The Australia Spouse Visa is one of the most popular visa options for individuals who want to live in Australia with their partner. In 2025 the Department of Home Affairs made some updates to the process eligibility and timelines. This guide will explain everything you need to know in a simple and clear way. Whether you are married or in a de facto relationship this article will help you understand how to bring your partner to Australia legally.
What Is the Australia Spouse Visa
The Australia Spouse Visa also known as the Partner Visa allows the spouse or partner of an Australian citizen permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The visa is issued in two stages
- Temporary Partner Visa Subclass 820 or 309
- Permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801 or 100
The first stage grants temporary residence and after a waiting period and further checks permanent residency may be granted.
Also See: Australia Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2025 AUD 65000 Yearly
Types of Spouse Visas in 2025
There are two main pathways depending on where the applicant is located
1. Onshore Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801
This is for applicants who are already inside Australia
You will apply for both the temporary and permanent visa at the same time
2. Offshore Partner Visa Subclass 309 and 100
This is for those who are outside Australia when applying
You must stay outside the country until the 309 visa is granted
Who Can Sponsor Their Partner
To sponsor someone for a spouse visa the sponsor must be
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
You must be at least 18 years old and not have been convicted of certain crimes especially related to domestic violence or child abuse. The sponsor must also not have sponsored more than two other partners in the past.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants in 2025
To qualify for a spouse visa the applicant must
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship
- Be legally married or in a de facto relationship including same-sex
- Be over 18 years of age
- Meet health and character requirements
- Provide evidence of the relationship such as photos joint bills shared bank accounts and statements
If you are applying under a de facto relationship you must show you have lived together for at least 12 months unless you have registered your relationship with a state or territory in Australia
Required Documents for Australia Spouse Visa
Applicants and sponsors will need to provide
- Valid passports
- Marriage certificate or relationship registration
- Proof of living together
- Joint financial documents
- Police clearance from every country lived in for more than 12 months
- Medical examination reports
Make sure to submit certified copies and accurate translations if documents are not in English
Also See: Australia Tourist Visa Process (Subclass 600) 2025
How to Apply for the Spouse Visa in 2025
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for a spouse visa
Step 1 Gather Documents
Collect all the necessary relationship and identity documents
Step 2 Submit Application Online
Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website and submit your application along with the sponsor’s application
Step 3 Pay the Visa Fee
The base application fee for a partner visa in 2025 is around AUD 8850. Additional charges apply for dependents
Step 4 Wait for Acknowledgement
You’ll receive a transaction reference number TRN and a confirmation of your application
Step 5 Provide Biometrics and Medical Tests
You may be asked to attend an Australian visa application center for biometrics
Step 6 Wait for Processing
The temporary visa may take 8 to 18 months and the permanent visa can take up to 2 years from the initial lodgement
New Changes in Australia Spouse Visa Process 2025
Australia has made some important updates in 2025 to improve the integrity of the visa process
- English Language Requirement Both applicants and sponsors must show functional English or agree to take free government-offered classes after arrival
- Mandatory Sponsor Pre-Approval Sponsors now need to be approved before the visa application is submitted
- More Relationship Proofs Greater emphasis is placed on joint commitments like shared responsibilities or children together
- Faster Processing for High-Risk Cases Priority is being given to cases involving domestic violence risks or family reunification
How Long Does the Visa Last
The temporary partner visa allows you to
- Stay in Australia
- Work and study
- Access Medicare
Once the permanent partner visa is granted you become a permanent resident of Australia. You can live work and travel freely within the country. After a few years you may also become eligible for Australian citizenship
Spouse Visa Processing Time in 2025
Processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and application quality. Here is a rough timeline
| Visa Type | 75 percent of Applications Processed in | 90 percent Processed in |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 820 | 12 months | 18 months |
| Subclass 801 | 8 months | 12 months |
| Subclass 309 | 10 months | 16 months |
| Subclass 100 | 12 months | 20 months |
Submitting complete and genuine documents helps in faster decisions
Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusal
Visa refusals can happen due to
- Incomplete documents
- Lack of proof of relationship
- Failing health or character requirements
- Fake or misleading information
- Failure to respond to requests for more information
It is recommended to consult a registered migration agent if your case is complex
Spouse Visa Fee in 2025
Here’s the breakdown of the current charges
- Main applicant AUD 8850
- Additional dependent over 18 AUD 4430
- Additional dependent under 18 AUD 2215
Note These fees can change and do not include translation certification police checks or medical exam costs
Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Application
To increase your chances of success
- Submit strong relationship evidence
- Be honest and accurate
- Keep communication records
- Provide joint finances like bills leases or loans
- Write detailed personal statements
Also both the applicant and the sponsor should maintain a good immigration record