100 - Partner (Migrant) visa
Introduction
The Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) is a permanent residence visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This visa is typically the second step toward obtaining permanent residency, following the temporary Partner visa (subclass 309).
Application Fee
Generally speaking, there is no additional application fee required for applying for a Subclass 100 permanent visa. This is because the Subclass 100 visa is considered the second stage of the Subclass 309 temporary visa application, and the full government application fee has already been paid in a lump sum when you submitted your Subclass 309 visa application.
Application Materials
When applying for the 100 permanent visa, your main task is to prove to the immigration department that your relationship with the sponsor remains genuine and ongoing after obtaining the 309 temporary visa. This is similar to the materials submitted during the initial 309 visa application, but the focus is on providing updated, recent evidence.
Updated Evidence of Partner Relationship
Personal Identity and Character Documents
Police Clearance Certificate
Passport Photos
Proof of Genuine Relationship
Joint Bills (Utilities, Phone, etc.)
Travel Photos and Tickets Together
Other Possibly Required Materials
English Translations
Application Process
Applying for the Subclass 100 permanent visa is a relatively straightforward process, as it builds upon your previously approved Subclass 309 temporary visa. The entire process is completed within the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount system.
- Meeting the waiting period
- Typically, you need to hold the 309 temporary visa and maintain a genuine relationship with your sponsor for at least two years after its grant. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you via your ImmiAccount when you are eligible to submit documents for the permanent visa stage.
- Submitting documents
- Upon receiving notification from the Department, you and your sponsor need to log into your respective ImmiAccounts and upload updated supporting evidence.
- The focus is on providing new evidence since the grant of the 309 visa to demonstrate that your relationship continues to be genuine and ongoing.
- Awaiting processing
- After the Department receives your documents, they will be reviewed. During this period, a case officer may:
- Request additional information: Notify you via ImmiAccount to provide further evidence or documents.
- Request a new health examination or police clearance certificate: If you have resided in a specified country for more than 12 months, or if the Department deems it necessary.
- Visa grant
- Once your application is approved, the Department will send a visa grant notification via email.
- You can be inside or outside Australia when the Subclass 100 visa is granted.
- Upon visa grant, you will become an Australian permanent resident and be entitled to all associated rights and benefits.
Main Features and Advantages of the 100 Visa
- Permanent Residency: Once granted this visa, you will have the right to live indefinitely in Australia.
- Comprehensive Benefits: You are entitled to all the rights and benefits of an Australian permanent resident, including full access to Medicare, education, and work rights.
- Citizenship Application: After meeting relevant conditions such as residency, you will be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
- Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your family members to come to Australia, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
- Freedom of Travel: You can travel to and from Australia without restrictions. However, the travel facility of this visa is valid for five years; after that, if you need to continue traveling abroad, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa.