The Ultimate Guide To Partner Or Spouse Visas In Australia

More than 75% of onshore partner visa applications (subclass 820/801) are processed within 20 months, and 90% within 27 months, according to the Department of Home Affairs. Yet these figures mask the complexity behind each application: selecting the right subclass, proving a genuine relationship and meeting health and character checks are just the beginning.

Whether you’re married to an Australian citizen, in a de facto partnership or planning to wed soon, thorough preparation is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down every stage—from assessing eligibility and choosing between onshore and offshore pathways, to gathering documents, lodging your application and understanding bridging visas.

Step by step, you’ll learn how to minimise delays, avoid common pitfalls and maximise your chances of a successful outcome. Ready to take the first step? Let’s start by assessing your relationship eligibility.

1. Assess Your Relationship Eligibility

Before you dive into forms and fees, it’s crucial to establish that your relationship meets Australian immigration standards. Whether you’re neck-deep in wedding plans or have already tied the knot, the Department of Home Affairs will scrutinise the nature and history of your partnership. Getting this right from the start lays the groundwork for a smooth application.

Are You Married or in a De Facto Relationship?

Australia recognises two main relationship categories for partner visas:

• Spouse: You and your sponsor must be legally married. The marriage certificate must be valid-for-visa purposes—either an Australian certificate or a foreign certificate with a certified English translation and, where required, an apostille or notarisation.
• De facto partner: You and your sponsor must have lived together for at least 12 months in a genuine, exclusive relationship. Shorter cohabitation periods can sometimes be accepted if you have compelling evidence (see below).

To prove a de facto relationship, you’ll need to show:

• Continuous cohabitation for a minimum of 12 months
• Mutual financial responsibilities and joint personal commitments
• Exclusivity (no concurrent relationships)

Acceptable evidence might include:

• A joint lease or mortgage in both names
• Shared utility bills (electricity, internet)
• Joint bank statements or loan documents
• Photos of you together at family events
• Travel itineraries booked in both names

Prospective Marriage Visa for Fiancés

If you’re engaged but not yet married, the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa gives you up to nine months to enter Australia and tie the knot. Key points:

Eligibility criteria

• You must be engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Both you and your sponsor must intend to marry within nine months of visa grant
• You must meet health and character requirements (see Section 3)

Essential documents

• Engagement evidence (photos, invitations, ring purchase receipts)
• Statements from you and your sponsor about the wedding plans
• Certified translation of any non-English documents
• Standard identity proofs (passport biodata page, birth certificate)

Application process

1. Lodge Form 47SP (applicant) and Form 40SP (sponsor) in one online ImmiAccount transaction
2. Pay the application charge (currently AUD 1,515)
3. Submit supporting documents electronically

Processing times fluctuate—use the visa processing time tool for the latest estimates. Generally, you can expect a decision in 12–24 months.

Check Your Eligibility with a Free Checklist

A thorough self-audit is the best way to avoid surprises later. Our free eligibility checklist covers:

• Relationship status and duration (married, de facto or engaged)
• Health and character prerequisites (medical exams, police clearances)
• Any current visa restrictions that could affect your application

Download the free eligibility checklist to tick every box before you apply.

2. Understand Visa Categories and Pathways

Selecting the right visa subclass is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays. Broadly, partner visas follow either an onshore or offshore pathway and unfold in two stages: a temporary visa granting immediate rights, then a permanent visa finalising your residency. Below, we compare each route to help you decide which option best fits your circumstances.

Onshore Partner Visas: Subclass 820 and 801

When your partner is already in Australia, you can lodge a combined application for the temporary Subclass 820 and the permanent Subclass 801 visas. Key points include:

Eligibility

• You must be lawfully in Australia at the time of lodgement.
• Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Benefits

• You’ll receive a Bridging Visa A that allows you to stay, work and study while your application is assessed.
• Full work rights and access to Medicare.

Costs and processing times

• The combined application fee starts at AUD 9,095 for the main applicant.
• According to Home Affairs, 75% of onshore partner visas are finalised within 20 months, and 90% within 27 months.

For a detailed walkthrough of requirements, see our onshore partner visas guide.

Offshore Partner Visas: Subclass 309 and 100

If your partner lives outside Australia, the Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas provide a streamlined two-stage pathway:

Eligibility

• You must be outside Australia when you apply.
• A genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen is required.

Benefits

• Direct transition from Subclass 309 to Subclass 100 without reapplying.
• Once granted Subclass 100, you enjoy permanent residency and unrestricted travel.

Costs and processing times

• The visa charge for Subclass 309/100 also starts at AUD 9,095.
• Currently, 75% of offshore partner applications are processed within 16 months and 90% within 23 months.

Explore this pathway in our offshore partner visas overview.

Choosing Between Temporary and Permanent Stages

All partner visas involve two distinct stages:

1. Temporary stage (820 or 309)

   • Grants immediate rights to live, work and study in Australia.
   • Begins the clock for permanent eligibility.

2. Permanent stage (801 or 100)

   • Assessed after a set period—usually two years from your initial lodgement.
   • Confirms your permanent residency status and travel freedoms.

Visualising the journey

• Month 0: Lodge combined application.
• Month 1: Bridging Visa A starts (onshore applicants).
• Month 24: Eligible for permanent visa assessment.
• Month 24–27: Expect a decision on the permanent visa.

Understanding these pathways and timelines allows you to plan around work, travel and life milestones, ensuring a smoother application experience.

3. Verify Your Personal Eligibility Requirements

Before you focus on relationship evidence, you also need to clear the non-relationship hurdles. Health, character and other personal criteria can make or break your partner visa application. Make sure you tick these boxes early to avoid delays later.

Health Requirements: Medical Examinations

Every partner visa applicant must meet Australia’s health standards. This usually involves:

• A general medical examination, including blood tests and physical assessment.
• A chest X-ray, to screen for tuberculosis.
• Additional tests if you’ve lived in a high-risk country or have a history of certain conditions.

To complete your health checks:

1. Find a Department of Home Affairs–approved panel physician in your country via your ImmiAccount or the Home Affairs website.
2. Book your appointment and bring your passport, any previous test results and a list of medications you’re taking.
3. The panel physician submits results directly to Home Affairs—no need to attach them to your application.

Results are valid for 12 months. Plan your health exams so they don’t expire before your visa is decided, especially if you expect a longer processing time.

Character Requirements: Police Checks

Australia takes character assessments seriously. You must prove you’re of good character by providing:

• Police certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (after turning 16).
• A completed Form 80 (Personal particulars for character assessment), unless specifically exempted.

Tips for police checks:

• Request your certificate as soon as you lodge your visa application; processing times vary by country.
• Ensure your name and date of birth match exactly across all documents.
• Upload scanned copies in ImmiAccount with clear filenames (e.g., “PHL_Police_Cert_John_Doe.pdf”).

If Home Affairs needs further information—perhaps an updated certificate—they’ll issue a request. Respond promptly (usually within 28 days) to avoid jeopardising your application.

Other Criteria: Age, Previous Marriages, Existing Visa Conditions

Aside from health and character, a few miscellaneous requirements can affect your application:

• Age: There’s no upper age limit for partner visas, but sponsors over 18 may have different financial obligations.
• Previous marital status: If you’ve been married, widowed or divorced, you must provide:
  • Divorce or annulment certificates.
  • Death certificates for a former spouse.
• Current visa conditions: If you’re applying onshore:
  • You must hold a substantive visa (tourist visas may have no work rights, affecting your Bridging Visa A conditions).
  • If your substantive visa expires during processing, a Bridging Visa A is granted automatically—but check whether it allows work or travel.
  • Cancelling your substantive visa can leave you without bridging rights, so avoid voluntary cancellations if possible.

Double-check these details before you hit “Submit.” Getting your health, character and other personal criteria in order will help your application sail through the initial checks and let you focus on the relationship evidence that follows.

4. Gather Essential Identity and Relationship Documents

Before you lodge, assemble every document in an organised, logical bundle. A tidy application not only speeds up processing but also shows the Department you’re serious. In this section, we’ll cover:

• Core identity proofs
• The “Four Pillars” for proving your relationship
• Translation and certification requirements

Start by creating a folder structure—electronic or physical—with clear labels (e.g. “A – Identity”, “B – Relationship Evidence”). This simple step will save you time when you need to locate or update a document.

Identity Documents: Passports, Birth Certificates

Your identity is the foundation of your application. Commonly accepted documents include:

• Passport biodata page: a high-resolution scan showing your photo, full name, date of birth, nationality and passport validity.
• Birth certificate listing both parents: confirms your legal name at birth and parentage.
• National identity card or family census register: if you have one, it supplements your passport.
• Change-of-name records: marriage certificates or deed polls if your current name differs from your birth certificate.

Tip: Save each file as a PDF with a descriptive filename (Doe_John_Passport.pdf). This helps case officers review your bundle without confusion.

Proving a Genuine Relationship

Australian authorities assess relationships against four key criteria—often called the “Four Pillars”:

1. Social Evidence
   • Photos together at family events, weddings or public outings
   • Joint invitations, greeting cards or event tickets in both names
   • Statutory declarations from friends and family who know you as a couple

2. Financial Evidence
   • Joint bank statements showing shared expenses
   • Mortgage or lease documents in both names
   • Household insurance policies, shared loans or utilities bills

3. Household Evidence
   • Rental agreements or property title deeds listing both partners
   • Mail addressed to both of you at the same address
   • Statements on how you split chores and household costs

4. Commitment Evidence
   • Wills or powers of attorney naming each other as beneficiaries
   • Travel itineraries, hotel bookings or joint holiday photos
   • Chat logs, letters or emails that illustrate ongoing communication

By filing a mix of documents under each pillar, you create a clear, compelling picture of a genuine, ongoing partnership. For additional tips on building a rock-solid relationship dossier, see our spouse visa guide.

Additional Documents: Translations and Certifications

If any documents are not in English, include:

• A certified English translation by an accredited translator
• The translator’s signed declaration confirming accuracy
• An apostille or notarisation where required by the document’s country of issue

Certification tips:

• Attach translations immediately after the original document.
• Use dividers or bookmarks to separate sections in your folder (electronic or paper).
• Include a brief index at the front listing every file and its purpose.

With your documents neatly organised and correctly certified, you’re ready to move on to sponsoring and lodging your application.

5. Prepare the Sponsor Application

Your partner visa application hinges not only on your eligibility but also on the sponsor’s commitment. As your sponsor, your Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand partner must demonstrate both the legal right and the financial capacity to support you from the moment you lodge your application until you receive your permanent visa. A well–prepared sponsorship form can streamline processing and signal to the Department of Home Affairs that you both understand your obligations.

Sponsor Eligibility: Who Can Sponsor

To be a valid sponsor, your partner must meet these basic criteria:

• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Be ordinarily resident in Australia—meaning they live here permanently or intend to return when travelling
• Not have sponsored another partner visa in the last five years (or have met their previous sponsorship obligations)

If your sponsor is an eligible New Zealand citizen, they must hold a Special Category (subclass 444) visa and have been resident in Australia for at least three years before lodgement.

Sponsor Obligations: Financial and Legal Commitments

When lodging Form 40SP (Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia), your sponsor agrees to a legally binding undertaking:

• Financial support: providing you with accommodation, living expenses and medical treatment if necessary
• Recoupment liability: reimbursing Centrelink or other government bodies for certain social security payments you receive
• Notification duties: updating the Department within 14 days of any changes to their address, employment status, marital status or contact details

Failure to meet these obligations can lead to penalties, withdrawal of sponsorship, or difficulty sponsoring future applicants. It’s critical that your sponsor carefully reads and understands the terms of the undertaking before signing.

Documents for the Sponsorship Form

Gather and attach these key documents to accompany Form 40SP:

• Proof of identity and status:
  • Passport biodata page or Australian birth certificate
  • Australian citizenship certificate or permanent residency visa grant notice
• Proof of Australian residence:
  • Utility bills, driver’s licence or bank statements showing current address
  • For eligible New Zealand citizens: evidence of subclass 444 visa and three years’ residence (tax records or utility bills)
• Character evidence (if requested):
  • Police certificates from countries where the sponsor has lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years

Organise these files with clear filenames (e.g., Smith_Jane_Citizenship.pdf, Smith_Jane_Utility_Bill.pdf) and upload them in the same ImmiAccount transaction as your partner’s Form 47SP. A complete, well–organised sponsorship bundle helps prevent requests for further information and keeps your application moving forward.

6. Complete and Lodge Your Visa Application

By this stage, you’ve gathered your evidence, organised your sponsorship and double-checked every requirement. Now it’s time to bring everything together in ImmiAccount and hit “Lodge.” A clean, well-prepared submission will reduce the chance of requests for further information and keep your timeline on track.

Creating Your ImmiAccount

First things first: you need an ImmiAccount to submit both your application (Form 47SP) and your sponsor’s form (Form 40SP). Here’s how:

1. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and click “Create an ImmiAccount.”
2. Enter a valid email address, choose a strong password and complete the captcha.
3. Check your inbox for the verification email, then click the link to activate your account.
4. Once logged in, familiarise yourself with the dashboard. You’ll see a menu for “New Application,” “My Applications,” and “Messages.” The Messages section is where Home Affairs will send any requests for more documents, so keep an eye on it throughout processing.

A few tips:

• Bookmark your ImmiAccount login page so you can return easily.
• Use an email address you check daily—missed messages can delay your application.
• If two people need to work on the application, share your login details securely rather than creating multiple accounts.

Filling Out Forms 47SP (Applicant) and 40SP (Sponsor)

Once your ImmiAccount is set up, start a “Partners” application. The system will prompt you to complete:

• Form 47SP – the partner visa application form.
• Form 40SP – the sponsorship form, which your sponsor fills out.

Key pointers:

• Personal details: Enter names, dates of birth and addresses exactly as they appear on passports or certificates. Even a small typo can trigger a request for clarification.
• Sponsor TRN: After your sponsor lodges Form 40SP, they’ll receive a Transaction Reference Number. Enter this TRN into your Form 47SP—otherwise, your sponsorship won’t link to your application.
• Relationship questions: Be consistent between forms. Dates, addresses and details of how you met should match exactly.
• Common errors:
  • Swapping month and day in dates (e.g., 04/06 vs 06/04).
  • Forgetting to click “Save” on each section before moving on.
  • Uploading the wrong document version (draft vs final).

Before you click “Review and Pay,” run through each section to ensure every question is answered and every mandatory field is filled.

Paying the Visa Application Fee and Attaching Documents

After review, you’ll proceed to payment. Here’s what to expect:

1. Fees: The main applicant’s charge starts at AUD 9,095. If you have dependent children, there are additional fees per child. The exact amount appears in ImmiAccount once you enter your personal details.
2. Payment methods: Credit card (Mastercard, Visa, AMEX) or BPAY (for Australian bank accounts). International students often prefer credit card for speed and convenience.
3. Receipts: Save the payment confirmation PDF—Home Affairs records will reference it when processing your application.

Next up is attaching your documents. ImmiAccount lets you upload multiple files under each requirement:

• Use PDF format only. Scanned images, Word docs or JPEGs can be rejected or cause delays.
• Limit each file to 5 MB or less. If a document is larger, split it into multiple PDFs and label them sequentially (e.g., “Financial_Evidence_1.pdf,” “Financial_Evidence_2.pdf”).
• Name your files clearly: <DocumentType>_<ApplicantName>.pdf helps case officers know what they’re opening.
• Attach originals first, followed immediately by certified translations or apostilles. This keeps each evidence bundle self-contained.

Once everything’s uploaded, do a final check in the “Attachments” tab to confirm no blank slots remain. Then hit “Lodge Application.” You’ll receive an email acknowledging receipt and a unique application ID—keep this safe for all future correspondence.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully lodged your partner visa application. Next up is securing a bridging visa and understanding your rights while you wait—see Section 7 for details.

7. Secure a Bridging Visa and Understand Your Rights

Once you lodge your partner visa application, staying lawful in Australia becomes your top priority. That’s where bridging visas come in—temporary permits that kick in when your current substantive visa ends. Bridging visas maintain your visa status, so you can continue living, working or studying while Home Affairs assesses your partner visa.

Automatic Grant of Bridging Visa A

When your onshore partner visa application (subclass 820/801) is received, you are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). Key points:

• Activation: It starts as soon as your existing visa expires (not the day of lodgement).
• Conditions: Generally, the BVA inherits the work and study rights of your previous visa. If your prior visa allowed full work or study rights, so will your BVA.
• No travel: A BVA does not let you leave and re-enter Australia—if you depart, your application will be considered withdrawn.

Keep a copy of your BVA grant letter handy. It shows your new visa conditions and validity dates, ensuring you remain lawful throughout processing.

Applying for Bridging Visa B for Travel

If you need to travel overseas while your partner visa is underway, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before you leave. The BVB lets you exit and return without cancelling your underlying application.

To secure a BVB:

1. Complete Form 1005 – Application for a Bridging Visa B through your ImmiAccount or on paper.
2. Specify your intended travel dates and reasons (e.g., family emergency, business trip).
3. Attach:
   • A copy of your passport biodata page
   • Evidence supporting your travel purpose (invitation letters, flight bookings)
4. Lodge the form before departing Australia—the processing time can range from a few days to several weeks.

Without a valid BVB, leaving Australia means losing your BVA and risking withdrawal of your partner visa application.

Work and Study Rights on Bridging Visas

Most bridging visas issued to partner applicants come with generous entitlements:

• Work rights: If your substantive visa allowed paid work, you can keep working under your BVA or BVB. Otherwise, you must check the “No work” or “Work limitation” condition on your grant letter.
• Study rights: You are usually free to enrol in courses, though government financial support (like HECS) may not apply.
• Medicare access: Bridging visas A and B grant you full Medicare entitlements, letting you see public doctors and receive subsidised treatment.

Always verify your specific visa conditions by reading the grant notice. If a restriction appears unexpectedly, contact your migration agent or Home Affairs to clarify—working or studying in breach of your visa can lead to serious complications.

By understanding how bridging visas operate, you’ll maintain your lawful status, protect your work and study rights, and keep your partner visa application on track. Up next, we’ll look at how to monitor processing times and track your application online.

8. Monitor Processing Times and Track Your Application

Submitting your partner or spouse visa application is a major milestone, but the process isn’t over once you hit “Lodge.” Home Affairs publishes broad processing-time benchmarks, and keeping a close eye on your own application status can help you plan work, travel or life in Australia. By understanding average timelines, using the right online tools and responding promptly to requests, you’ll stay in the loop and avoid unnecessary delays.

Average Processing Times by Visa Type

The Department of Home Affairs regularly updates global processing guides, showing:

• Subclass 820 (onshore): 75% finalised within 20 months, 90% within 27 months
• Subclass 309 (offshore): 75% finalised within 16 months, 90% within 23 months

Permanent stages (subclasses 801 and 100) are assessed after a two-year waiting period and often follow similar timeframes. Bear in mind that processing can vary depending on your country of origin, the complexity of your case and the volume of applications at any given time. Use these benchmarks as a planning tool rather than as a guarantee.

How to Check Your Visa Status Online

Tracking your partner visa application is straightforward:

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount and go to My Applications.
2. Click on your partner visa record to view status updates, departmental requests or the decision.
3. Use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) at the Home Affairs website to confirm your current visa or bridging visa conditions: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/overview.

The Messages section in ImmiAccount is where Home Affairs will post any requests for further information. Check it at least once a week—and set up email notifications—so you never miss a deadline.

Tips to Stay Informed and Avoid Delays

• Enable email and SMS alerts in ImmiAccount to receive real-time updates.
• Keep digital and hard-copy backups of all documents you submitted—this speeds up responses if Home Affairs asks for duplicates.
• Respond to requests for additional information as soon as possible (usually within 28 days) to avoid your application lapsing.
• Regularly revisit the visa processing time tool for fresh estimates.
• Notify Home Affairs of any change of address or passport details within 14 days to ensure communications reach you.

Staying proactive and organised throughout this waiting period can make the difference between a smooth partner spouse visa australia outcome and avoidable setbacks. With clear timelines and attentive tracking, you’ll be ready to embrace the next chapter—permanent residency and life in Australia.

9. Responding to Additional Information Requests

Even the most meticulously prepared partner visa application can prompt follow-up questions from the Department of Home Affairs. These additional information requests are not a sign of failure—they’re an opportunity to clarify gaps and reinforce your case. Tackling them swiftly and thoroughly keeps your application moving and shows you take the process seriously.

Common Departmental Requests

Home Affairs typically asks for:

• Missing or incomplete documents: perhaps your translated marriage certificate wasn’t certified correctly, or the expiry date on a passport scan is illegible.
• Updated police certificates: if a certificate has aged beyond 12 months, or if you’ve spent time in another country since your last check.
• Health clarifications: additional X-rays, blood tests or panel-physician reports if your initial form flagged an ambiguity.
• Relationship evidence gaps: for example, more social or financial proof under the Four Pillars—maybe joint utility bills for a period you’ve not yet covered, or fresh statutory declarations from friends.

Each request will cite the regulation or form item it relates to, so you know exactly which part of your application needs attention.

Best Practices for Timely Responses

When you receive a request:

1. Act quickly: most requests set a 28-day deadline. Even if you can’t gather everything immediately, lodge what you have and explain any delays.
2. Use clear filenames: label each PDF to match the request (e.g., “Health_Chest-Xray_Jane_Doe.pdf” or “PoliceCert_PHL_John_Smith.pdf”). This helps officers file your documents correctly.
3. Stick to PDF: Home Affairs prefers PDF uploads. If you submit scans or photos, convert them first to high-resolution PDF files.
4. Include a cover note: open with a short letter (or email) referencing your application ID, date of request and a checklist of everything you’re submitting. This frames your response and reassures the officer that nothing is missing.
5. Keep copies: maintain both an electronic and printed record of your response. If a document goes astray, you’ll be ready to re-send instantly.

Consistent, well-organised replies reduce the risk of further queries and demonstrate professionalism.

Preparing for Potential Interviews

In some cases, the Department may invite you to an interview to assess the genuineness of your relationship or clarify complex health or character issues. To prepare:

• Review your application: refresh your memory on every date, address and document you provided.
• Gather originals: have certified originals of key documents (passports, marriage certificates, police checks) ready to show.
• Rehearse key details: practice explaining how you met, important joint milestones and your shared future plans—keep your story consistent with your written statements.
• Dress and demeanour: treat the interview like any formal appointment—arrive early, dress smart-casual and remain calm and respectful.
• Bring a support person: in some cases, you can bring a migration agent or a friend who provided a statutory declaration. Check the invitation for rules on representation.

By anticipating the types of questions and demonstrating confidence in your answers, you’ll turn an interview into an opportunity to reinforce your application’s strengths.

10. What to Do When Your Visa Is Refused

Even the best-prepared partner spouse visa Australia applications can hit a roadblock. A refusal letter can feel like a major setback, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. Understanding why your visa was refused and responding promptly can open pathways to an appeal or a fresh application. In this section, we’ll unpack the most common refusal reasons, guide you through lodging a review with the Administrative Review Tribunal, and outline how to manage timeframes and fees.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Many partner visa refusals stem from gaps in your application rather than deliberate errors. Typical issues include:

• Insufficient relationship evidence: missing joint financial, social or household documents under the Four Pillars.
• Health and character hurdles: out-of-date medical exams, expired police certificates or unresolved health concerns.
• Incomplete or incorrect forms: typos in Form 47SP, omitted sponsor TRN, or mislabelled attachments.
• Timing and eligibility: applying on the wrong pathway (onshore vs offshore) or not meeting the 12-month de facto requirement.

When you receive a refusal, read the decision record carefully. It will reference specific visa criteria and list any missing or unsatisfactory evidence. That clarity is your roadmap for an effective response—whether you choose to appeal or reapply.

Appealing a Refusal to the Administrative Review Tribunal

If you believe the refusal was based on incorrect findings or a misunderstanding of your documents, you can appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Here’s how:

1. Check appeal rights: the refusal letter will state whether the decision is reviewable. Partner visas are generally reviewable by the ART’s Migration and Refugee Division.
2. Lodge your application: complete the ART’s Application for Review in their online portal, quoting your Home Affairs application ID and grounds for review.
3. Observe time limits: you usually have 21 days from the date you receive the decision to lodge an appeal. Missing this window generally forfeits your review rights.
4. State your grounds: focus on policy misapplication, incorrect assessment of evidence or procedural fairness issues.
5. Seek expert help: appeals are legal processes—consider engaging a migration lawyer or registered agent. For a detailed walkthrough, see A Complete Guide to ART Visa Refusal Appeals.

The ART will set a timetable, often including directions on written submissions or a hearing. Keep your documentation concise, your deadlines clear, and your arguments focused to maximise your appeal’s chances.

Managing Timeframes and Fees for Appeals

Appeals require both patience and budget planning:

• Processing benchmarks: the ART aims to finalise 50% of cases within 1,249 days, although simpler cases can wrap up in under a year.
• Application fee: currently around AUD 1,829. If you face significant financial hardship, you may apply for a fee waiver or reduction under special circumstances.
• Additional costs: factor in potential legal or agent fees, new medical checks, updated police certificates and translation services.
• Maintaining status: if your substantive visa has expired, ensure you hold a valid bridging visa throughout the appeal. You might need to apply for a Bridging Visa E if your Bridging Visa A lapses.

Keeping meticulous records of deadlines, receipts and correspondence will help you stay organised. While an appeal adds complexity, it can be a powerful tool to overturn a refusal and secure your partner spouse visa Australia.

11. Life After Your Partner Visa Grant

Your partner visa grant marks the beginning of a new chapter in Australia. Whether you hold a temporary visa (subclass 820 or 309) or have already transitioned to permanent residency (subclass 801 or 100), understanding your entitlements and next steps will help you settle in with confidence. In this section, we’ll cover your visa conditions, the pathway to permanent status and practical tips for making Australia home.

Understanding Your Visa Conditions

Every visa grant comes with a set of conditions you must follow. Start by reading your grant notice carefully—it lists your visa validity, any limitations and reporting obligations.

• Visa validity and expiry: Temporary visas remain in effect until the permanent stage is assessed (usually two years from lodgement). Permanent visas grant ongoing residency.
• Work and study rights: Partner visas generally allow full-time work and study. If you’ve held a bridging visa, check whether your work or study permissions have changed.
• Travel facilities: Most partner visas include multiple-entry travel rights. Note any “must enter by” dates and plan international trips accordingly.
• Notification duties: You must inform Home Affairs of changes to your address, marital status or contact details within 14 days.

Keep a copy of your visa grant notice—either saved in your ImmiAccount or printed—and review it whenever you need to confirm your rights.

Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent Residency

If you entered Australia on a temporary partner visa (820 or 309), you’ll be eligible for permanent residency after about two years:

1. Continue gathering relationship evidence: joint finances, shared travel bookings or updated statutory declarations help demonstrate the ongoing nature of your partnership.
2. Wait for Home Affairs to invite the permanent-stage assessment—there’s no extra fee if you paid for both stages upfront.
3. Respond promptly to any requests for updated information; a timely, well-organised response speeds up the final decision.

Offshore holders of subclass 309 follow the same timeline for subclass 100. Once your permanent status is granted, you’ll enjoy unrestricted work, study and travel rights, and you may be eligible to apply for citizenship in the future.

Planning Your Move to Australia

With your visa in hand, it’s time to turn paperwork into everyday life:

• Healthcare: Enrol in Medicare at a local service centre using your visa grant notice—this gives you access to subsidised medical services and prescription medicines.
• Housing: Consider short-term options (serviced apartments or shared rentals) while you explore neighbourhoods for long-term living. Factor in proximity to work, schools and public transport.
• Banking and finances: Open an Australian bank account to manage salary deposits and bill payments. Research accounts with low fees and convenient online banking.
• Education: If you have school-aged children, contact local schools early to secure enrolment. Tertiary students should check domestic fee rates and scholarship opportunities.
• Employment and tax: Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to start work legally. Tailor your resume to Australian standards and connect with recruitment agencies in your field.
• Community and support: Joining local clubs, cultural groups or professional networks not only builds friendships but also eases cultural adjustment and can open doors to new opportunities.

By tackling these practical tasks early, you’ll transform your partner visa grant from a legal milestone into the foundation of a rewarding life in Australia.

Your Partner Visa Journey Ahead

Congratulations—you now have a clear roadmap from assessing eligibility and choosing the right visa pathway to gathering documents, lodging your application and managing every step along the way. By following these 11 stages, you’ll minimise delays, avoid pitfalls and maximise your chances of a successful partner or spouse visa grant.

Every relationship is unique, and sometimes it helps to have an experienced guide. At Simon Mander Consulting P/L, we’ve supported thousands of couples through complex cases, and our free resources can make a real difference. Visit our homepage for personalised assistance, downloadable checklists and guides, plus a complimentary skilled migration booklet. You’ve planned your future together—let us help you make it a reality in Australia.

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