Prospective Marriage Visa
Perhaps the most positive outcome of the same sex marriage yes vote is that migrants in same sex relationships should soon be eligible for a Prospective Marriage Visa. The Prospective Marriage Visa (or Fiancé Visa as it’s sometimes known as) is for couples that have met in person at least once and have committed to getting married within 9 months of the visa being granted. Once married, the couple is then able to apply for a Partner Visa. This option isn’t currently available to same sex migrants.
New Zealand Family Relationship Visa
The New Zealand Family Relationship Visa is a 5 year temporary visa that is available to members of the family unit of New Zealand citizens holding a temporary visa, this includes spouses and de facto partners. If the same sex marriage yes vote passes into law then same sex migrants will be able to apply for the New Zealand Family Relationship Visa on spousal grounds.
Secondary Applicants
The proposed changes in marriage law will allow same sex migrants to apply for any visa that allows a secondary applicant on spousal grounds, this includes Skilled Visas, 457 Visas and many more. Currently same sex migrants only have the option to apply as a secondary applicant on de facto grounds, which isn’t always possible.
The proposed change in marriage law are a big thumbs up to equality not just for Australians, but also same sex migrants who will have more options to migrate to Australia.
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