Australia partner visa program allows individuals to stay with their loved ones in Australia. If you are on a tourist visa in Australia and want to apply for a partner visa then let’s explore.
Can I Apply for a Partner Visa While on a Tourist Visa in Australia?
- Eligibility Requirements for a Partner Visa
To apply for a partner visa, you need to show that you have a genuine relationship with your sponsoring partner.
Your spouse must be a citizen of Australia, a permanent resident of Australia, or a qualified citizen of New Zealand.
There are two types of relationships; de facto and spousal (married).
Evidence such as common living arrangements, communication records, or shared finances must be provided.
You also need to meet health and character requirements, which include passing medical and police checks.
Can You Apply for a Partner Visa While on a Tourist Visa?
Yes, you can apply for a partner visa while on a tourist visa.
Yet, if your tourist visa has condition 8503 (“No Further Stay”), you will need to get this condition waived before you can apply.
If your tourist visa does not have this condition, you can lodge your partner visa application while in Australia.
You will be granted a bridging visa upon application, which will permit you to stay in Australia while your partner visa is being processed.
Key Considerations When Applying from a Tourist Visa in Australia
- Timing is necessary.
- You must submit your partner visa application before your tourist visa expires to stay in Australia legally.
- After applying, you might face some restrictions, like limited work or study rights while on a bridging visa.
- Also, keep in mind that partner visas can take a long time to process.
Read: How Much Money Required to Settle in Australia?
Supporting Documents for Your Application
Proof of relationship: joint bank accounts, photos, or messages.
Identity documents: passports and birth certificates.
An explanation of why you are applying while in Australia.
Providing detailed evidence helps show that your relationship is genuine.
Dealing with Legal and Immigration Challenges
- If your tourist visa in Australia has the “No Further Stay” condition, you need to apply for a waiver.
- To do this, you must explain why you need to stay in Australia.
- It can be helpful to get advice from a migration agent or lawyer.
- They can guide you through the process and help avoid mistakes like missing deadlines or providing incomplete documents.
Costs and Processing Times
Applying for a partner visa can be expensive.
The application fee is over AUD 8,000, and there may be extra costs for health checks, police clearances, and document translations.
Processing times vary but usually take between 12 and 24 months.
Be prepared for the wait and respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
What Happens if Your Tourist Visa Expires?
- A bridging visa will enable you to stay in Australia legally if your tourist visa expires after you apply for a partner visa.
- Yet, make sure to apply before your tourist visa expires to avoid legal issues.
Benefits of Applying for a Partner Visa Onshore
Applying for a partner visa onshore allows you to stay with your partner in Australia.
Once you apply, you may also become eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
This means you will not need to travel or be separated during the visa process.
Bottom Line
Since it takes great preparation, it is possible to apply for a partner visa while on a tourist visa in Australia.
Make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready and that you understand the requirements. A more smooth process can be secured by seeking expert advice.
With the right approach, staying with your partner in Australia can become a reality.
Read: Does Australia Give 10 Years Tourist Visa?
