Subclass 100 visa is processed.
Overall, the application process for the Partner Visa Subclass 309/100 is relatively straightforward, but careful attention to detail and adherence to all requirements is crucial for success.
West Highlander Immigration
When it comes to the complex and time-consuming process of the Australia Partner Visa application, seeking help from a professional is highly recommended. A registered MARA agent, such as Ms. Parwinder Kaur at West Highlander Immigration, can guide you through every step of the process. With over 19 years of experience in immigration services, Ms. Kaur ensures that your application is error-free and has the best chance of success.