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Australia is a recipient of a high number of visa applications for not just quality education but for building a career abroad 410 as well. Sometimes, students travel to Australia to pursue overseas education, later to build a career or to settle in the country along with their partner or spouse. However, to be accompanied by your spouse, it is mandatory to apply for an Australian spouse visa as a permit for authorised migration. If you are married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a spouse visa. This blog article is compiled with information to guide you through the different Australian spouse visa types and the eligibility you need to know before applying.
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Australia Spouse Visa Types
There are four types of partner or spouse visas in Australia that you can apply for while moving to the country.
Check the visa types mentioned below in detail to know which Australian spouse visa is suitable for you.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is for married or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents. This visa allows you to live and pursue a career in Australia while your application for permanent residency is being processed.
The temporary visa is valid for two years, after which you can apply for permanent residency.
Also Read: Know all About Australia Visa Before Applying
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
This spouse visa type called Prospective Marriage is for couples who are engaged and are to be married and want to live together in Australia.
This visa allows you to enter Australia and stay for up to nine months while you plan your wedding and apply for a Spouse Visa.
Spouse Visa (Subclass 309/100)
Just like the Australian Partner Visa, the Spouse Visa (Subclass 309/100) is also for married or de facto partners of Australian citizens.
Through the approval of this spouse visa, you can reside in Australia till the approval of your application for permanent residency.
Interdependency Visa (Subclass 310/110)
The Interdependency Visa (Subclass 310/110) is for couples who are in a same-sex de facto relationship or have a close personal relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
This visa allows you to live and work in Australia while your application for permanent residency is being processed.
Difference Between the Temporary and Permanent Visas
Even if you apply for Permanent (Subclass 801/100) Partner visas and Temporary (Subclass 820/309) simultaneously you will not receive them at the same time You will have to wait for 2 years after a temporary visa has been granted.
The Department of Home Affairs will notify you that the permanent visa application is in process after this time. You will have to pay a permanent visa application fee and submit any additional documents requested to receive your permanent visa.
Note: the 2-year waiting period is not applicable if you have been in a relationship longer than 3 years.
Also Read: Dependent Visa Australia: Types & How to Apply
Australia Spouse Visa Eligibility
Once you have understood the difference between Australian spouse visa types, make sure to check the eligibility criteria tabulated below before moving forward with the application process.
| Type of Spouse Visa | Eligibility Criteria |
| Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) | You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner and meet certain health and character requirements. You must also provide evidence that you have lived together for at least 12 months before applying. |
| Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) | You must be engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident, meet certain medical and character requirements, and provide evidence that you intend to marry within the visa validity period. |
| Spouse Visa (Subclass 309/100) | To be eligible for this visa, you must be in an ongoing relationship with your partner and meet other qualifications and medical guidelines. |
| Interdependency Visa (Subclass 310/110) | You must provide evidence that you have been in a genuine relationship with your partner for at least 12 months before applying. |
Documents Checklist for Application
You must submit the list of your spouse’s documentation, which is provided below, to apply for an Australia Spouse Visa.
- Valid Passport (all 36 pages – notarized Copy – including visa application)
- Old passport
- Resume / CV
- Aadhar Card, Pan Card
- Overseas health coverage of a couple
- Digital photographs (35*45 with 80% face reading and light background)
- Appointment Letter /Work experience letter / Salary slips- 6 months/Salary credit bank statement
- Marriage Certificate
- All-Academic Documents (10th/12th/Diploma/ Bachelor/ Master – ALL mark sheets /Transcript / Degree certificate)
- Applicant’s family’s ID proof
- Affidavit of marriage of supporters – Applicant’s mother & father
- Marriage photos, WhatsApp chats, Marriage Invitation Cards, Marriage function bills
- HOR of both husband & wife
Australia Spouse Visa Sponsorship Conditions
There are certain sponsorship conditions that your spouse must meet to sponsor you. These are as follows:
- Your partner is not allowed to sponsor more than 2 partners.
- If your partner has already sponsored someone within the last 5 years, they are not eligible to sponsor you
- If your partner was a person who was sponsored by someone else within the last 5 years, they are not allowed to sponsor you. That is if they have received their permanent partner visa. In such circumstances, they have to wait for 5 years before they sponsor you.
Proof of Genuine Relationship
To obtain a spouse visa, you must provide proof of a genuine relationship. Proof of a genuine relationship can be a utility bill addressed to you both, a joint bank account statement, etc.
Aside from submitting these documents, two people who know you as a couple must complete a form. The form is to prove that you are in a relationship. This form only needs to be filled out for a permanent visa.
The essential documents required for the visa as proof of genuine relationship will be given Immi Account- where the visa application is submitted. The documentation requirements can vary depending on the circumstances of the applicant.
Can You Become an Australian Citizen By Marriage?
It is possible to become an Australian citizen by Marriage. After you have received the Permanent Partner Visa a request for citizenship can be submitted. However, this request can be submitted only after 4 years of marriage. You must also meet other requirements such as:
- Must not have been outside Australia (longer than 90 days) in 12 months before applying for citizenship
- You must also not have left Australia longer than 12 months 4 months before the citizenship application.
- Moreover, you must have a basic understanding of English, the Australian culture, and the way of life.
To learn more about Australia partner visas, watch this video:
Partner Visa Australia Cost
The cost of an Australian partner visa depends on the type of the partner visa. The visa fees are provided below:
| Visa Name | Fees |
| Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa | From AUD9,095.00 |
| Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa | From AUD9,095.00 |
| Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) visa | Not applicable |
| Subclass 820 Partner visa (temporary) | From AUD9,095.00 |
| Subclass 801 Partner visa (Permanent) | Not applicable |
How Long is the Spouse Visa in Australia?
The partner visa validity period depends on the visa type.
| Visa Name | Validity |
| Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa | 9 to 15 months from the date of grant of visa. |
| Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa | Temporarily. That is, till the permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) application is finalised |
| Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) visa | Permanently. |
| Subclass 820 Partner visa (temporary) | Temporarily. That is, till the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) application is finalised |
| Subclass 801 Partner visa (Permanent) | Permanently. |
FAQs
A spouse visa is known as a green card allowing you to accompany your spouse or partner to another country.
There are three types of spouse visas in Australia namely, Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801), Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100), and Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300).
Subclass 820 and 801 are the most frequently used Australia partner visas. Other than these two, subclass 309 and 100 are also some of the highly popular Australian spouse visa types.
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To avoid any last-minute delays and get guidance on how to proceed with the student visa application process, speak to Leverage Edu’s experts today.
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