How this Visa Works
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If you are in Australia when you lodge your Interdependency visa application:
- you must also be in Australia when your temporary Interdependency visa is granted (visa subclass 826)
- you must be in Australia when your permanent Interdependency visa is granted (visa subclass 814).
Applying for temporary and permanent visas
You apply for both a temporary and permanent visa by completing and lodging one application.
- If you meet all the legal criteria for the grant of the visa, you may be granted a temporary Interdependency visa (subclass 826). This visa remains valid until a decision is made on your permanent visa, which is usually two years after you initially applied for your visa.
- If you still meet all legal requirements when your application is considered after the waiting period, you may be granted a permanent Interdependency visa (subclass 814).
However, you may be granted a permanent Interdependency visa without having to wait if you can demonstrate that, at the time you apply for the Interdependency visa, you have been in an interdependent relationship with your partner for five (5) years or more.
Note: Generally, you should be living with your partner in an interdependent relationship at the time you apply for an Interdependency visa.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities when obtaining and using an Interdependency visa are summarised in the table below.
| Person | Responsibility |
|---|---|
Sponsor and applicant |
Be in an interdependent relationship at least 12 months prior to lodging an application. |
Sponsor
|
Be prepared to sponsor the applicant and any dependent family members also included in the application and who are migrating with the applicant. Complete and sign Form 40SP Sponsorship for a partner to migrate to Australia, and pass it to the applicant for lodgement. |
Applicant
|
Lodge a complete application including all application forms, supporting documentation and application charges. Note: You apply for a temporary and a permanent Interdependency visa at the same time. If you are granted a temporary Interdependency visa, there is no need to lodge another separate application for your permanent Spouse visa. If you can meet all the legal criteria, you may be granted a temporary Interdependency visa. |
Sponsor and Applicant |
After the grant of a temporary Interdependency visa, the sponsor and applicant must maintain their spouse relationship and meet all legal requirements when a decision is made on the applicant's permanent Interdependency visa (usually a two year waiting period from the time the application was lodged). A permanent Interdependency visa may be granted at the end of the waiting period if the sponsor and applicant still meet all legal requirements. |
Visa validity period
A temporary Interdependency visa is normally valid throughout the waiting period until a decision is made on your permanent Interdependency visa application.
If you are granted a permanent Interdependency visa, it will allow you to remain in Australia permanently.
Definitions
Some of the terms used to describe how this visa works, have specific meanings.
See: Definitions