Qualifying Time for Permanent Residency After Marriage to a Permanent Resident in Australia

Marriage to a permanent resident in Australia can greatly enhance your opportunity for residency, but the path to obtaining permanent residency (PR) is not always straightforward. The process can vary significantly based on various factors, including the timing of your application and the complexity of your case. In this article, we explore the general timeline and factors that can affect the qualifying time for permanent residency after a legal marriage to a permanent resident in Australia.

Understanding the Process

The qualifying time for permanent residency can depend on the specific circumstances of each individual case. Generally, achieving permanent residency through marriage to a permanent resident in Australia involves several steps and can take a few years. Here is an overview of the timeline:

Timeline

April 2016 - Married: You and your partner become legally married in Australia.

May 2016 - Application for Temporary Visa: You apply for a temporary partner visa ( subclass 820 or 309).

May 2018 - Application for Permanent Visa: After a period of stable cohabitation, you are eligible to apply for a permanent partner visa (subclass 100 or 801).

PR Application Process Time: The processing time for the permanent partner visa is generally between 12 to 15 months.

June 2019 - PR Grant Prediction: If all goes well, you are predicted to be granted permanent residency in June 2019.

Eligibility for Centrelink Benefits: You become eligible for Centrelink benefits, including health insurance, after the PR grant.

December 2023 - Citizenship Prediction: Under the new rules, you are predicted to be eligible for citizenship around December 2023, pending government approval.

Key Factors Affecting the Timeline

Several factors can influence the qualification time for permanent residency. These include:

Temporary Visa Status: The time taken to transition from a temporary partner visa to a permanent partner visa depends on the stability and length of your relationship. Processing Time: The processing time can vary based on the Australian Migration and Border Security Department's workload and the complexity of your application. Medical and Security Clearances: You may need to undergo medical and security clearances, which can delay the process. Applicable Changes in Immigration Laws: Changes in immigration laws can affect the eligibility and processing time for PR.

Common Real-Life Experiences

Based on real experiences shared by individuals, the qualifying time for permanent residency after marriage to a permanent resident in Australia can range from 3 to 4 years. While some people may be granted PR within 3 years, others may take longer, depending on the aforementioned factors.

Individual Experiences

For example, it took around 4 years for my partner to be granted permanent residency. Similarly, I know of people who have taken longer, while some secured PR within a shorter timeframe. On average, a period of 3 to 4 years seems to be a commonly reported interval.

Advice for Aspiring Residents

To streamline the process and reduce the qualifying time for permanent residency, consider the following tips:

Stable Relationship: Ensure a stable and genuine relationship with your partner, which will help in a smooth application process. Pending Processing Time: Be prepared for the processing time and plan accordingly, considering any potential delays. Stay Informed: Keep updated with any changes in immigration laws and policies that can affect the PR process.

Conclusion

Qualifying for permanent residency after marriage to a permanent resident in Australia involves a multi-step process that can take several years. Factors such as the stability of the relationship, processing time, and applicable immigration laws will impact the timeline. By understanding the process and following the necessary steps, you can navigate your way to permanent residency more efficiently.

For more detailed information and a comprehensive guide, visit the Department of Home Affairs.