Planning to Join Your Partner in Australia?

If you are planning to join your spouse or partner in Australia, the Australia spouse visa is the right option. It is designed for couples where one partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. For many applicants from Bangladesh and other countries, this visa offers a great opportunity to live together with their partner and begin a new chapter of life in Australia.

There are several types of partner visas available, each with different purposes and eligibility conditions. The most common one for offshore applicants is the Subclass 309 visa, which acts as a temporary partner visa. Once you qualify, it eventually leads to the Subclass 100 visa, which grants permanent residency in Australia.

Australia Spouse Visa (Subclass 309)

The Subclass 309 spouse visa Australia allows married or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia. It is the first stage of a two-step visa process that leads to permanent residency under the Subclass 100 visa.

This visa is suitable for applicants who are currently living outside Australia and want to reunite with their partner who is living in Australia. Once granted, the visa holder can live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa decision.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Australia spouse visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. Below are the key points to check before applying:

• You must be married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• If you are in a de facto relationship, you must show evidence that your relationship has existed for at least 12 months.
• Your relationship must be genuine and continuing.
• You and your partner must both be over 18 years of age.
• You must meet health and character requirements by completing medical checks and police clearances.

Application Process

The partner visa application process is managed online through the Department of Home Affairs. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Gather all required documents, such as identification, marriage certificate, relationship evidence, photos, and communication history.
3. Prepare supporting evidence showing financial, social, and emotional aspects of your relationship.
4. Submit your application online and pay the visa application fee.
5. Provide biometrics and health check reports when requested.
6. Wait for your visa to be processed and respond promptly if the immigration officer asks for any additional documents.

Processing Time

The processing time for the Australia spouse visa (Subclass 309) varies based on the complexity of your case. On average, it takes around 12 to 18 months for the Department of Home Affairs to make a decision. Providing all required documents correctly and on time can help speed up your application process.

Benefits of the Australia Spouse Visa

The spouse visa Australia comes with several benefits that make it one of the most popular visa categories for couples. Here are some of the major advantages:

• You can live, work, and study in Australia while holding the visa.
• You can travel freely to and from Australia during the visa validity period.
• You can include your dependent children in the same visa application.
• It serves as a direct pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 100 visa.
• After obtaining permanent residency, you can later apply for Australian citizenship.

Australia Spouse Visa (Subclass 820 & 100)

The Subclass 820 and 100 partner visas are meant for applicants who are already in Australia. The Subclass 820 is a temporary partner visa, while the Subclass 100 is a permanent partner visa granted later.

• The Subclass 820 visa is applied for onshore, meaning you must be inside Australia at the time of application.
• The Subclass 309 visa is applied for offshore, meaning you must be outside Australia when applying.
• The Subclass 100 visa is the permanent residency visa granted once you satisfy relationship and residency requirements.
• Both Subclass 820 and 309 visas give full work and study rights in Australia.

Other Partner and Family Visa Options

Apart from the main spouse visa Australia categories, there are other related visa options you can consider based on your situation:

• Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa: For fiancés who plan to marry their Australian partner within nine months after arriving in Australia.
• Subclass 500 – Student Visa (Subsequent Entrant): Allows spouses or partners of international students to join them in Australia.
• Dependent Child Visas: Enable dependent children to accompany or join the main visa holder in Australia.

Step-by-Step Summary for Applying

• Identify which visa subclass suits your situation – Subclass 309 (offshore) or Subclass 820 (onshore).
• Gather all relationship documents including photos, communication history, and joint financial records.
• Prepare your identity, police clearance, and health documents.
• Apply online through your ImmiAccount and pay the required visa fee.
• Attend your health examinations and provide biometrics if requested.
• Wait for processing and respond quickly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Once approved, you can travel to or remain in Australia with full visa rights.

Key Benefits of the Partner Visa

• Live, work, and study legally in Australia.
• Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
• Access to healthcare and education facilities in Australia.
• Ability to include dependent children in the same visa application.
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia without restrictions.

Documents Required

To ensure a successful spouse visa Australia application, you must provide the right supporting documents. Missing or incorrect files can cause delays. Here’s a list of commonly required documents:

• Passport copies of both partners
• Marriage certificate or relationship registration
• Photos together as a couple and with family
• Proof of joint bank accounts or financial support
• Communication records such as chats, emails, and call logs
• Police clearance certificates
• Health examination reports
• Statements from friends or family confirming your relationship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to get a spouse visa for Australia?

The average processing time is around 12 to 18 months, depending on the completeness of your documents and the number of applications being processed.

2. Can I work in Australia with a partner visa?

Yes, both Subclass 309 and 820 visas allow you to work and study in Australia without restriction.

3. Can I include my children in my spouse visa application?

Yes, you can include dependent children or stepchildren in your partner visa application if they meet eligibility criteria.

4. What is the difference between Subclass 309 and Subclass 820?

The Subclass 309 visa is for applicants outside Australia (offshore), while the Subclass 820 visa is for applicants already in Australia (onshore).

5. Is the partner visa permanent?

The first stage (Subclass 309 or 820) is temporary, and after a certain period, you may be eligible for the permanent partner visa (Subclass 100 or 801).

6. Can I travel while my spouse visa is being processed?

If you applied offshore (Subclass 309), you can travel after receiving the visa grant. For onshore applicants (Subclass 820), you must check travel conditions attached to your visa.

7. Do I need to take an English test for the spouse visa?

No, there is no English language requirement for the Australia spouse visa.

8. What happens if my relationship ends during processing?

If your relationship breaks down before the visa is granted, your application may be refused unless special circumstances apply, such as domestic violence or shared custody of a child.

Need Help Applying for an Australia Spouse Visa?

Applying for a spouse visa Australia can be complex and time-consuming. Mistakes in documentation or lack of evidence can cause long delays or even refusal. That’s why many applicants choose to take help from professional visa consultants.

Our expert visa consultants can guide you step-by-step — from collecting documents, preparing relationship evidence, and completing forms, to submitting your full application to the Department of Home Affairs. We ensure your application is complete and ready for approval so that you can join your partner in Australia without stress or confusion.