As an Indian citizen deeply in a committed relationship with an Australian permanent resident or Aussie citizen, the Australia Spouse visa offers a fantastic opportunity to permanently settle down together in Australia. Visa enables partners to reunite and ultimately apply for permanent residency later.
In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about the requirements for the Australia Spouse visa, the Australia Spouse visa documents checklist, fees, and Australia Spouse visa processing time.
What Is the Australia Spouse Visa?
Spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen can live in Australia with a Partner visa, commonly known as the Australia Spouse visa.
This visa process is typically done in two stages:
✅ 1. Subclass 309 – Provisional (Temporary) Partner Visa
Obtaining a spouse visa starts with this crucial initial step, somehow in a rather lengthy bureaucratic process. Subclass 309 allows applicants remaining in Australia whilst applying for a permanent partner visa, quite provisionally, yet it seems. An application for this visa can be made if you're presently outside Australia.
✅ 2. Subclass 100 – Permanent Partner Visa
Applicants become eligible for a permanent Subclass 100 visa roughly two years after sustaining a true relationship under a temporary visa. Subclass 100 visa grants permanent residence, entitling holders to work freely in Australia and access healthcare, leading eventually towards Australian citizenship.
Australia Spouse Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a spouse visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria. Below is a simplified breakdown of the main Australia spouse visa requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Genuine Relationship | You must be legally married or in a de facto relationship with your partner. |
| Living Together | De facto couples should have lived together for at least 12 months. |
| Age | Both partners must be at least 18 years old. |
| Financial Support | You should be able to financially support yourself and any dependents. |
| Health Criteria | Medical checks are required for all applicants. |
| Character Requirements | Police clearance certificates may be necessary. |
| Children’s Welfare | A visa may be refused if it's not in the child’s best interest. |
Australia Spouse Visa Documents Checklist
Providing complete and accurate documentation is critical. Here's the general Australia spouse visa documents checklist for your reference:
For the Applicant:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Health examination results
- Police clearance certificates
- Relationship evidence (photos, chat history, shared bills)
For the Sponsor:
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Statutory declaration about the relationship
- Financial and employment details
- Identity proof (passport, driver's license)
Relationship Evidence:
- Joint bank accounts
- Lease or property documents with both names
- Travel tickets and photos together
- Invitations addressed to both of you
- Social media evidence or communication logs
Ensuring these documents are well-organized and genuine increases the likelihood of a smoother process.
Australia Spouse Visa Fees
The Australia spouse visa fees vary based on whether dependents are included and your application type. As of 2024, the fee structure is:
| Category | Fees (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $8,850 (approx.) |
| Additional applicant (18+) | $4,430 (approx.) |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | $2,215 (approx.) |
Note: Currency rates change, so always check the official Australian Home Affairs website for the most current fees.
Australia Spouse Visa Processing time
The Australia spouse visa processing time can differ depending on the volume of applications, the completeness of your submission, and whether additional checks are needed.
As of 2024, here’s the average timeline:
| Percentage of Applications Processed | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 25% | 6 months |
| 50% | 7 months |
| 75% | 9 months |
| 90% | 11 months |
Keep in mind, delays can occur due to missing documents, incorrect information, or background verification issues.
Frеquеntly Askеd Quеstions (FAQs)
Yes, once your Subclass 309 (temporary visa) is granted, you have full work rights in Australia.
Yes, you can include dependent children in your application. Additional documents and fees will apply.
No. You can also apply if you are in a de facto relationship, provided you’ve lived together for at least 12 months.
The visa may be cancelled if the relationship ends before the Subclass 100 visa is granted, unless there are compelling reasons (e.g., domestic violence).
Yes, Indian applicants must apply for Subclass 309 from outside Australia, and most do so while residing in India.
In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may request an interview to verify your relationship details.
You can stay until the Subclass 100 visa decision is made, which typically takes about two years.
Let us help you bring your family together in Australia. Contact Visa Solutions 4u today for professional support you can trust.
