Seven Steps on Converting Your Australian Visitor Visa to a Partner Visa
Are you planning to convert your Visitor Visa to Partner Visa? It’s a big milestone for your relationship, but the process could be daunting and challenging. Converting a Visitor/Tourist Visa to a Partner Visa requires a detailed timeline and strong documentation, which can be quite overwhelming.
Fear not, ONEderland Consulting is here to guide you, ensuring a stress-free journey in converting your Visitor Visa to Partner Visa.
Step One: Check Your Eligibility for Partner Visa Australia
A Visitor Visa is a temporary visa that usually expires in three or twelve months, depending on your situation. Applying for a Partner Visa while on a Visitor Visa benefits you in many ways, including an opportunity to live in Australia with your partner throughout the waiting period for the Partner Visa outcome. It is possible because after you applied for the Partner Visa (subclass 820) you will be granted a Bridging Visa that will allow you to stay in Australia until you receive the decision for your visa application.
However, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria for the onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820), which are as follows:
- Be above 18 years old;
- Be in a married or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen;
- You have not had an Australian visa cancelled or an application refused;
- You and your partner must both be committed to a shared life together to the exclusion of all others;
- Your relationship with your partner must be genuine and continuing;
- You must live with your partner or not live apart on a permanent basis;
- Your partner must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as your sponsor;
- You must meet the health and character requirements.
If you’re offshore or outside Australia, consider other Partner Visa options, such as the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) or Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100). Please contact the ONEderland Consulting team to discuss which visa option best suits your circumstances.
Are you confused? It’s alright. Each situation requires a different approach. We strongly recommend contacting us at ONEderland Consulting so we can assist you with your specific case.
Step Two: Check your Visitor Visa conditions
Next, you must understand the condition 8503, also known as No Further Stay Conditions. If your Visitor Visa has the 8503 – No Further Stay condition, you cannot apply for the onshore Partner Visa. Otherwise, you can apply for a waiver and be granted one. Alternatively, consider leaving Australia and applying for an offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) or the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300).
If you’re interested in waiving the No Further Stay condition, note that the process can be tricky. So, please get in touch with our team at ONEderland Consulting for professional assistance.
Step Three: Gather all required documents for the Partner Visa
When applying for the onshore Partner Visa, you must provide supporting documents. We strongly suggest gathering all documents as soon as possible. The most important documents to collect are those that demonstrate your genuine relationship, such as photographs, joint financial commitments, communication history, and statutory declarations from friends and family. If you work with the team at ONEderland Consulting, we will provide you with a checklist to ease you in collecting the documents.
Check out the Document Checklist For Australian Spouse Visa
Step Four: Lodge the onshore Partner Visa application through ImmiAccount
The Migration Agent at ONEderland Consulting will assist in providing the necessary evidence and submitting it on your behalf. We will submit the onshore Partner Visa application on your behalf, ensuring a stress-free process for you.
We will be in touch with the Department of Home Affairs throughout the process. If they request further documents or information, we will work with you to take the necessary action and respond accordingly.
Step Five: Get biometrics and health examination
Depending on your situation, you may need to collect your biometrics and have a health examination. These are part of the application process.
Our Migration Agent will advise you on what to expect and how the process goes.
Read more: Health Requirement and Fees Charges Partner Visa Australia
Step Six: Bridging Visa and wait for the decision
The Department of Home Affairs will automatically grant you a Bridging Visa at the time of your visa application. The Bridging Visa will become active after your Tourist Visa expires. It’s essential to review your Bridging Visa conditions and ensure compliance with them.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the processing time for the onshore Partner Visa can vary based on several factors such as the complexity of your case or your immigration history.
Step Seven: Partner Visa outcome
The Department of Home Affairs will inform you regarding your Partner Visa outcome through email. So, check your email regularly.
Remember, the partner visa application is a two-stage process where you will first be granted a temporary visa. Generally, you need to wait for 2 years after the temporary partner visa lodgement to be able to apply for a permanent partner visa that entitles you to live in Australia indefinitely.
Read more: Partner Visa Double Grant: Your Ultimate Guide is Here
How Much Money You Need To Prepare
To convert your Tourist Visa to Partner Visa, you need to prepare the funds for the Partner Visa Application Charge and other fees, with details:
- Partner Visa application charge (payable to the Department of Affairs): AUD 9,095
- Partner Visa application charge for additional applicants above 18 years old: AUD 4,550
- Partner Visa application charge for additional applicants under 18 years old: AUD 2,280
- Health examination: AUD 350 (according to the type of examination)
- Police certificate: check it with your country’s police department
- Document translation: check it with your translator
An additional charge applies only if you have dependents joining your Partner Visa application.
Do you need professional assistance?
Our visa specialists at ONE derland Consulting will assist you and provide comprehensive guidance whenever you need or decide to convert your tourist visa to a partner visa. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us by email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or via WhatsApp at +61494367258. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
