The Interdependent Visa is well suited to unmarried partners, or same-sex couples who wish to migrate to Australia.
The Interdependent Visa may be applied for from inside or outside Australia. If you are applying while you are in Australia you must also hold a valid substantive Visa and be in Australia at the time the Visa is granted.
An application for the Interdependent Visa is in two stages (temporary and permanent), and an applicant actually applies for both Visas using one single application form and paying only one application fee. These temporary Visas, once granted, are valid for two (2) years from date of application, and then if the relationship is assessed to be still genuine and ongoing at the end of the two years, applicants will be granted a permanent Visa.
You will have full work rights and access to Medicare (government subsidised health care) from the date your temporary Visa is granted.
With this visa:
- you are permitted to enter or remain in Australia with your spouse, until a decision is made regarding your permanent visa
- you are entitled to work in Australia
- you are entitled to study in Australia, but you will not have access to government funding for tertiary study
- you may enrol in Australia's medical benefits expenses and hospital care scheme, Medicare.
