Marrying an Australian citizen is an exciting step for Vietnamese nationals, but when it comes to applying for a Partner Visa, the process can sometimes be more complex and take longer than expected. This blog is here to guide you through the process of applying for a Partner Visa as a Vietnamese citizen married to an Australian. We’ll discuss the potential challenges, particularly the extended wait times, and provide essential tips to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

Why Partner Visa Applications Can Take Longer for Vietnamese Citizens

While Partner Visas are available for all foreign nationals who are married to Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, applicants from certain countries, including Vietnam, often experience longer processing times. There are several factors that contribute to this delay:

1. High Volume of Applications: There are many applicants for Partner Visas from Vietnam, which can lead to a backlog of applications and longer processing times. The Department of Home Affairs receives a large number of applications and works to process them in order of receipt.
2. Detailed Documentation Requirements: The Australian government requires extensive documentation to prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. For Vietnamese citizens, this often means providing more evidence, including translated documents, photos, and affidavits from friends and family. Missing or incomplete documents can delay the process further.
3. Visa Assessment and Verification: The Department of Home Affairs may need more time to assess the details of the application, particularly if they need to verify information about the relationship. If they require additional information, this can extend the waiting period.

Partner Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Citizens

When applying for a Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) as a Vietnamese citizen married to an Australian, you will need to meet the following key requirements:

1. Genuine and Ongoing Relationship
   One of the most important aspects of the Partner Visa is proving that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed. You must provide evidence that demonstrates the legitimacy of your marriage. This could include:
   • Marriage Certificate: A copy of your marriage certificate, translated into English if necessary.
   • Photos and Communications: Photos of you and your Australian spouse together, communication logs (emails, phone calls, messages), and joint travel records.
   • Financial Support Evidence: Joint financial commitments such as bank accounts, joint leases, utility bills, or joint assets.
   • Statements from Family and Friends: Affidavits or statements from people who can vouch for the authenticity of your relationship.
2. Cohabitation Evidence
   You and your Australian spouse must show that you are living together as a married couple. The Department of Home Affairs wants to see proof that your relationship is more than just a formality. Evidence of living together may include:
   • Lease agreements or property ownership documentation.
   • Utility bills or official documents addressed to both partners at the same address.
3. Health and Character Requirements
   Like all visa applicants, you and your spouse will need to meet Australia’s health and character requirements:
   • Health Examination: A medical exam to ensure that you do not have a health condition that may burden Australia’s healthcare system.
   • Police Clearance: A police clearance certificate from both Vietnam and any other countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
4. Age and Relationship Duration
   There is no strict age requirement for a Partner Visa, but the relationship must be genuine and ongoing. If you have been in a relationship for less than 12 months, you may need to provide more detailed evidence to show the authenticity of your marriage.

How We Can Help with Your Partner Visa Application

The Partner Visa process can be overwhelming, particularly when there are so many documents to submit and so much evidence to provide. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your application is complete and correct.

How We Can Assist You:

• Document Preparation: We will guide you on what documents you need to include, ensuring that they meet Australian immigration standards. This includes organizing the necessary translations for Vietnamese documents.
• Timely Updates: We monitor your application and keep you updated on its status. If any documents expire or additional information is needed, we’ll help you address these issues promptly.
• Strengthening Your Case: We help you present a strong case by ensuring that all the right evidence is provided and that your application meets the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements.
• Liaising with the Department of Home Affairs: We assist with any queries or concerns that may arise during the application process, including following up on delays or requests for additional information.

Why Choose Us for Your Partner Visa Application?

With experience helping Vietnamese citizens navigate the Partner Visa process, we understand the challenges you face. We are committed to ensuring that your application is well-prepared, complete, and supported by strong evidence to avoid unnecessary delays.

Contact Us Today to Get Started!

If you’re ready to apply for a Partner Visa and want expert assistance to ensure your application is as smooth as possible, reach out to us today.

📞 Call us: +61 3 8732 9781
📧 Email us: danijela@stojanovic-associates.com.au
🌐 View our website

We are here to help you bring your spouse to Australia with the least amount of stress and the best chance for success. Let us assist you in starting the next chapter of your life together in Australia!