People that intend to marry Australian citizens should consider applying for a prospective marriage visa. The visa allows you to spend nine months in Australia and it cannot be renewed after expiration. Apply for a partner visa if you would want to extend your stay in the country. Read this guide to learn more about the prospective marriage visa. 

The prospective marriage visa can only be applied by the fiancés of Australian citizens. Applicants must prove that they have a planned marriage in or out of the country. A celebrant's letter or certificate will help prove your case. However, you can also offer additional evidence, such as photos of your engagement or family events, to help prove your case.

To qualify for the visa, you must be 18 years or above. Besides, applications can only be made from outside the country. Applicants should not have contagious diseases or be affiliated with criminal or terrorist groups. The visa does not allow you to enjoy your health insurance benefits provided by the Australian government. Therefore, you should have a health insurance cover. 

Your sponsor should be a law-abiding citizen. He or she must provide a police check as you apply for the visa. The department could disqualify the sponsor if they have served more than 12 months' jail term for a relevant offence. Relevant offences are serious crimes such as drug trafficking, murder, sexual offences, assault and firearm possession. However, there are cases when the department may reconsider their decision if the offence took place a long time ago, and your sponsor has shown a behaviour change. However, your case officer will inform you of the crime.  

If you meet the above eligibility criteria, hire an immigration attorney to help you apply for the visa. The attorney will: 

• Advise on the documents required to process your application.
• Prepare or represent you during interviews with your case officer.
• Conduct follow-ups with the immigration department to ensure your visa is processed in the least possible time.
• You are allowed to add family members when applying for your visa. The lawyer will advise who you can or cannot add.
• Appeal your case if your application gets rejected. 

Once you acquire your visa, you are allowed to move in and out of the country as you please. Besides, you can study and work in the country. Must follow the Australian laws. Otherwise, you risk a visa cancellation. 

Applying for the Australian prospective visa should now be an easy task. Hire an immigration lawyer to assist you with the visa application process.