If your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you wish to live with them permanently in Australia, the Partner Visa Subclass 100 might be the ideal option for you. This visa lets the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor live in Australia indefinitely after they’ve held a temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309).
In this article, we’ll walk you through the Australian Partner Visa Subclass 100, eligibility criteria, the partner visa 100 document checklist, and other important details you should know before applying.
What is the Partner Visa Subclass 100?
The Partner Visa 100 is the second stage in a two-step visa process for partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents. When you apply for the Partner Visa, you’re actually applying for two visas at once:
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309) – allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent visa is processed.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) – allows you to live in Australia permanently.
You’ll usually be granted the Subclass 100 visa two years after submitting your initial application. However, in certain situations—such as long-term relationships or marriages with children—it may be granted sooner.
Who Can Apply for Partner Visa 100?
To be eligible for the Partner Visa Subclass 100, you must:
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner.
- Have held a Temporary Partner Visa Subclass 309.
- Meet all the conditions of the temporary visa.
- Provide updated evidence showing that the relationship is still genuine.
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your relationship to ensure it’s authentic, committed, and not solely for visa purposes.
Benefits of Partner Visa 100
Once granted the Partner Visa 100, you enjoy a range of benefits:
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Study in Australia
- Apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling the residency requirements
- Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
Partner Visa 100 Document Checklist
Preparing your documents carefully is crucial for a smooth application process. Here’s a comprehensive document checklist for the Partner Visa 100:
1. Identity Documents
- Passport bio-data page (of both applicant and sponsor)
- Birth certificate
- National identity card (if applicable)
2. Relationship Evidence
You’ll need to prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Include documents showing:
- Financial commitment: Joint bank accounts, shared bills, loans
- Social aspect: Photos together, social media posts, wedding invitations
- Household sharing: Joint lease agreements, utility bills
- Commitment to each other: Future plans, wills, correspondence over time
3. Character Documents
- Police clearance certificates from each country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Form 80 – Personal particulars for character assessment (if requested)
4. Health Requirements
You may be required to undergo a medical examination and provide results through approved medical providers.
5. Statutory Declarations
- Form 888 – Statutory declarations from friends or family members supporting the genuineness of your relationship
- Personal statements from you and your partner detailing the history of your relationship
6. Sponsor Documents
- Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Employment details, financial records
- Police clearance if required
Ensure all documents not in English are translated by a certified translator. Organize them clearly to avoid delays or rejection.
Partner Visa 100 Processing Time
Processing times for the Partner Visa Subclass 100 can vary. As of now, the average processing times are:
- 75% of applications: processed in 16–20 months
- 90% of applications: processed in 22–26 months
Factors affecting processing times include:
- Completeness of your documentation
- Complexity of your case
- Background checks
- Caseload of the Department of Home Affairs
You can reduce delays by submitting all required documents upfront and responding promptly to any requests from immigration officers.
How to Strengthen Your Partner Visa 100 Application
Here are a few tips to boost your chances of a successful outcome:
- Keep your evidence updated: Provide recent evidence showing your relationship is ongoing, especially if you’ve been on the Subclass 309 visa for a while.
- Be consistent: Make sure your story matches across all documents, statements, and forms.
- Stay communicative: Notify the Department of any significant changes (e.g., moving house, having a child, or getting married if you weren’t already).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even genuine couples can run into trouble if they make these errors:
- Missing documents from the checklist
- Providing inconsistent information between the Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 stages
- Ignoring emails or document requests from the immigration department
- Submitting documents not translated into English
Avoid these mistakes by double-checking everything or working with a registered migration agent.
Do You Need a Migration Agent?
While it’s possible to apply on your own, many applicants choose to work with a registered migration agent—especially if their case is complex. A good agent can:
- Ensure your application meets all legal requirements
- Help you gather and structure your documents
- Guide you through any requests for additional information
It could mean the difference between a successful outcome and a delay or refusal.
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa Subclass 100 opens the door to permanent residency and a new chapter in Australia with your loved one. However, navigating the process requires patience, organization, and accurate documentation. By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing a strong set of documents, and possibly seeking professional help, you’ll put yourself in the best position to succeed.
For tailored guidance on the Australian Partner Visa Subclass 100, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted migration agent who understands the process inside and out.
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