Preparing a Partner Visa application can feel a lot like running a marathon (I’ve never ran a marathon, but I’ve heard it’s hard work).
There’s so much preparation and organisation that goes into a Partner Visa, so surely you can’t expect to do it all on your own. If you’re the only one researching visa options, joining different webinars and Facebook groups, and worrying about timelines, then you’re not alone.
I’ve seen it with most couples that I’ve helped. Naturally one partner becomes the ‘visa driver’. There’s nothing actually wrong with one partner taking the lead, but it can become overwhelming if your partner continuously feels disengaged or confused.
The strongest Partner Visa applications I’ve seen depend on both partners being actively involved.
In this blog, I’ll give you some key strategies for success and sharing the Partner Visa responsibilities. I’ll cover how to get your partner involved in the application process and I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve seen that make a huge difference to the ultimate product, that is your Partner Visa!
Who should do what when it comes to your Partner Visa responsibilities?
I think it’s fair to say that in most relationships each couple has their strengths and weaknesses. You might be really good at paperwork and administrative work while your partner might be more creative and tech savvy.
There are so many different components to a Partner Visa like application forms, relationship statements, and collating evidence. Sit down with your partner and look through all the tasks you need to do for a Partner Visa and divide them up based on your strengths.
I find that there’s always one person who prefers to do the paperwork side of things like filling out forms, researching, and chasing up witnesses for Form 888s. If that sounds like your strength, then perhaps your partner can take on the collation of some evidence like putting photographs together or screen grabbing samples of communication.
Give your partner clear, specific roles
If you’re the driver of your Partner Visa process, give your partner clear and specific roles. Instead of saying “I need help with the Partner Visa” (which may feel overwhelming), try to break down your partner’s involvement into clear and manageable tasks. It may even help to have a list of ‘mine and yours’ when it comes to all the tasks that need to be done.
Let go of the need to control everything
I once had a couple at the Partner Visa Academy who sent me a beautiful application to review. There was only one problem with it – it was clear that only the applicant was involved in the whole process.
Every document was clearly provided by her only and she had even written her partner’s relationship statement. I’ve been reviewing Partner Visas for nearly 12 years now so if something feels off, I’m usually right! After my review of their application, I had a chat with them and they told me that the applicant had in fact put together the entire application on her own. Not only is this overwhelming for one person, but it’s also a red flag for your case officer. Remember that they are also trained and look for both voices when it comes to a Partner Visa, not necessarily perfection.
If you’re the organised one, you might feel tempted to even write your partner’s relationship statement or “fix” everything they touch, but over control can unintentionally lead to a less genuine looking application.
Think of your role as being to ‘guide’ instead of taking over.
Educate together
This is one of the best ways to have a balanced application and have an appreciation of how much work actually goes into a Partner Visa.
When only one partner understands the process it can create an imbalance. Try to educate together as much as possible. This means researching on what the legislative criteria for a Partner Visa actually is together. If you’re speaking to a Migration Agent, try to both be present to hear advice. If you’re using the Partner Visa Academy, make sure you can both access the modules, videos, and checklists we provide and both join our Facebook group to ask questions.
Tips on getting through the Partner Visa process as a team
Two words – date night. Even if you’re not physically together, order your favourite takeout meal and plan together.
One of the very first things you should do when starting out on your Partner Visa application is to set goals and timelines for yourself. This keeps you both accountable for what you need to do and when it needs to be done by. The Partner Visa Academy helps you do this by providing you with a tailored document checklist with a list of what you need to do. When both parties are present during an Evidence Planning Session, I can also help determine who can do what and we can come up with a plan for you both.
Create a shared to do list and have regular check-ins to see how you’re tracking.
When both partners are involved, applications are not only stronger but the process is healthier for the relationship too.
IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication.
