Australia Spouse (Partner) Visa

Australia Spouse Visas: An Overview for 2026-2027

The Australia’s Spouse Visa, also known as the partner visa, remains the most sought-after family migration pathway in the Australian immigration system. In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has shifted toward a “High-Integrity” model, meaning that the standard for proving a “genuine and continuing relationship” is higher than ever before. If you’re applying for Bangladesh, you should be aware of selecting the appropriate visa subclass.

For couples, Australia spouse (Partner) visa is not just a paperwork exercise; it is a significant financial and emotional investment. With application fees now at record levels and processing times spanning years, a “trial and error” approach is no longer viable.

This page provides comprehensive information, steps, and document requirements for the Spouse Visa Australia (Subclasses 820, 801, 309, and 100), ensuring your application stands up to the most rigorous scrutiny.

---

Subclass Breakdown

• Subclass 820/801 (Onshore): For applicants physically located in Australia at the time of lodgment. These applicants usually receive a Bridging Visa, allowing them to stay in the country during processing.
• Subclass 309/100 (Offshore): For applicants living outside Australia, for example, Bangladesh. This is the primary path for partners waiting to join their loved ones from abroad.
• Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage): For engaged couples. This “fiancé visa” allows the partner to enter Australia for 9–15 months to marry their sponsor, after which they transition to the 820/801 stream.

Spouse (Partner) Visa (Subclass 309)

The Australian Spouse Visa is a “combined application.” When you apply, you are technically lodging two applications at once: one for a Temporary Visa and one for a Permanent Visa.

The Two-Stage Journey

1. Stage 1 (Provisional): You are granted a temporary visa (Subclass 820 for onshore or Subclass 309 for offshore). This allows the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while the government monitors the relationship for a further two years.
2. Stage 2 (Migrant): Two years after the initial lodgment, the Department assesses whether the relationship is still ongoing. If successful, you are granted a Permanent Visa (Subclass 801 or 100).

Requirements for Visa Subclass 309

• Must be married or in a genuine de facto relationship
• Relationship must be real, continuing, and committed
• Provide proof like photos, chats, travel history, financial support
• Must apply from outside Australia
• Usually must stay outside Australia until visa decision
• Must complete medical (health check)
• Must provide police clearance certificates
• Must have good character
• Must submit passport and identity documents
• Must provide marriage certificate (if married)
• Basic English not mandatory but helpful

Sponsor Requirements

• Must be Australian citizen or permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must prove genuine relationship with applicant
• Must lodge sponsorship application
• Must pass character requirements
• Must not have serious criminal history
• Must not sponsor more than allowed partners
• Maximum 2 partners in lifetime
• Minimum 5 years gap between sponsorships
• Must agree to financially and emotionally support applicant
• Must provide ID and residency proof

Spouse (Partner) Visa (Subclass 820)

If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the Australia spouse visa (Subclasses 820 and 801) offers a practical pathway to living together in Australia. While the process may seem detailed, it’s ultimately about demonstrating that your relationship is genuine and continuing.

Overview of the Subclass (820 and 801)

This visa is granted in two stages. The Subclass 820 visa is temporary and allows you to remain in Australia while your permanent residency is assessed. With this visa, you can work, study, and access Medicare. After a waiting period – typically around two years, you may be eligible for the Subclass 801 visa, which provides permanent residency.

Stages of the Process

You only need to submit one application covering both visas. If your initial application is successful, you’ll receive the Subclass 820 visa first. This stage allows you to stay in Australia legally and continue your life with your partner while further checks are carried out.

Later, immigration authorities will review your situation again to confirm that your relationship is still genuine. You’ll be asked to provide updated documents and evidence. If everything meets the requirements, you’ll be granted the Subclass 801 visa, giving you the right to live in Australia permanently.

Application Requirements

A strong application focuses on proving your relationship. This includes showing how you share finances, live together, present yourselves socially as a couple, and maintain a long-term commitment. Evidence can include joint bank accounts, shared bills, travel history, photos, and written statements from friends or family.

You’ll also need to submit identity documents, police clearance certificates, and complete health checks. Providing clear and consistent information is essential to avoid delays.

Sponsor Requirements

Your partner must sponsor you and meet certain criteria. They need to be at least 18 years old and hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship. Sponsors are expected to support you as you settle into life in Australia.

They may be required to provide police checks and information about previous sponsorships. There are limits on how often someone can sponsor a partner, and these rules are strictly applied.

In summary, the Australia spouse visa (Subclass 820 and 801) is a structured but fair process that supports genuine couples. By preparing your documents carefully and clearly showing the strength of your relationship, you can improve your chances of a smooth and successful outcome.

Fees and Costs

Spouse visa to Aus1tralia is a significant financial commitment. As of July 1, 2025, and continuing through 2026, fees have been indexed to reflect inflation.

Fee Category	Cost (AUD)
Main Applicant (820/801 or 309/100)	$9,365
Additional Applicant (Over 18)	$4,685
Additional Applicant (Under 18)	$2,345
Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300)	$9,365
Transition from 300 to 820	$1,560

Hidden Costs to Budget For:

• Credit Card Surcharge (1.4%): Approx. $131.
• Medical Exams: $350 – $600 per person.
• Police Clearances: $50 – $200 per country.
• Translation Services: $200 – $1,000 (for non-English documents).

---

Spouse Visa Steps

---

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and are applying from outside Australia.

Step 2: Collect Your Documents

Get all necessary documents ready such as your passport, relationship evidence, photos, and police records.

Step 3: Open ImmiAccount

Create an account on the official immigration website to start your application.

Step 4: Lodge Your Application

Complete the Subclass 309 visa form online, upload your documents, and pay the required fee.

Step 5: Submit Sponsorship

Your partner needs to apply as your sponsor and provide their personal details and documents.

Step 6: Provide Biometrics

If required, visit a visa center to give your fingerprints and photo.

Step 7: Complete Health Check

Attend a medical examination with an approved doctor when instructed.

Step 8: Provide Police Certificates

Submit police clearance certificates from countries where you have stayed for a long period.

Step 9: Processing Time

Wait while your application is reviewed, which may take several months.

Step 10: Receive Outcome

If successful, you will be granted the temporary Subclass 309 visa.

Step 11: Move to Permanent Visa

After around two years, you can apply for the permanent Subclass 100 visa.

Processing Times

As of March 2026, processing times are as follows:

• Temporary Stage (820/309): 12–24 months.
• Permanent Stage (801/100): Eligible 2 years after lodgment; processing takes 6–12 months.

Why the variation? Factors like the number of dependent children, previous visa refusals, or the complexity of your character checks (if you’ve lived in many countries) can extend the timeline.

---

Why Your Visa Might Get Refused

1. Inconsistent Dates: Ensure the date you “met” and the date you “committed” are the same across all documents.
2. Weak Financials: A joint bank account opened just one week before applying is a major red flag.
3. Form 888 Errors: Statutory declarations must be from people who have actually spent time with you as a couple.
4. Health/Character Issues: Failing to disclose a medical condition or a minor criminal conviction can lead to a “Public Interest Criterion” refusal.

---

FAQ

Q: Can I apply for the Spouse Visa if I am on a Tourist Visa?

A: Yes, provided your Tourist Visa does not have a “Condition 8503 – No Further Stay.” If it does, you must apply to have it waived or leave the country to apply offshore.

Q: What happens if our relationship breaks down during processing?

A: Generally, the visa will be refused. However, there are Family Violence Provisions. If the applicant has experienced domestic violence, they may still be eligible for permanent residency even if the relationship has ended.

Q: Do we need to be living together for exactly 12 months?

A: For de facto partners, yes. However, registering your relationship with the State government (like the NSW Relationship Register) legally “waives” the 12-month living requirement for visa purposes, though you still need to prove the relationship is genuine.

Q: Can I travel outside Australia while my 820 is processing?

A: If you are on a Bridging Visa A, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving Australia to ensure you can return.

Q: Is an interview mandatory?

A: For Australia’s spouse or partner visas, no interview is called, but the DHA is increasing the use of “spot-check” interviews in 2026 to combat fraud. Be prepared to answer questions about your partner’s family, daily habits, and future plans.

Q: How to apply spouse visa application from Bangladesh?

A: If you are a Bangladeshi citizen and got married to an Australian PR or citizen then you can get ready for visa subclass 309. Australian spouse visa application requires extensive documentations to prove that your marriage is genuine and ongoing. To avoid risks, you might consider contacting a spouse visa expert in Bangladesh who would guide you better.