Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New
Zealand citizens may sponsor their partners to stay permanently in
Australia. Partners include:
-
married partners
-
people who are in a ‘de facto’ relationship
-
interdependent partners (including those in
a same-sex relationship).
-
people who intend to get married
[fiancé(e)s]
Eligibility – Married Partners
-
your marriage must be legal under
Australian law
-
you must have an eligible sponsor
-
you must have a genuine and ongoing
relationship with your partner and show a mutual commitment to
living together as husband and wife to the exclusion of all others.
-
you must meet health and character
requirements
Eligibility – De Facto and Interdependent
Partners
-
you and your partner must have been in a de
facto or interdependent relationship for at least 12 months
immediately prior to lodging the application.
-
you must have an eligible sponsor
-
you must have a genuine and ongoing
relationship with your partner and show a mutual commitment to
living together in a relationship akin to marriage to the exclusion
of all others.
-
you must meet health and character
requirements
Eligibility – Fiancé(e)s
-
you must genuinely intend to marry your
fiancé(e)
-
you must have an eligible sponsor
-
you must be of the opposite sex to your
partner
-
you must intend to live with your partner
as husband and wife.
-
you must have met your intended spouse in
person (as adults) and know him or her personally
-
you must meet health and character
requirements
Evidencing Your Relationship
In all cases, both the applicant and the sponsor will be asked provide
evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship and commitment to each
other. Both parties must provide a statement or statutory declaration
describing the history of the relationship and include details of how
you met, how the relationship developed, your future plans and how you
support each other emotionally or financially.
All relationships are different and we can advise you on the type of
evidence you should provide in support of your application.
The visa subclass you apply for will depend on whether you are inside or
outside Australia at the time of application and brief details of the
visa options are below.
If you are in Australia
Spouse Temporary Visa (subclass 820) and Permanent Visa
(subclass 801)
For people who are in a genuine married or de facto relationship with an
Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New
Zealand citizen. Permanent residency may be granted after 2 years if the
relationship is ongoing.
Interdependency Temporary Visa (subclass 826) and Permanent Visa
(subclass 814)
For people who are in a genuine interdependent or same-sex relationship
with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible
New Zealand citizen. Permanent residency may be granted after 2 years if
the relationship is ongoing.
If you are outside Australia
Spouse Temporary Visa (subclass 309) and Permanent Visa
(subclass 100)
For people from overseas who are in a genuine married or de facto
relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident
or eligible New Zealand citizen. Permanent residency may be granted
after 2 years if the relationship is ongoing.
Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
For people from overseas to enter Australia to marry their fiancé(e).
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident
or eligible New Zealand citizen. Once married, holders of this visa can
then apply to remain permanently in Australia.
Interdependent Temporary Visa (subclass 310) and Permanent Visa
(subclass 110)
For people from overseas who are in a genuine interdependent or
same-sex relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent
resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Permanent residency may be
granted after 2 years if the relationship is ongoing.
*Note* - some circumstances may affect your eligibility to apply for a
partner visa or sponsor a partner. Please
contact us to check your eligibility.
