Migrating to Australia through a spouse visa is one of the most significant and emotionally rewarding decisions couples can make. The Australian government offers generous pathways for family reunification, especially for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This route not only supports personal and emotional well-being but also ensures long-term social integration for couples who wish to build a life together in Australia.
The spouse visa – formally called the Partner Visa – is more than just a visa; it is a structured gateway to long-term settlement. It is designed for individuals who are either legally married or in a de facto relationship with their partner in Australia. This visa can ultimately lead to permanent residency and, later on, Australian citizenship.
The partner visa program has two main stages: the temporary visa, which allows the partner to stay and work in Australia while the relationship is assessed over time, and the permanent visa, which provides unrestricted rights to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.
This type of visa is increasingly relevant in today’s global landscape, where international marriages and partnerships are more common than ever. Whether it’s through a long-distance relationship, an overseas marriage, or a committed same-sex partnership, the Australian spouse visa provides a legitimate and compassionate path for loved ones to be together.
However, it is a rigorous process. Applicants must provide extensive documentation to prove the genuineness of the relationship. Financial, social, and emotional aspects are evaluated, and there are strict eligibility rules in place to ensure the integrity of the immigration system. The process can take time, money, and effort – but the results are life-changing.
What is the Australia Spouse (Partner) Visa?
The Australia Spouse Visa, also known as the Partner Visa, enables the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor to enter and live in Australia. The visa is granted in two stages:
| Visa Type | Description |
| Subclass 820 | Temporary Partner Visa – for onshore applicants (already in Australia). |
| Subclass 801 | Permanent Partner Visa – granted two years after Subclass 820 if eligible. |
| Subclass 309 | Temporary Partner Visa – for offshore applicants (outside Australia). |
| Subclass 100 | Permanent Partner Visa – granted two years after Subclass 309 if eligible. |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a spouse visa in Australia, both the applicant and sponsor must meet specific eligibility requirements:
For the Applicant:
- Must be either legally married or in a de facto relationship with the sponsor.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.
For the Sponsor:
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must not have sponsored another partner in the last 5 years (with some exceptions).
- Must not have a history of domestic violence or certain criminal offenses.
GTE Requirement (Genuine Temporary Entrant)
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement does not directly apply to partner visas like it does for student or visitor visas. However, the genuineness of the relationship is heavily scrutinized, and similar principles apply:
Proving the Relationship Is Genuine and Continuing:
- Financial aspects: Joint accounts, shared expenses, mutual financial support.
- Social aspects: Public acknowledgment of the relationship, photos, social media posts, joint invitations.
- Household aspects: Living together, sharing household duties.
- Commitment: Long-term plans, communication while apart, emotional support.
SEE ALSO: Australia Study Visa for Immigrants – Visa Sponsorship in Australia
Types of Partner Visa Australia
| Visa Type | Applicant’s Location | Validity | Pathway to PR |
| Subclass 820 | Onshore | Temporary | Leads to 801 |
| Subclass 801 | Onshore | Permanent | Yes |
| Subclass 309 | Offshore | Temporary | Leads to 100 |
| Subclass 100 | Offshore | Permanent | Yes |
How to Apply
The application process can be lengthy but manageable with the right guidance and documentation.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Prepare Documents
- Identity documents (passports, birth certificates).
- Marriage or relationship certificates.
- Proof of living together, financial sharing, communication records.
- Submit Application
- Apply online via the ImmiAccount portal.
- Submit both temporary and permanent visa forms together.
- Pay Visa Fee
- See cost section below for detailed fees.
- Provide Biometrics & Health Checks
- Undergo medical examination.
- Police clearance from every country lived in for 12+ months.
- Wait for Processing
- Temporary visa may take 15–28 months.
- Permanent visa assessed around 2 years after temporary visa grant.
- Final Decision
- If successful, the visa will be granted.
- You’ll receive notification through ImmiAccount.
Cost of the Australia Spouse Visa
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
| Main Visa Application | $8,850 (as of 2024) |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | $4,430 |
| Additional Applicant (<18) | $2,215 |
| Medical Examination | $300 – $500 |
| Police Clearance Certificates | $50 – $150 (varies by country) |
Benefits of the Spouse Visa
- Live and Work in Australia: Temporary visa holders can work and study.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After two years.
- Access to Medicare: Once temporary visa is granted.
- Family Sponsorship: Eligible to sponsor dependent children.
- Eligibility for Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements.
Supporting Documents Checklist
| Category | Examples |
| Identity | Passports, birth certificates |
| Relationship Proof | Marriage certificate, joint bank account, lease agreement |
| Financial Evidence | Bills in both names, shared expenses |
| Social Evidence | Photos together, invitations, messages, travel history |
| Character | Police checks, statutory declarations |
| Health | Medical examination certificate |
What to Expect
1. Emotional Rollercoaster
The process can be emotionally taxing. Couples are required to dig deep into their private lives to prove their relationship. Maintaining patience and emotional balance is crucial.
2. Delays and Backlogs
Depending on the volume of applications and your country of origin, the processing times can be long. Some cases take over 24 months.
3. Ongoing Relationship Monitoring
Even after getting the temporary visa, you need to maintain a solid record of the relationship. Immigration may reassess the case during the permanent visa stage.
4. Random Interviews
You may be called for an interview to verify your relationship. Be honest and transparent.
5. Cultural Adjustments
Moving to Australia involves adapting to a new lifestyle. It’s best to engage with community networks and social groups for support.
6. Financial Strain
The process can be expensive. Couples must plan finances well in advance. There are no refunds if your visa is denied.
7. Legal Consultation (Optional but Helpful)
Consider using a registered migration agent. They understand the legalities and can guide you effectively.
Summary Table
| Section | Key Details |
| Visa Name | Australia Spouse (Partner) Visa |
| Main Types | Subclass 820/801 (onshore), Subclass 309/100 (offshore) |
| Cost | $8,850 for main applicant |
| Application Mode | Online via ImmiAccount |
| Eligibility | Married/de facto, over 18, genuine relationship |
| Processing Time | 15 to 28 months for temporary, 2 years later for permanent |
| Benefits | Live, work, study, Medicare, family sponsorship, pathway to citizenship |
| Documentation Required | Identity, financial, social, character, health, relationship proof |
| What to Expect | Long wait, emotional toll, cultural adaptation, financial planning needed |
The Australia Spouse Visa program is a beautiful testament to Australia’s belief in the power of family. Though complex and demanding, it is a genuine path to not only reunite couples but also give them a chance to build a thriving life together in a stable, multicultural society.
If you are prepared, honest, and committed to your relationship, this journey—while long—can be incredibly fulfilling. Every document you submit, every form you fill, brings you closer to a shared life in one of the world’s most welcoming nations.
