For many Indians, the dream of an Australian life begins with love. Whether you met your partner while studying in Melbourne, through a traditional arranged match, or after years of long-distance dating, bringing your spouse to Australia is a priority.
However, the Partner Visa Australia Requirements for Indian applicants is distinct. With high scrutiny on “arranged” marriages, specific document requirements (like Indian Police Clearances and Marriage Registration), and strict evidence thresholds, a generic guide isn’t enough.
This step-by-step guide covers the Australia Partner Visa requirements for Indian citizens in 2025, ensuring your application is “decision-ready” for the Department of Home Affairs.
1. Which Partner Visa Should You Apply For?
For most Indian applicants, the choice depends on where you are currently living.
A. Subclass 309/100 (Offshore) – Most Common for Indians
- Best For: Applicants living in India (or outside Australia).
- Process: You apply from India and must be outside Australia when the temporary visa (309) is granted.
- Current Reality: This is the standard route if you got married in India and your partner returned to Australia.
B. Subclass 820/801 (Onshore)
- Best For: Applicants already in Australia on a valid visa (like a Student or Visitor Visa).
- Process: You apply while in Australia and receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to stay and work while it processes.
- Crucial Check: Ensure your current visa does not have a “No Further Stay” (8503) condition.
C. Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage Visa)
- Best For: Fiancés living in India who want to travel to Australia to get married.
- Time Limit: You must marry within 9–15 months of arriving.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
For the Sponsor (The Australian Partner)
- Must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen.
- Must be over 18 years old.
- Character Check: Must provide Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks and consent to share any convictions for domestic violence or child-related offenses.
For the Applicant (The Indian Partner)
- Valid Passport: Must hold a valid Indian passport.
- Relationship Status: You must be legally married or in a De Facto relationship for at least 12 months.
- Health Check: Must pass a medical examination (Chest X-ray and HIV test are mandatory; TB screening is strict for Indian applicants).
- Character Check: Must provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in India.
3. The “4 Pillars” of Evidence: Indian Context
The Department assesses your relationship against four “pillars.” Here is how Indian applicants can satisfy them:
Pillar 1: Financial Aspects
- Joint Bank Accounts: Even if living apart, open a joint account (e.g., in SBI, HDFC, or an Australian bank) and transfer money regularly.
- Money Transfers: Keep receipts of all Remitly/Western Union transfers sent to India for wedding expenses or family support.
- Beneficiaries: List each other as nominees on EPF (Provident Fund), Life Insurance policies, or Superannuation.
Pillar 2: Nature of the Household
- Living Arrangements: If you lived together in India, provide a rental agreement with both names. If living with in-laws (common in India), get a statutory declaration from parents confirming your residence.
- Communication: If living apart, provide WhatsApp chat logs, video call screenshots (FaceTime/Zoom), and itemized phone bills showing daily contact.
Pillar 3: Social Context (Crucial for Arranged Marriages)
- Wedding Photos: Provide photos of key ceremonies (Mehendi, Sangeet, Pheras) showing family attendance.
- Joint Invitations: Wedding cards addressed to both of you, or invitations to other family weddings.
- Travel: Boarding passes and hotel bookings from your honeymoon or trips taken together in India or abroad.
Pillar 4: Nature of Commitment
- Statement of Relationship: A detailed written statement (Statutory Declaration) from both partners explaining:
- How you met (e.g., Shaadi.com, family introduction, university).
- Development of the relationship.
- Future plans (buying a house in Sydney, having children).
4. Document Checklist for Indian Applicants
Missed documents cause delays. Use this checklist:
Identity & Personal
- Valid Indian Passport (Bio pages).
- Birth Certificate (or 10th Class Marksheet if DOB is verified).
- National ID (Aadhar Card / PAN Card).
- Passport-sized photos (45mm x 35mm).
Relationship
- Marriage Certificate: Must be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act. (Religious certificates like Nikah Nama or Gurudwara certificates alone are not sufficient; they must be registered).
- Form 888s: Two statutory declarations from Australian citizens/PRs who know you as a couple.
- Photos: A curated PDF of 15–20 photos with captions/dates.
Character & Health
- Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Issued by the Passport Office (PSK), not the local police station.
- AFP Check: For the sponsor (and applicant if they ever lived in Aus).
- Health Assessment (HAP ID): To be done at authorized panel clinics (e.g., Max Healthcare, Sadhu Vaswani Mission).
5. Cost of Partner Visa (2025 Rates)
The fees are high and non-refundable.
| Expense Category | Cost (AUD) | Cost (INR Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | $9,365 | ₹5,15,000 |
| Medical Exam | ~$400 | ~₹22,000 |
| Police Checks (India/Aus) | ~$100 | ~₹5,500 |
| Biometrics | ~$50 | ~₹2,800 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$10,000 | ~₹5.5 Lakhs+ |
Note: Exchange rates fluctuate. Always budget extra.
6. Processing Time for Indian Applicants
India is considered a “high-risk” country by immigration standards due to document fraud concerns, which can lead to stricter verification.
- Subclass 309 (Offshore): 12 – 24 months.
- Subclass 820 (Onshore): 9 – 15 months.
Why the delay?
Case officers frequently call Indian applicants for phone interviews to verify relationship details (e.g., “What is your mother-in-law’s name?”, “When is your partner’s birthday?”).
7. Common Refusal Reasons for Indians
- Unregistered Marriage: Relying only on religious wedding photos without a legal Marriage Certificate.
- “Arranged” Marriage Gaps: Applying immediately after a wedding with zero history of courtship or communication prior to the event.
Tip: If arranged, show evidence of the engagement period, family chats, and “getting to know” phase. - Inconsistent Answers: Failing the phone interview because partners gave different answers about their lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get married in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
A: Yes, you can marry in Australia. However, applying for a Partner Visa (820) immediately after arriving on a Visitor Visa can be risky if your visitor visa has a “No Further Stay” (8503) condition. Check your visa grant letter carefully.
Q: Is the Nikah Nama accepted?
A: The Nikah Nama is evidence of the ceremony, but for Australian immigration, you must register the marriage with the Registrar of Marriages in India and provide the official government certificate.
Q: Can I bring my parents with me?
A: No. You cannot include parents in a Partner Visa application. They must apply for a separate Parent Visa or Visitor Visa.
Q: Do I need an agent?
A: It is not mandatory, but highly recommended for Indian applicants, especially if there are complexities like prior refusals, health issues, or limited relationship evidence.
Make Your Reunion a Reality
Navigating the Australian Partner Visa requirements from India requires precision. A single missing document or vague answer during an interview can lead to a refusal.
Don’t Risk Your Future Together.
At Ausizz Migration Consultants, we have successfully guided thousands of Indian couples through the partner visa process. We help you compile a “decision-ready” application that proves your love is genuine.
Get a Free Partner Visa Assessment Today!
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
