You want to bring your Partner to Australia. Still, your Partner's nationality isn't Australian, and you don't have the money to apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa or a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa? You might be able to apply for the Partner Visa 309 instead! 

This could be your opportunity to live happily ever after with your partner in Australia. Here you will help you find out if you are eligible to apply and, if so, how to get started with the process of Visa Subclass 309 application.

Who can apply?

If you are 18 years or older and meet Australia's health, character, and English language requirements, then you can apply for a Partner visa. Your Partner must also be eligible to live in Australia permanently.

A person is eligible if they: 

• *Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
• *Have lived in Australia as the holder of a substantive visa for at least 12 months (this does not include time spent on holidays) during the last two years before applying for the Partner visa. 
• *Have good character, i.e., have not been convicted of any crime that carries a prison sentence of 12 months or more.
• *Have not done anything illegal while living in Australia (unless this was an administrative error).
• *Do not have any outstanding criminal charges against them.
• *The English language requirement means that your Partner needs to be able to speak, read and write English well enough to participate in everyday life.
• *They also need to complete a test approved by the Ministerial Council. 

Financial Requirements

Unlike other types of visas, a partner visa 820 has financial requirements you must meet. That said, these requirements may vary from application to application. Generally speaking. However, you will need around AUD 60,000 (about USD 44,300) in liquid assets.

If you're married and your spouse is sponsoring your application, they can't have more than one year's income. The idea behind this requirement is that it ensures the sponsoring spouse can still support themselves if the applicant's money runs out.

How long does the Application Process take

The process from submitting an application to receiving a decision on a Partner visa can be lengthy. The Department of Home Affairs states that it can take six months for cases lodged in Australia and 12 months for cases lodged overseas. 

However, if you don't have an EOI number, your wait time is longer, even at times up to 8 months!

What are the Documents required?

• *You will need a valid passport (at least 12 months remaining on your passport).
• *Proof of at least 18 months of residency in Australia.
• *If the applicant is not currently living in Australia, they will also need to provide evidence that they have been living there for more than two years before applying.
• *You will need to provide evidence of your relationship with your Partner.
• *The required documents include photographs, statutory declarations (also known as affidavits), utility bills, bank statements, your passport, birth certificate, and proof of residence. 
• *If you or your Partner have children together, a statement from each child's school stating that they attend classes regularly is also required.