Australia has a very rich, diverse and multicultural society and a lot of Australians end up engaged to a foreign life partner. Love may have no borders, but humans need to have the appropriate paperwork to cross borders and reside in another country lawfully.

There are various visa pathways for partners of Australians, one of which is the prospective marriage visa, which allows an applicant who is engaged to an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or an Eligible New Zealand Citizen to come to Australia and get married within a certain timeframe, and progress forward to a partner visa.

There are several criteria to be met to be eligible for this visa, such as having met in person, having been both 18 or older when they met, and being engaged with the intention to be married, as well as meeting the health and character. Additionally, both the applicant and the sponsor need to be free of any legal impediment to be married, such as having an outstanding divorce.

When granted, the Prospective Marriage visa is valid for 9 months and will allow the visa holder to enter Australia and marry their sponsor within the 9-month validity period, and subsequently, lodge an Onshore Partner visa. The visa allows its holder unrestricted work and study rights in Australia.

Is this the right visa pathway for me?

As stated earlier, there are several pathways for partner visas which depend on several factors, such as the nature of the relationship, the location of the person, and several other factors.

At Longton Legal, our team of experienced immigration law practitioners can help you and your significant other navigate the legislative maze that is partner visas, strategically choosing the best option for each couple’s unique situation, and make sure your application is complete and decision ready, avoiding unnecessary issues and complications that may arise during the course of visa processing, as well as avoiding any unnecessary, expensive mistakes leading up to a very costly visa refusal.

Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your and your partner’s situation so we can assist.

*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*