The de facto visa in Australia is designed for partners who are in a committed relationship but not married. It offers a pathway for them to live together in Australia. Understanding the cost of this visa is essential as it forms a significant part of the overall process. Along with the financial aspect, there are various other requirements and procedures to be aware of. In this article, we will delve deep into the details of the de facto visa in Australia, with a special focus on its cost.
Types of De Facto Visas in Australia
Onshore De Facto Visa (Subclass 820/801)
The Subclass 820 is the temporary part of the onshore de facto visa, and the Subclass 801 is the permanent part. This visa is for couples where one partner is already in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and the other partner is in Australia on a valid visa. The temporary visa (Subclass 820) allows the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while the permanent visa application is being processed. Once the requirements for the permanent visa are met, the applicant can be granted the Subclass 801.
Offshore De Facto Visa (Subclass 309/100)
The Subclass 309 is the temporary offshore de facto visa, and the Subclass 100 is the permanent one. This option is for couples where the applicant is outside of Australia. The temporary visa enables the applicant to enter Australia and live with their partner while the permanent visa application is pending. Similar to the onshore version, upon meeting the necessary criteria, the applicant can be issued the permanent Subclass 100 visa.
Costs Associated with the De Facto Visa
Application Fees
The application fees for de facto visas in Australia are relatively high. For the onshore Subclass 820/801 visa, the total cost for the main applicant is around 7,715 as of [current date]. This fee covers both the temporary and permanent visa components. However, it’s important to note that this fee is subject to change, so it’s always advisable to check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most up – to – date information. For the offshore Subclass 309/100 visa, the application fee for the main applicant is also approximately 7,715. This fee is non – refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.
Additional Fees for Family Members
If the primary applicant has dependent children or a partner who is also applying for the visa, there are additional fees. For each dependent child included in the application, the fee is around 1,880. For a secondary applicant (such as a de facto partner of the main applicant), the fee is also 7,715. These additional fees can add up significantly, especially for larger families.
Medical Examination Fees
As part of the visa application process, all applicants are usually required to undergo a medical examination. The cost of the medical examination can vary depending on the location and the services provided by the panel physician. On average, in Australia, the medical examination for a single applicant can cost between 150 – 500. If additional tests such as X – rays or blood tests are required, the cost can be higher. For offshore applicants, the cost may also vary depending on the local medical providers approved by the Australian authorities.
Police Clearance Certificate Fees
Applicants for the de facto visa need to provide a police clearance certificate from their home country or any country where they have lived for an extended period. The cost of obtaining a police clearance certificate varies from country to country. In some countries, it may be a nominal fee, while in others, it can be relatively expensive. For example, in the United Kingdom, the cost of obtaining a police check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) can range from £23 – £44, depending on the type of check required. In Australia, obtaining a national police check can cost around $42.
Translation Fees
If any of the supporting documents for the visa application are in a language other than English, they need to be translated by a certified translator. The cost of translation services can vary based on the length and complexity of the document. For a simple document like a birth certificate, the translation fee may be around 20 – 50. However, for more complex documents such as employment contracts or educational transcripts, the cost can be significantly higher, sometimes up to several hundred dollars.
Migration Agent or Lawyer Fees
Many applicants choose to use the services of a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer to assist them with their de facto visa application. The cost of hiring a migration agent or lawyer can vary widely. Some may charge a flat fee, which can range from 1,500 – 5,000 depending on the complexity of the case. Others may charge an hourly rate, which can be between 150 – 500 per hour. While using a migration agent or lawyer is not mandatory, it can be beneficial, especially for applicants with complex personal or relationship situations.
Requirements for the De Facto Visa
Relationship Requirements
To be eligible for a de facto visa, the couple must prove that their relationship is genuine and ongoing. This can be demonstrated through various means such as providing evidence of shared accommodation, joint bank accounts, joint bills, and statements from friends and family who can attest to the relationship. The relationship should also be of a significant duration, although there is no set minimum time. However, generally, a relationship of at least 12 months is considered strong evidence.
Health Requirements
All applicants must meet the health requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This is to ensure that they do not pose a health risk to the Australian community. The medical examination will check for conditions such as tuberculosis, certain sexually transmitted diseases, and other serious medical conditions. If an applicant has a serious medical condition, they may be required to provide additional medical reports or undergo further testing.
Character Requirements
Applicants must also meet the character requirements. This involves providing a police clearance certificate as mentioned earlier. Additionally, the Australian authorities will consider any criminal history, including convictions, pending charges, or any other behavior that may indicate a lack of good character.
Application Process for the De Facto Visa
Gathering Documents
The first step in applying for a de facto visa is to gather all the necessary documents. This includes proof of the relationship, identity documents, medical examination results, police clearance certificates, and any other supporting documents. The documents should be carefully organized and submitted in the correct format.
Submitting the Application
Once all the documents are ready, the application can be submitted online through the ImmiAccount system. The applicant will need to create an account if they don’t already have one. The application form requires detailed information about the applicant, their partner, and the relationship.
Biometric Collection
In some cases, applicants may be required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs. This is usually done at a designated visa application center. The biometric data is used for security and identity verification purposes.
Assessment and Interview
After the application is submitted, it will be assessed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. In some cases, the department may request additional information or may conduct an interview with the applicant and their partner. The interview is to further verify the authenticity of the relationship.
Visa Grant
If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified, and the visa will be granted. The applicant will then be able to enter or remain in Australia, depending on whether it is an onshore or offshore visa.
Conclusion
The de facto visa in Australia offers a valuable opportunity for couples in a committed relationship to live together in the country. However, it comes with a significant cost. The application fees alone are quite high, and when combined with other expenses such as medical examinations, police clearance certificates, translation fees, and potential migration agent or lawyer fees, it can be a substantial financial commitment. Along with the cost, meeting the relationship, health, and character requirements, as well as navigating the complex application process, can be challenging. It is crucial for applicants to carefully plan and budget for the visa application. Seeking advice from a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer can be a wise decision to ensure that all the requirements are met and the application is submitted correctly. By understanding all these aspects, couples can make an informed decision about applying for the de facto visa and increase their chances of a successful outcome.
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