Australia is enjoying an economic boom right now that is attracting people from around the world to come here and work. For many of these migrants, there are better living conditions, fairer laws and an exciting new culture to enjoy. In order to enter the country to work or study it is necessary to apply for and be granted a visa. There are a number of different visas available and one that has become more popular in recent years is the partner visa.

What is the Partner or Spouse Visa?

This kind of visa exists for Australian citizens and permanent residents here to allow their partners to live with them. Without this visa, it would be difficult for them to enter the country without some kind of marketable skill that is in demand. The Australian citizen or resident must be willing to sponsor their application for an Australian spouse visa.

What are the Different Kinds of Spouse Visa?

Essentially, there are two different types of relationships that qualify for this kind of visa application.

1. Married Couples;

As the name would suggest, this kind of spouse visa is intended for immigrants that are married to an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. The marriage usually occurs in the immigrant's country of origin; a visa is issued, and it is assessed again after a period of two years. If the relationship is still continuing, it is then possible for the immigrant to apply for a permanent residency visa. In order to qualify for this visa, the marriage must be legal and have valid character in the immigrants home nation.

2. De Facto Partner Migration;

This second spouse visa is a permit that allows immigrants that share a stable relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia with their partners. If the relationship remains stable and continues for another two years, the visa can be converted to a permanent residence visa. This reassessment is carried out by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

Another Option:

There is a third kind of visa known as a Prospective Spouse Migration, and it differs from the previous two spouse visas in a few ways. Firstly, the visa is intended for those people in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and that they intend to be married in Australia within nine months from the visa date. Secondly, once the couple has been married, they have the option of then applying for the same partner visa discussed earlier.

All the spouse visas we have discussed allow the immigrant to live, study, work and enjoy the health care services in Australia. Limited social security benefits may be available for the visa holder, but there is no access to government subsidies for university studies. If you need any further help deciding which visa is right for you, contact us here at 888 Migration, and we would be happy to help.