Many people in long distance relationships who are engaged take the subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa (PMV) option. It is an offshore visa and does not have the same relationship requirements as a de facto/spouse visa. Basically, have both met in person since turning 18, be engaged and both free to marry, and be in a genuine relationship.
Many people apply for the 300 and then go to Oz on a visa such as the 462 while they wait on a decision, then hop on a quick flight to a nearby country for a few days on holiday to receive the grant (offshore visa means need to be offshore for grant).
A 300 allows full work rights. Application fee is the same at $7000 and then, after entering Oz at least once to activate it, you can marry anywhere in the world within the 9 months visa validity date. You then apply for the onshore 820/801 at a reduced fee of $1170 for 300 holders, but coming off the 300 you again do not need to meet the normal requirements as a straight 820/801. You basically just upload your marriage certificate and any evidence of your relationship since the 300 grant and done. You should get the 820 fairly quickly (mine took 20 days from a 300, though some take much longer) but if you don't, they give you a bridging visa A anyway to stay in Australia with full work rights (granted straight away but doesn't go into effect unless the 300 expires). You'll also be entitled to Medicare once the 820/801 app is made.
Really have a look at the 300 option before you marry. Often people marry not realizing this was the better and often only real option because being married alone does not guarantee a partner visa. They don't care much if you're married or de facto for the 309/100 or 820/801 since they look at your relationship and evidence as a whole. If you don't meet the requirements as a non-married couple, you won't meet them as a married couple either.
An acquaintance from the US had met her partner online and had only met twice in person for 1-2 weeks at a time, applied for the 300 then came on a 462. Was asked to leave for the grant 9 months later, left and got it and reentered on the 300.
I also took the 300 route as my partner and I were in a long distance relationship. But I was unable to use a 462 as I had my dependent child, so I came on an ETA instead. Was asked to leave just over 3 months after applying. I now hold an 820 and am waiting for 801 eligibility in a few months.
Word of advice, Australia prefers the word "partner" rather than "boyfriend." The latter implies dating which doesn't count towards a de facto visa. If you are engaged, you should refer to each other as "fiancee."
Many people apply for the 300 and then go to Oz on a visa such as the 462 while they wait on a decision, then hop on a quick flight to a nearby country for a few days on holiday to receive the grant (offshore visa means need to be offshore for grant).
A 300 allows full work rights. Application fee is the same at $7000 and then, after entering Oz at least once to activate it, you can marry anywhere in the world within the 9 months visa validity date. You then apply for the onshore 820/801 at a reduced fee of $1170 for 300 holders, but coming off the 300 you again do not need to meet the normal requirements as a straight 820/801. You basically just upload your marriage certificate and any evidence of your relationship since the 300 grant and done. You should get the 820 fairly quickly (mine took 20 days from a 300, though some take much longer) but if you don't, they give you a bridging visa A anyway to stay in Australia with full work rights (granted straight away but doesn't go into effect unless the 300 expires). You'll also be entitled to Medicare once the 820/801 app is made.
Really have a look at the 300 option before you marry. Often people marry not realizing this was the better and often only real option because being married alone does not guarantee a partner visa. They don't care much if you're married or de facto for the 309/100 or 820/801 since they look at your relationship and evidence as a whole. If you don't meet the requirements as a non-married couple, you won't meet them as a married couple either.
An acquaintance from the US had met her partner online and had only met twice in person for 1-2 weeks at a time, applied for the 300 then came on a 462. Was asked to leave for the grant 9 months later, left and got it and reentered on the 300.
I also took the 300 route as my partner and I were in a long distance relationship. But I was unable to use a 462 as I had my dependent child, so I came on an ETA instead. Was asked to leave just over 3 months after applying. I now hold an 820 and am waiting for 801 eligibility in a few months.
Word of advice, Australia prefers the word "partner" rather than "boyfriend." The latter implies dating which doesn't count towards a de facto visa. If you are engaged, you should refer to each other as "fiancee."
