Among the main routes for immigrants to join their spouses in Australia is the Marriage (Partner) Visa. Getting married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen may qualify you for a partner visa, which allows you to settle in Australia in the future.
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining an Australia Marriage Visa explain the requirements, benefits, and application process.
Step 1: Get to know Australia’s Marriage Visa
Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801) are available to onshore partners, while Subclass 309/100 is available to offshore partners.
- Spouses of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
- De facto relationships can include same-sex couples.
A visa is granted in two stages:
- Temporary visas (subclass 820 or 309) allow you to work and live in Australia while you wait for your permanent visa to be processed.
- Permanent residency visas (subclass 801 or 100) – generally granted after two years if the relationship continues.
Step 2: Determine your eligibility
A sponsor’s eligibility
The sponsors must be:
- The citizen of Australia, the permanent resident of Australia, or the citizen of New Zealand.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Accommodations and financial assistance are available to you.
Eligibility of applicants
The applicant must:
- The sponsor should be either in a de facto relationship for a minimum of 12 months, or legally married to the sponsor.
- Character and health requirements must be met.
- Develop a genuine and long-term relationship.
Step 3: Gather the necessary documents
- Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship.
- Passports and identification documents.
- Maintain a travel diary, make a joint bank account, create a lease agreement, and take photographs together to prove the relationship.
- Provide proof that the sponsor is an Australian citizen or resident.
- Obtaining police clearance certificates.
- A health examination conducted by an approved clinic.
Step 4: Submitting your application
- For more information on how to create an ImmiAccount, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Visas can be applied for online.
- Documents must be uploaded by both the applicant and the sponsor.
- Partner visas are subject to an AUD 8,000 fee (subject to change).
- Once you submit your application, save a copy of the acknowledgment receipt.
Step 5: Wait for processing
- Process time varies, but is usually between 12 and 24 months.
- An interview may be conducted with applicants.
- The assessment may require additional documents.
Step 6: Visa grant for temporary partners
The application will be approved if a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309) is issued. As a result, you can:
- Living, studying, and working in Australia.
- Being able to access Medicare (Australia’s healthcare system).
- Australia is a free travel destination within and outside of the country.
Step 7: Visa issuance to permanent partners
Permanent Partner Visas (Subclass 801/100) require about two years to qualify if the relationship is genuine and ongoing. As a result, it provides:
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- Work and study rights are fully guaranteed.
- An applicant can apply for Australian citizenship after completing residency requirements.
Step 8: Benefits of Australian Marriage Visas
- Living in Australia with your spouse is what you do.
- Studying and working without restriction.
- Access to healthcare and benefits.
- Pathways to citizenship and permanent residency.
- Family sponsorship in the future.
As a final note
Migration to Australia with a partner (Partner Visa) is an affordable and reliable option for migrants. It is possible for couples to achieve permanent residency in Australia once they follow the proper steps, prepare the appropriate documents, and demonstrate a genuine relationship.
