Australian Spouse Visa Step-by-Step Guide
The Australian Spouse Visa or Partner Visa
Long-distance relationships aren’t particularly convenient to begin with, and if marriage or commitment involves crossing borders overseas, immigration laws can be considered the most significant deterrent.
Fortunately, Australia has a special visa process that permits Australian nationals, permanent citizens, and qualified New Zealand citizens to bring their partners in—the Australian Spouse Visa or Partner Visa.
This handbook outlines everything you need to know, including eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, fees, benefits, and how this visa can potentially lead to permanent Australian residency.
What is a Spouse Visa in Australia?
Australian Spouse Visa (Partner Visa) is reserved for married or de facto partners of qualified Australian sponsors. It has two phases:
- Temporary Partner Visa - Subclass 309 (applied overseas) or 820 (applied in Australia)
- Permanent Partner Visa - Subclass 100 (offshore) or 801 (onshore)
They will first receive a provisional visa, and after about two years, if the relationship is still genuine and ongoing, then they can qualify to be permanent residents.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be eligible for a Spouse Visa in these respects:
- Be lawfully married to, or be in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Evidence of an actual and existing relationship
- Be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Respect Personal and Health Needs
- Be formally sponsored by their partner
Pros of the Australian Spouse Visa
Besides finding your spouse, this particular visa has several plus sides:
- Right to reside, work, and study in Australia
- Eligibility for Medicare upon the grant of permanent residency
- The right to include dependent children in the application
- A direct pathway to Australian PR and nationality
- No travel restrictions going in or out of Australia
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Ensure that your relationship and your sponsor qualify. Most applicants will also research long-term immigration options via programs like the Australia PR Points Calculator if they plan to permanently reside in Australia.
Step 2: Secure Needed Documents
Accurate records lead to a qualified application. Required records include:
- Valid passport and birth certificate
- Evidence of a marriage certificate or a de facto relationship
- Evidence of common life (joint leases or rents, bank accounts, utility bills)
- All police clearance certificates from all locations for residents have been for 12 months
- Reports on tests
- Your application is stronger if you can provide wider evidence.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications are made on the Australian Immigration Portal. You will need to:
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay an application fee for a visa (now approximately AUD 8,850)
- If staying within Australia, a Bridging Visa can be given to legally stay while a decision awaits
Step 4: Waiting for Processing
Processing time depends on where it’s submitted and how difficult or easy a case is. Average:
- Temporary visa: 12–15 months
- Permanent visa: About 24 months thereafter on initial application
Step 5: Issuing of a Visa and Subsequent Procedure
Upon approval, the unlimited right to work and reside within Australia is yours. With the passage of time, permanent residency can be sought and eventually naturalization to Australian citizenship, subject to your relationship having endured.
Financial Requirements
Unlike certain nations, Australia does not have a stringent threshold income. Nevertheless, sponsors will need to provide evidence of financial ability to maintain their partner. Such evidence can be:
- Employment contracts and pay slips
- Tax return statements
- Signed letter of intent to be provided to the applicant
Typical Causes of Refusal of a Visa
- Incomplete or inconsistent records
- Absence of proof of a substantive relationship
- Failure to pass character or health tests
- Using old-fashioned police vetting or application forms
Dealing with a qualified immigration consultant can prevent such risks.
Way to PERMANENT RESIDENCY and CITIZEN
The visas mentioned above, in combination with your partnership status, gives you a stepping stone to a path of Australian permanent residency and citizenship.
Why Seek Professional Help?
- Verifying your documents and making sure that they are correct and complete
- Building overall relationship proofs and statements
- Keeping up with the policy changes and providing immediate advice
- Creating a PR plan to eventually move to Australia
A reputable immigration consultant makes your application solid, consistent, and prepared for approval.
7. Submitting the Application Without Legal Advice
Expert Advice : Here, a licensed immigration consultant from a proper agency can help you stay updated throughout your Australia PR visa process and guide you professionally through each step of the process. This can increase your chances of grabbing the Australian PR sooner.
Final Thoughts
If both you and your beloved can’t wait to begin your new life in Australia ahead, prepare your application now and get a step ahead of making your life together.
Important Links
- Demand for Skilled Professionals in Australia
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- Australia Visitor Visa
- Australian States for PR
- Australia's Skilled Occupations List
- Australia Job Shortage List
