Overview of the 820 Visa
The 820 Partner Visa, also known as the temporary Australian partner visa 820, allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily. It is the first step toward permanent residency under the 801 permanent partner visa pathway. Once granted, this visa enables couples to live together in Australia while waiting for a decision on the permanent stage of the partner visa Australia 801.
This visa is crucial for couples who want to start their lifes together in Australia, offering stability, and access to important services, while their permanent residency application is under review
Australia Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the partner visa subclass 820, applicants should be in a real and lasting relationship with their partner, either through marriage or a de facto partnership. The main requirements are:
- The sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Applicants must be inside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
- Evidence of a genuine relationship is required, such as joint financial commitments, shared household responsibilities, and proof of commitment to each other.
- Applicants need to fulfill health and character requirements to be deemed eligible to stay in Australia.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Several factors can influence how long it takes to process a Subclass 820 visa application.
1. Completeness of Application
A complete and organized application speeds things up. If your application is missing anything, it will cause a delay because they will need to contact you for more information.
2. Government Priorities
Visa processing times can also be affected by Australia’s immigration priorities. For example, partner visas might be processed faster or slower depending on the government’s current policy.
3. Health and Character Checks
Applicants must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearances. Any delays in completing these checks or resolving concerns can extend processing times.
4. Volume of Applications
High demand can impact the processing of partner visas. The Department of Home Affairs receives thousands of applications annually, which increases waiting times.
5. Communication with Authorities
Timely responses to any requests from immigration authorities are essential. Failure to provide information or documents quickly can cause unnecessary delays.
Subclass 820 Rights and Privileges
The 820 partner visa offers a range of benefits once it’s granted.
- The ability to live and work in Australia while waiting for the 801 permanent partner visa.
- Access to Australia’s healthcare system (Medicare).
- The opportunity to study, although international student fees may apply.
- You can travel freely in and out of Australia while your visa remains valid.
This visa ensures that couples can live together without the stress of being separated while the permanent application is still in progress.
Subclass 820 Application Process
Getting the 820 partner visa for Australia requires several steps. Applicants must:
- Complete and send your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Submit documents like passports, relationship proof, and sponsor information.
- Complete health checks and provide police clearance certificates.
- Wait for updates or requests for additional information from the immigration authorities.
The fee for the partner visa subclass 820 also includes the cost of the 801 permanent partner visa, which will be reviewed later.
Completeness of Application
To help your application move faster, make sure to submit all your documents and that they’re correct. Missing or incorrect documents can cause major delays. If you submit all the required documents, it will likely be processed faster. If something is missing, the Department of Home Affairs will ask for more information, which causes delays.
Pay close attention to every detail when preparing your application. To avoid delays, make sure you fill out all forms correctly and that your documents are up-to-date and certified. Submitting an incomplete application can cause delays and lead to extra checks by immigration officials. To help speed things up, make sure to organize your paperwork carefully.
Demand and Application Volume
Submitting a lot of visa applications at once can make the processing time for yours longer. This is because visa officers get more work during busy times of the year. If you know when these busy times are, you can plan your application accordingly.
The number of people applying for a visa during busy seasons, like holidays or the end of the year, can make the process take longer. To help your application go smoothly, try to apply during a slower time. Stay up to date with any new rules or news from the Department of Home Affairs, as they could affect how long your application takes.
Background Checks
As part of the visa process, your background will be checked. This is to make sure you meet the character requirements for entering Australia. How long this takes can depend on your home country and other things.
As part of the background check, officials will look at your criminal history in your home country and any other countries where you’ve lived. It’s important to be honest and give correct information to avoid problems. Delays in getting police checks or mistakes in your application can really slow things down. To help the process move quickly, you should handle these things as soon as possible.
820 Visa Processing Times for Partner Applicants
The Department of Home Affairs says the processing time for an 820 Visa can change depending on how complete your application is, as well as things like background checks or rule changes. On average, 50% of partner visa applications are completed in 15 months, and 90% are done within 32 months. However, these times may vary, so it’s best to visit the Department’s website for the most current information.
Processing times can change depending on your individual case. Elements like the details of your relationship, the accuracy of your documents, and the workload at the immigration office can all influence the timeline. It’s crucial to stay updated on processing times and get in touch with immigration if needed.
Submit a Complete Application
Make sure your application is finished and includes all the needed documents. Make sure all forms are completed correctly and that you’ve provided enough evidence of your relationship.
Getting your application ready is very important. To make sure it’s done right, take your time to check it over yourself, or have a friend or family member look at it. You can use the checklists provided by the Department of Home Affairs to make sure you have all the necessary documents.
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