Can I Start a Partner Visa Application During COVID-19?

Remember policy, rules and laws are ever-changing and frequent in the current environment. Please make further enquiries before making bookings, changing travel plans or lodging Australian visas. 

A lot of people are very reluctant to start their Australian partner visa application during Coronavirus/COVID-19. We understand, life is no longer as it was before and with this comes uncertainty across many areas of life including planning for the future. 

Don’t be deterred by Covid 19 when it comes to progressing your future with your partner. You will find many of the families we look after have found, it’s a welcomed ‘kick up the butt’ to have us focus on what is important… our love, our future together and what we can do now to plan for a life together. 

Today, we get you started on the questions you need to start asking yourself to determine if now is the time to consider a partner visa. 

Is the Department of Home Affairs Affected by COVID-19?

Yes, COVID-19 has impacted the operations of the Department of Home Affairs. Like most businesses and Government offices, the Department’s operations are limited. They continue to follow strict guidelines from the Department of Health such as social distancing and are currently operating with reduced working staff.

On the contrary, the Department of Home Affairs is still operational! They will continue to process visa applications even during the pandemic. Is visa processing affected? We speculate that it will be! Naturally, we can expect some delays in terms of processing, but it doesn’t mean that they are not working on finishing visa applications. 

Can I meet all of the requirements of a partner visa application despite COVID-19?

This is a big question that needs to be broken down into two parts. 

Firstly and most importantly – do you and your partner meet the requirements for a partner visa to be applied for and granted? This is a question we recommend you have answered by a Registered Migration Agent. 

Secondly, what are the logistics around satisfying some of the visa requirements in a Covid-19 environment? The Department is aware of the current situation in Australia and all around the world. Not all couples will be able to complete certain aspects of their application, this includes getting visa health checks, having documents witnessed, biometrics and more. 

According to the Department, they are looking to give additional time for applicants to complete their checks and provide all the requested information. We expect that visa processing officers will take a fair and reasonable approach when it comes to the pandemic and the impact this has on some couples’ situations. 

What Is the Best Visa Pathway for me and my partner during the Pandemic?

All relationships are unique! Your relationship is unique! It is crucial that you identify what type of visa works for your relationship and situation during COVID-19. The Department may have given additional time for requirements, but if you do not meet the criteria, they could still refuse your application. 

Visas are determined based on legislative requirements. On the whole, these legal requirements have not changed so it is not the time to be making rash decisions and lodging unfounded applications. Particularly partner visas given the money at stake should a visa be refused. 

Will you be opting for an onshore or an offshore application? Regardless of what you choose, always make sure that it is the correct partner visa that you are applying for. Do you have the right amount of evidence and the most suitable type of evidence to prove that you meet the requirements for the visa to be granted? 

While the Department may take a fair and reasonable approach to cases and the impact Covid-19 may have, they still need to make a decision based on what the law requires. So in short Covid-19 is not an excuse for a poorly prepared, unfounded application. 

Rushing your application isn’t going to make your chances higher. Having your application rejected during this time will cause a lot of stress and would be a huge waste of money. Engage a professional to work with you to help you make this assessment and if there is a budget for it, consider having the application professionally managed. 

If you are still unsure what type of partner visa to get, then contact us! 

We offer a 1-on-1 visa strategy session. We don’t rush applications. We make sure that you are in the right position to lodge your application and that you are applying for the correct partner visa. 

Follow our Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates page for the latest pandemic related partner visa news and announcement. 

IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication.