Partner Visa 309 might just be the one you’ve been searching for if you’d like your partner to join you in Australia. The Partner visa 309 allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to travel to Australia on a temporary visa. All of this is covered in this article, from the documents of eligibility to the partner visa 309 checklist and partner visa 309 processing time.

What is Partner Visa 309?

Partner Visa Australia 309 or Subclass 309 visa is a temporary visa that is granted to foreign applicants. This serves as a pathway to the permanent Partner Visa Subclass 100. Upon 309 visa approval, you will have the right to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for your permanent visa “processing” as they like to say.

This visa is especially useful for cross-border couples who want to establish their lives in Australia. Even more, offshore clients who are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian permanent resident are given priority under this stream of the visa.

Who Can Apply

To qualify as a Partner Visa 309 holder, you and your sponsor should be in an authentic, current relationship and be:

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident, or
• An eligible New Zealand citizen.

You may apply as a de facto partner or spouse (legally married). If you apply in the de facto relationship stream, you will usually need to provide evidence that you have shared a common 12-month residence unless you have a de facto relationship that has been registered by an Australian territory or state.

Partner Visa 309 Checklist

To make sure that your application goes as smoothly as it could, you should be all set ahead of time prior to application. The following is a concise Partner Visa 309 checklist to assist you:

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Police certificates of clearance for any country that you have lived in for 12 months or longer

Relationship Evidence:

• Marriage certificate or evidence of registered relationship
• Photos of you and your partner together
• Joint financial documents (joint bills, bank accounts, lease agreement)
• Affidavits of family members and friends in writing to support your relationship
• Contact history and itinerary (chat records, emails)

Sponsor Documents:

• Documentation to prove permanent residency or citizenship permanent
• Character documents (police certificates)
• Completely filled sponsored form

Additional Supporting Documents:

• Medical certificates
• Form 888 (statutory declarations of the supporting witnesses)

Make sure to fill and send proper documents in order not to cause delay or rejection. Cases are all unique, and Home Affairs will require more of you in terms of processing.

Partner Visa 309 Processing Time

Applicants most frequently inquire: How long is the current partner visa 309 processing time?

Processing time may vary based on your situation and the standard of your application based on the latest available data. On average:

• 75% of applications take approximately 13 months to process
• 90% of applications take 20 months to process

But it takes longer in more complicated cases or where applications are not finished. Some of the most critical considerations in the determination of processing time are:

• Whether all documents required had been received
• Whether interviews or additional information are necessary
• How long it takes to complete health and character checks
• Immigration policy or application level changes

To get your application processed sooner, ensure that you submit a whole application with supporting evidence upfront.

What Will Happen after the Visa Issue?

After obtaining your Partner Visa 309 approval, you may:

• Travel and reside in Australia for a few months
• Study and work in Australia
• Sign up with Medicare (the Australian public healthcare program)
• Come to and go out of Australia anytime

This visa will normally remain available until your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) has been decided, usually in most cases two years after making your original application. You may be sent a visit or a letter from the Department of Home Affairs during this time for you to enable you to provide you with newer proof of your relationship.

Tips to Get a Successfulness Application

1. Early start – Provide yourself with adequate time.
2. Keep records – Hold all evidence of your relationship, including photos, messages, and promises you have made.
3. Take advice from a migration agent – A professional will walk you through the traps and strengthen your argument.
4. Stay updated – Immigration laws can shift, so check on the official page or take advice from an expert every now and then.

Final Thoughts

It is a one and complicated process to get the Partner Visa Australia 309. But with proper preparation and knowledge of the process such as the correct partner visa 309 checklist and knowledge of partner visa 309 processing time you can make that initial humongous step towards living with your partner in Australia.

If you’re unsure where to begin, seeking guidance from a registered migration agent can be a game-changer in making your dream a reality.