Australia Spouse (Partner) Visa – Overview
The Australia Spouse Visa allows the husband, wife, or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa pathway can eventually lead to permanent residency if the relationship is proven to be genuine and ongoing.
Partner Visa Options for Australia
Australia offers several visa options depending on where the applicant is located and their relationship status.
Subclass 309 – Offshore Partner Visa
This visa is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application. It is a temporary visa that allows the applicant to travel to and live in Australia with their sponsoring partner. After holding this visa for around two years, the applicant may be eligible to apply for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100), provided the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Key points:
• Application must be made from outside Australia
• Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Proof of a genuine and continuing relationship is required
• Health and character requirements must be met
Subclass 820 – Onshore Partner Visa
This visa is for applicants who are already in Australia on a valid visa. It allows the applicant to remain in Australia while their permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is being processed.
Key points:
• Applicant must be inside Australia when applying
• A valid temporary visa is required at the time of application
• Evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship is essential
• Permanent residency may be granted later through Subclass 801
Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa
This visa is suitable for couples who are engaged but not yet married. It allows the applicant to enter Australia and marry their Australian partner within nine months. After marriage, the applicant can apply for a partner visa.
Subclass 500 – Student Dependent (Subsequent Entrant)
If the sponsoring partner is studying in Australia on a student visa, their spouse may be eligible to apply as a dependent under the Subclass 500 Subsequent Entrant category.
Important notes:
• Allows the spouse to live in Australia with the student visa holder
• Does not directly lead to permanent residency
• Relationship proof, financial capacity, and health and character checks are required
Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
Applicants must show that their relationship is genuine and ongoing. Common evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial documents, joint accommodation records, photographs together, communication history, and travel records.
Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. In most cases, partner visas take more than 12 months to be finalized.
Visa Cost
Partner visa fees are subject to change. The main applicant fee is approximately AUD 8,850, excluding additional costs such as medical examinations, police clearances, and document translations.
