Do you have a Partner or Spouse overseas who you want here?
The Australian visa program has four pathways:
Onshore Partner
This is the most popular option because (unless you are unlawful at time of application or other issues) it allows your partner to remain in Australia, work, study, and get medicare.
This is a two stage process that requires you to apply for a temporary Partner Visa first, and after two years you can then apply for the Permanent Visa.
Each stage takes around two years.
Expect to pay around $8000+ in application fee, police checks, medicals etc.
Most Agents charge $3500 to $5000 to do this visa.
Offshore Partner
This is not the most popular option because it does not allow your partner to remain here while you wait for the visa to be granted. There is no bridging visa, and you wont be able to stay on Visitor visas for the entire duration of the wait.
This is a two stage process that requires you to apply for a temporary Partner Visa first. Once this is granted your partner can then travel to Australia and wait with you for the grant of the Permanent Visa.
Each stage takes around two years.
Expect to pay around $8000+ in application fee, police checks, medicals etc.
Most Agents charge $3500 to $5000 to do this visa.
Prospective Marriage
This Visa allows your partner to come to Australia for 9 months. You must marry each other during that time.
I do feel that this one is very easy to see success with, however your partner is still waiting offshore for up to a couple years and you must get married. I use this as a last resort.
It takes up to 2 years to be granted.
Expect to pay around $8000+ in application fee, police checks, medicals etc.
Most Agents charge $3500 to $5000 to do this visa.
New Zealand Partner
Is your New Zealand partner in Australia on a 444 visa and you need a visa for either. You’ll love this one.
There is a lot more to it so don’t think you can just go and apply, but here is the short version: The application fee is only $365, it only lasts 5 years and then you have to do it again. Note that this is a Temporary Visa that you could use to remain in Australia Indefinitely, but it will not give you PR or Centrelink benefits etc