Types of Spouse Visas in Australia 

Australia is a recipient of a high number of visa applications for not just quality education but for building a career abroad 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. 

Must Read: How to Apply for Australia Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

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.

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.

Must Read: A Guide on Skilled Regional Visa – Australia

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.

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

Also Read: Study in Australia: Comprehensive 2023 Guide

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.

FAQs

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. Our visa experts will not only help you to understand the country-specific visa requirements but also prepare you for the Visa interview. All you have to do is book a 30-minute free counselling session at our toll-free number 1800-572-000 or by email at [email protected].