Given your engagement with immigration activities, especially for individuals seeking to move to Australia, understanding the nuances of the Subclass 820 Visa can enhance your ability to provide comprehensive support and guidance.
Key Features of the Subclass 820 Visa
- Temporary Residency: The Subclass 820 Visa grants temporary residency to the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Work and Study Rights: Visa holders are allowed to work and study in Australia.
- Medicare Access: It provides access to Australia's public healthcare scheme, Medicare.
- Path to Permanent Residency: Holders of the Subclass 820 Visa can apply for the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa after certain conditions are met, typically after two years of holding the Subclass 820 Visa and continuing to prove the genuineness of the relationship.
- Inclusion of Dependent Children: Applicants can include dependent children and other eligible dependent family members in their application.
Eligibility Criteria
- Relationship Status: Applicants must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with their Australian partner. They must either be legally married or in a de facto relationship with their partner.
- Sponsorship: The Australian partner must sponsor the applicant. The relationship must be genuine, and both parties must have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others.
- Health and Character Requirements: Applicants and any included family members must meet certain health and character requirements.
- Joint Application: The application is typically lodged together, and evidence of the relationship needs to be provided, including financial aspects, nature of the household, social context, and the commitment between the partners.
Application Process
- Application Lodgment: The application is usually lodged in Australia, and the applicant must be in Australia when the application is lodged (though there are some exceptions).
- Documentation: Comprehensive documentation supporting the relationship and meeting all eligibility criteria must be provided. This includes proof of cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities, and social recognition of the relationship.
- Application Fees and Processing Times: Fees are required for processing the Subclass 820 Visa, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances, the completeness of the application, and the demand for this visa type.
Considerations
- Visa Conditions and Obligations: It's essential to comply with all visa conditions and stay informed about any changes in immigration policy that could affect your visa status.
- Preparation for Permanent Residency Application: While holding the Subclass 820 Visa, preparing for the subsequent application for the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa is crucial. This involves continuing to gather evidence of the ongoing and genuine nature of the relationship.
For your clients, especially those who are engineers or professionals from different parts of the world looking to migrate to Australia with their partners, understanding the detailed requirements and process of the Subclass 820 Visa is vital. It ensures that they are well-prepared, both for the initial application and for the transition towards permanent residency in Australia. Your expertise in immigration and your experience with providing informative content can significantly aid individuals and families in navigating this complex process successfully.
