Introduction
For couples separated by distance, reuniting in Australia represents a dream worth pursuing. Yet applying for a spouse visa in Australia involves intricate procedures, extensive documentation, and patience through lengthy processing periods. Understanding exactly how to apply for spouse visa in Australia transforms what seems impossibly complex into manageable, achievable steps.
According to recent Australian immigration data, approximately 72,000 partner visas are processed annually, with 89% of applications ultimately approved when applications meet all requirements (Western Overseas Australian Spouse Visa). This comprehensive guide details the complete process of how to apply for spouse visa in Australia, covering eligibility criteria, required documentation, step-by-step application procedures, processing timelines, and strategic tips ensuring your successful reunification with your Australian partner.
Understanding Spouse Visa Types in Australia
Before learning how to apply for spouse visa in Australia, understand available visa categories:
| Visa Type | Subclass | Purpose | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Partner Visa | 820 | Temporary residence while permanent visa decided | 2 years | In Australia |
| Permanent Partner Visa | 801 | Permanent residence after 2 years | Indefinite | After temporary visa |
| Provisional Partner Visa | 309 | Temporary overseas partner visa | 2-3 years | Outside Australia |
| Permanent Partner Visa | 100 | Permanent residence after provisional visa | Indefinite | After provisional visa |
| Prospective Marriage Visa | 300 | Entry to marry Australian partner | 9 months | Outside Australia |
| De Facto Partner Visa | 820/801 | Recognition of de facto relationships | Same as spouse visas | In Australia |
Key Distinction for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- In Australia (Subclass 820/801): Apply while already in Australia on another visa
- Outside Australia (Subclass 309/100): Apply from overseas
Eligibility Requirements for How to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia
Before proceeding with how to apply for spouse visa in Australia, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria:
Relationship Status Requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Legally married under Australian law (including foreign marriages recognized in Australia) |
| Marriage Duration | Married for minimum 12 months (some exceptions for genuine relationships) |
| Genuine Relationship | Prove relationship is genuine and continuing (not arranged for visa purposes) |
| Mutual Commitment | Evidence of commitment to shared life excluding all others |
| De Facto Option | Alternatively, in de facto relationship 12+ months (or registered under state law) |
Partner Sponsor Requirements for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Over 18 years old
- Able to demonstrate financial capacity to support applicant
- Not previously sponsored another partner (within last 5 years, in many cases)
- Pass health and character requirements
- Provide statutory declarations from friends/family confirming relationship
Applicant Requirements for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Over 18 years old
- Meet health requirements (medical examination)
- Meet character requirements (police clearance, Form 80)
- Provide extensive relationship evidence
- Outside Australia at time of application (if applying for Subclass 309/100)
(Global Migration Solutions Partner Visa Guide)
Complete Document Checklist: How to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia
Critical for successful application when you apply for spouse visa in Australia:
Identity Documents:
- Current passport (personal details page photocopy)
- Birth certificate (certified copy)
- Marriage certificate (certified copy)
- Divorce decrees/death certificates of previous partners (if applicable)
- Proof of name changes (if any)
- National ID card (if applicable)
Relationship Evidence (Essential for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia):
- Marriage certificate (certified)
- Joint lease or mortgage documents
- Joint bank account statements (6-12 months)
- Combined household bills (electricity, water, internet – both names)
- Joint credit card statements
- Wedding photos and videos
- Travel documents showing joint trips
- Correspondence (emails, messages, letters)
- Evidence of joint social activities
- Form 888 (statutory declarations from friends/family – minimum 2)
- Written statement explaining relationship history
Character Documents (Essential for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia):
- Police clearance certificates (all countries lived in 10+ years, for applicants 16+)
- Form 80 (personal particulars for character assessment)
- Military service records (if applicable)
- Court/criminal record documents (if applicable)
Health Documents:
- Medical examination report (from panel physician only)
- Health examination form completed by approved doctor
- Chest X-ray results (if required)
Sponsor Documents (Partner’s requirements for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia):
- Birth certificate (certified)
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Form 40SP (sponsorship application)
- Character documents (police certificate)
- Statutory declaration confirming relationship details
Financial Documents:
- Bank statements showing joint finances
- Proof of income (employment contracts, payslips, tax returns)
- Property ownership documents
- Joint loan documents
(Visa Envoy Partner Visa Requirements)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia
The Complete Process to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia:
STAGE 1: TEMPORARY PARTNER VISA (Subclass 820) – IN AUSTRALIA
Step 1: Verify You Can Apply (Critical Before Applying for Spouse Visa in Australia):
Before proceeding to apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Confirm you’re in Australia on valid visa
- Verify partner is Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
- Meet all eligibility criteria above
- Have adequate documentation collected
Step 2: Create ImmiAccount (First Step to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia):
To apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Click “Create account” if first-time user
- Enter email, create password
- Verify email address
- Complete personal details
- Receive ImmiAccount access
Step 3: Prepare Relationship Documentation (Essential for Applying for Spouse Visa in Australia):
Gather all relationship evidence listed above. Critical documents for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Marriage certificate
- Joint financial statements (6-12 months)
- Household bills
- Photographs together
- Communications
- Form 888s from friends/family (minimum 2)
Step 4: Arrange Health Examination
To apply for spouse visa in Australia, you must schedule medical examination with panel physician BEFORE or AFTER submission:
- Find approved panel physician on Department website
- Schedule appointment
- Pay examination fee (approximately AUD $350-500)
- Doctor reports results directly to immigration
Step 5: Obtain Character Documents
To apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Police clearance certificates from all countries lived 10+ years
- Complete Form 80 (personal particulars)
- Allow 4-6 weeks for police clearances
Step 6: Complete Application Form (Form 47SP)
To apply for spouse visa in Australia via ImmiAccount:
- Login to ImmiAccount
- Select “New Application”
- Choose “Family” stream
- Select “Stage 1 – Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)”
- Complete all application sections:
- Personal details
- Relationship history
- Employment and financial information
- Previous relationships
- Character assessment
- Health details
- Upload all supporting documents
- Review for accuracy (critical!)
Important Note for how to apply for spouse visa in Australia: Incomplete or inaccurate information causes delays or refusals.
Step 7: Sponsor Completes Form 40SP
Your partner (sponsor) must simultaneously:
- Login to their ImmiAccount
- Complete Form 40SP (sponsorship form)
- Provide their details confirming:
- Citizenship/residency status
- Character documents
- Financial capacity
- Relationship details
- Provide transaction reference from your application
Step 8: Pay Application Fee
When you apply for spouse visa in Australia for Subclass 820:
- Visa fee: approximately AUD $8,850-10,000 (increases annually)
- Payment methods: credit card (Visa, Mastercard), direct debit
- Fee non-refundable if visa refused
- Submit payment through ImmiAccount
Step 9: Submit Application
To apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Final review of all information and documents
- Confirm you meet all requirements
- Click “Submit Application”
- Receive confirmation and transaction reference number
- Save reference number for tracking
Step 10: Await Decision (Processing for Spouse Visa in Australia):
After you apply for spouse visa in Australia:
- Processing time: 12-18 months typical (varies)
- Check status via ImmiAccount regularly
- Respond immediately to requests for additional information
- Immigration may request health/police re-checks
- Bridging Visa A usually granted (allows you to stay and work while processing)
STAGE 2: PERMANENT PARTNER VISA (Subclass 801) – AFTER 2 YEARS
Once you hold Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) for minimum 2 years, proceed to how to apply for spouse visa in Australia permanently:
Step 1: Prepare Stage 2 Documents
To apply for spouse visa in Australia permanently:
- Current passport details
- Updated character documents (police certificates if moved countries)
- Relationship evidence (continued to present)
- Financial documentation
- Health examination (if required)
- Any dependent children documents
Step 2: Lodge Stage 2 Application
To apply for spouse visa in Australia permanently:
- Login to ImmiAccount
- Select “New Application”
- Choose “Family” stream
- Select “Stage 2 – Permanent Partner Visa Assessment (Subclass 801)”
- Complete application
- No additional fee charged for Subclass 801
- Attach supporting documents
- Submit application
Important: Cannot apply before 2-year minimum period; applications submitted early will be rejected.
Step 3: Await Final Decision
Processing time for Subclass 801: 12-24 months additional
- Continue meeting relationship requirements
- Notify immigration of any changes
- Maintain character standards
Step 4: Receive Permanent Visa
Upon approval of how to apply for spouse visa in Australia for Subclass 801:
- Receive permanent visa grant letter
- Gain indefinite residence in Australia
- Eligible to apply for citizenship (after 3-4 years PR)
- Work and study unrestricted
- Access Medicare (public healthcare)
- Sponsor family members
(Kansaz Australia Partner Visa 2025)
Alternative: How to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia from Outside Australia
For applicants overseas who want to apply for spouse visa in Australia:
Subclass 309/100 Process (Overseas Partner Visa):
- Subclass 309: Temporary visa (2-3 years) while permanent visa decided
- Subclass 100: Permanent visa (requires 2-year minimum on 309)
- Application submitted from outside Australia
- Process same as 820/801 but from overseas
- Processing time: 14-24+ months
Key Requirement: Applicant must be outside Australia at time of application for 309/100 pathway.
Processing Times and Expected Timeline
Standard Processing Periods for how to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia:
| Stage | Visa | Typical Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Temporary Partner (820) | 12-18 months |
| Stage 2 | Permanent Partner (801) | 12-24 months |
| Overseas | Provisional Partner (309) | 14-24+ months |
| Overseas Permanent | Partner (100) | 12-24 months |
| Prospective Marriage | Fiancé (300) | 14-24 months |
Factors Affecting Timeline for how to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia:
- Completeness of documentation
- Workload at immigration department
- Complexity of case
- Need for additional checks/investigations
- Responsiveness to information requests
Critical Tips for Success When You Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia
1. Document Everything: Extensive relationship evidence distinguishes successful from rejected applications when you apply for spouse visa in Australia. More evidence = higher confidence for immigration officers.
2. Accuracy is Essential: Every detail matters. Inconsistencies between forms, documents, or statements raise credibility questions that may result in refusal.
3. Seek Professional Help: Migration lawyers or registered migration agents can significantly improve your success rate when you apply for spouse visa in Australia. Cost typically AUD $2,000-4,000 but protects your investment in visa fees.
4. Respond Immediately: Immigration requests for additional information have tight deadlines (usually 14-28 days). Missing deadlines results in refusal when you apply for spouse visa in Australia.
5. Maintain Genuine Relationship: Continue demonstrating genuine relationship throughout processing. Immigration may request updated evidence showing relationship continues.
6. Plan Financially: Include visa fees, medical expenses, police certificates, and legal costs in budget when you apply for spouse visa in Australia. Total cost typically AUD $12,000-15,000+.
Conclusion: Successfully Navigating How to Apply for Spouse Visa in Australia
Successfully completing the process of how to apply for spouse visa in Australia requires patience, organization, thorough documentation, and strategic planning. While the process spans 24-42 months from initial application through permanent visa grant, the reunion with your spouse in Australia makes the investment worthwhile.
By understanding each stage, gathering comprehensive documentation, meeting all eligibility criteria, and responding promptly to any requests, you maximize your chances of successfully completing how to apply for spouse visa in Australia.
Ready to reunite with your Australian partner? Ausizz Migration Consultants provides comprehensive guidance through the complete spouse visa process—from initial eligibility assessment through final permanent visa approval. Our team of migration experts ensures your application is thoroughly prepared, accurately submitted, and strategically managed for maximum success.
Begin your spouse visa journey: Ausizz Migration Consultants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much does it cost to apply for spouse visa in Australia?
A1: Temporary Partner Visa (820): approximately AUD $8,850-10,000. Permanent Partner Visa (801): no additional fee. Additional costs: medical exam (AUD $350-500), police certificates (AUD $50-100), translation services (AUD $50+/page). Total: approximately AUD $10,000-12,000+.
Q2: Can I apply for spouse visa in Australia if I’m not married yet?
A2: Yes, through Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) if you plan to marry within 9 months. Alternatively, de facto relationships of 12+ months qualify for partner visas.
Q3: How long does it take to apply for spouse visa in Australia?
A3: Temporary Partner Visa: 12-18 months. Permanent Partner Visa (after 2 years): additional 12-24 months. Total journey: typically 24-42 months.
Q4: What if my spouse visa application is refused?
A4: You can appeal to Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 21-28 days of refusal. Consider legal representation as appeals have strict procedures. Alternatively, address identified issues and reapply.
Q5: Can I sponsor multiple partners when I apply for spouse visa in Australia?
A5: No. Sponsors can only sponsor one partner during a defined period. If previously sponsored, waiting periods typically apply before sponsoring another partner.
