Partner category migration allows for the grant of a visa that permits married partners (ie. Opposite-sex spouses) and de facto partners (including those in a same-sex relationship) of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to enter and remain permanently in Australia. Initially, partners who meet the legal criteria for the grant of the visa are granted a temporary visa. Later, a permanent visa may be granted following an eligibility period or, if there is a long standing relationship or children of the relationship, soon after grant of the temporary visa.
Partner category migration also allows for the temporary entry to Australia of finance(e)s (intended spouses) of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.
There are two types of partner category visas: Prospective Marriage Visa and Partner Visa. The type of visa for which the applicant should apply depends on the types of relationship are in.
To be eligible for a Partner visa on the basis of a de facto relationship at the time of the application, the applicant and his(her) partner must be aged 18 years or over and have been in the relationship for at least the entire 12 months before the date of the application.
