This visa is specifically tailored for individuals engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Often termed the “fiancé visa,” it enables the overseas partner to travel to Australia for 9 months to plan and prepare for their wedding together. The wedding should take place within this period, either in or outside Australia. However, the visa application itself must be submitted from outside Australia, and the applicant must be outside the country at the time the visa is granted.

The typical processing time for this visa ranges from 12 to 16 months, varying based on document availability and information provided. Recently, the Department announced expedited processing for partner visas upon submission of a decision-ready application.

Key eligibility criteria include:

Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must be 18 years or older.

Partner: You must intend to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Sponsor: Your prospective partner must sponsor you, though certain sponsorship limitations may apply in some instances.

Meeting in Person: It’s necessary to have met your partner in person at least once and prove a personal relationship.

Wedding Within 9 Months: The wedding must occur within 9 months of visa grant, demonstrating a genuine intention to marry and live together as a couple.

Impediments: No unresolved or invalid divorces should exist on either side.

Character and Health: Good character and health are essential, requiring police clearances.

Following the Prospective Marriage Visa, applicants can apply for an onshore partner visa subclass 820/801. The Department assesses the 820 application first. Once granted, you can reside in Australia and proceed with the 801 application, finalizing it two years after the successful 820 grant. The condition is that you remain married during this period. The 801 visa then grants permanent residency.

Note: Providing extensive evidence is crucial, proving genuine intent to marry and live together as a married couple. Missing documents could lead to visa refusal.

For further details regarding required documents and ensuring a decision-ready application, please reach out. This assistance is vital, as lacking documents or failing to prove the necessary criteria could result in visa refusal. Additionally, our support can enhance your chances of expedited visa processing as per the Department’s latest guidelines.