In a global social media society that connects almost 8 billion people worldwide, love and romance often begins between two individuals that reside in different countries. However, due to the fact that individual countries maintain their own citizenship laws, many couples find themselves unable to get married or settle down. For those who are able to get together, there are several different visa pathways that can be pursued.
The most popular and well-known of these visas is the Partner Visa. This is a visa that allows individuals who are in a marriage-like relationship or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident (including same sex partners) to migrate to Australia. The Partner visa has a number of requirements that need to be met including proof of your identity, proof of your relationship and financial stability.
Proof of your identity will need to include your passport, birth certificate and any other relevant identification documents. You will also need to provide detailed financial information to demonstrate that you and your partner are financially stable. This can be done by providing bank statements, tax returns and other financial documents. Generally, you will need to show that your combined income is at least GBP15,000 per year. This income requirement increases with each dependent child.
Evidence of your relationship may require a variety of forms including letters, photos and telephone records. You may also need to attend an interview with a Home Office officer. The type of evidence required will depend on the nature of your application. The requirement to meet the financial requirements of the Partner visa is particularly strict compared with other categories of visas. The reason for this is that the Home Office needs to be confident that you are able to support yourself without government assistance.
If you are not able to satisfy the financial requirement of the Partner Visa, it is possible to apply for a waiver. There are a number of things that the department can look at when making this decision, including if one of you has been employed in your current relationship for 12 months or more. It is important to speak with a Registered Migration Agent or Migration Lawyer when applying for a waiver to ensure that you have the best chance of success.
It is also worth noting that there are some circumstances that will automatically lead to your application being prioritised, including serious illness or disability and family based sponsorship applications. However, there are a number of other circumstances that will not be automatically prioritised, including planned employment, schooling for children, property sales and divorce.
The most important thing to remember when pursuing the Partner Visa is that it is a highly complex and time-consuming process. With a high refusal rate and a large government application fee, it is important to be fully prepared and submit the best possible application. Taking the time to get your application right from the outset will avoid unnecessary delays and help you to achieve your long-term immigration goals.