All You Need to Know: Spouse Visa Australia Requirements

A Spouse Visa is the official pathway for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to live, work and study in Australia. Securing this visa brings you closer to building a shared future, but it involves a detailed process that can span 12–24 months and carries a government fee starting at AUD 9,095.

From meeting sponsorship obligations to passing health and character checks, each requirement must be handled with care—overlook a single detail and you risk delays or refusal. That’s why this guide breaks down every element into a clear, professional yet approachable 11-step framework.

You’ll find practical guidance on selecting the right visa subclass, confirming your eligibility, assembling your documentation, navigating health examinations and police certificates, lodging and managing your application, and ultimately transitioning to permanent residency—all while avoiding the most common pitfalls.

In the sections that follow, you’ll work through:

Step 1: Choosing the right Spouse Visa subclass
Step 2: Confirming eligibility requirements
Step 3: Securing a sponsor
Step 4: Gathering and organising supporting documents
Step 5: Completing mandatory health examinations
Step 6: Obtaining required police certificates
Step 7: Checking visa fees and processing times
Step 8: Submitting your visa application
Step 9: Managing your application after lodgment
Step 10: Transitioning from temporary to permanent residency
Step 11: Avoiding common application mistakes

With this roadmap at your side, you can approach each stage confidently and keep your Spouse Visa goals well within reach.

Step 1. Choose the Right Spouse Visa Subclass

Before you dive into forms and documents, it’s crucial to pick the visa subclass that matches your situation. Australia offers three main pathways for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. Your choice determines where you apply, which relationship types are accepted (married, de facto or engaged) and the sequence of temporary and permanent stages.

To see an in-depth breakdown of each option, check our partner visa Australia guide—but the summary below will help you zero in on the right subclass.

Visa Subclasses at a Glance

Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820 → 801)
• Apply from within Australia
• For spouses or de facto partners
• One combined lodgment for temporary (820) then permanent (801)
Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309 → 100)
• Apply from outside Australia
• For spouses or de facto partners
• Two-stage: provisional (309) on entry, then permanent (100)
Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
• Apply offshore as a fiancé(e)
• Must marry within 9 months of grant
• After marriage, switch to subclass 820/801 onshore

Onshore Partner Visa (820 → 801)

If you’re already in Australia on a valid visa, subclass 820/801 lets you lodge a single application for both temporary and permanent residence. Key points:

Processing time: 12–24 months
Government fee: from AUD 9,095
While you wait, you’ll typically hold a Bridging Visa that allows work, study and multiple entries into Australia
Once your 820 is granted, the 801 decision follows—no extra visa charge

Offshore Partner Visa (309 → 100)

For applicants living overseas, the 309/100 stream starts with a provisional visa that grants entry and leads to permanent residency:

Processing time: 14–26 months
Government fee: from AUD 9,095
You must remain outside Australia when you apply for the 309
After your provisional 309 is granted, you can travel to Australia; the permanent 100 is assessed while you’re here or abroad

Prospective Marriage Visa (300)

Designed for those engaged to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, this visa lets you enter Australia ahead of your wedding:

Processing time: 12–24 months
Government fee: from AUD 9,095
You must marry your sponsor within 9 months of grant
After marriage, you apply onshore for subclass 820/801 to secure permanent residency

Step 2. Confirm Your Eligibility Requirements

Before you dive into paperwork, double-check that both you and your sponsor meet the core criteria. This step ensures your relationship, age and sponsor status all line up with Home Affairs’ rules.

Relationship Requirements

Your bond must be genuine and ongoing. Here’s what you need to show:

Married couples:
• A valid marriage under Australian law
• Evidence of mutual commitment (living together or not permanently apart)
De facto partners (same- or opposite-sex):
• At least 12 months’ cohabitation immediately before applying
• Exceptions if you’ve formally registered your relationship, can demonstrate compelling/compassionate circumstances, or are impacted by domestic violence provisions

Supporting documents might include:

Marriage certificate or state/territory relationship registration
Joint finances (bank statements, loans, insurance policies)
Shared household records (lease/mortgage, utilities)
Social proof (photos, travel itineraries, invitations)
Two Form 888 statutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents

A concise relationship history—detailing how you met, milestones and future plans—helps tie all your evidence together.

Age and Legal Capacity

Both you and your sponsor must be at least 18 years old. This aligns with Australia’s minimum legal age for marriage and ensures you have the capacity to enter into a binding partnership.

If your marriage took place overseas, confirm it’s recognised in Australia. Contact the relevant state or territory registry of births, deaths and marriages for advice and any extra documentation you may need.

Sponsor Eligibility

Your sponsor carries important responsibilities. They must be:

An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Of good character (no serious criminal convictions)
Able to provide financial support and suitable accommodation until you become a permanent resident

Importantly, they’ll formally commit to sponsoring you for two years following grant of your temporary visa. If your sponsor doesn’t meet these requirements, your application can’t progress.

With these eligibility checks complete, you’re all set to move on to Step 3: securing your sponsorship and finalising the documents that prove it.

Step 3. Secure Your Visa Sponsor

Your sponsor plays a pivotal role in your Spouse Visa journey. This individual—your partner—formally commits to supporting you from the moment your visa is granted until you become a permanent resident. A flawless sponsorship not only satisfies Home Affairs’ requirements but also keeps your application on track. In this step, you’ll learn what’s expected of your sponsor, how they lodge their sponsorship form, and how long approval typically takes.

Sponsorship Obligations

Once approved, a sponsor undertakes a binding commitment for two years after your temporary visa (820, 309 or 300) is granted. During this period they must:

Provide reasonable financial support, ensuring you won’t rely on social welfare.
Offer appropriate accommodation—either by sharing their home or covering rent/ mortgage costs.
Abide by character requirements: no serious criminal convictions or outstanding deportation orders.
Have not sponsored another partner visa applicant in the past five years.

If a sponsor breaches any obligation, Home Affairs may cancel your visa or refuse the permanent stage (801 or 100), so understanding these commitments is crucial.

Sponsorship Application Process

Most partner visa streams require a separate sponsorship form lodged online via ImmiAccount:

After you begin your visa application, you (the applicant) receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
Your sponsor logs into their own ImmiAccount, selects “Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia” and enters your TRN.
They upload supporting documents, including:
- Proof of status: Australian passport or citizenship certificate; PR visa grant record; or New Zealand passport
- Identity evidence: birth certificate, driver’s licence or other government-issued ID
- A short statement confirming their relationship to you and ability to meet sponsorship obligations

For the Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100), sponsorship documentation typically accompanies your initial application rather than following via a separate form.

Sponsorship Approval Timeline

Sponsorship approval can be surprisingly swift, but timelines vary:

Onshore (subclass 820/801): often 4–6 weeks after lodgment.
Offshore (subclass 309/100): generally 6–8 weeks, depending on the country’s caseload.
Prospective Marriage (subclass 300): aligns with offshore partner processing, around 6–8 weeks.

Visa processing only begins once Home Affairs grants sponsorship approval. If sponsorship lags, your entire application is effectively on hold. Keeping in close contact with your sponsor and checking ImmiAccount daily for status updates can help you spot and resolve issues early.

Step 4. Gather and Organise Supporting Documents

Collecting the right paperwork is often the most time-consuming phase of your application. Having a clear system for gathering and organising all required documents not only keeps you on track but also reduces the risk of missing crucial evidence. Below we break down the essential categories and share best practices for keeping everything in order.

Personal Identity Documents

These form the backbone of your application by proving who you are:

Passport biodata page: a clear colour scan of the page showing your photo, personal details, issue and expiry dates.
Birth certificate: one that lists both parents’ names. If yours is unavailable, a government-issued ID or family register can substitute.
Change-of-name certificates: marriage or divorce certificates, deed polls or local registry documents, if you’ve ever used another name.
Passport photos: recent, compliant with Australian passport standards (white background, 35mm–40mm high).

Gather certified translations of any non-English documents. Make sure translations are by an accredited translator and each page carries a translator’s declaration.

Relationship Evidence Collection

To demonstrate that your partnership is genuine and ongoing, you’ll need a diverse mix of proof:

Financial:
- Joint bank statements showing shared accounts or linked transactions.
- Joint loan or mortgage documents, insurance policies naming both partners.
Household:
- Evidence you live together—current lease agreements, mortgage statements or utility bills in both names.
- Mail or official correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address.
Social:
- Invitations or tickets showing you attend events as a couple.
- Travel itineraries or photos from trips taken together.
- Memberships in clubs or associations listing you both.
Commitment:
- Wills or powers of attorney that mention your partner.
- A joint statement of future plans, such as planned property purchases or wedding arrangements.

Don’t forget at least two completed Form 888 statutory declarations from friends or family who can vouch for your relationship. These should include the declarant’s credentials and the basis of their knowledge.

Additional Family Documents

If your application includes other family members or you have a previous relationship history, you’ll also need:

Divorce or separation certificates, death certificates for any former spouses or de facto partners.
Birth certificates for dependent children, plus evidence of custody or guardianship if one parent isn’t applying.
School records, medical documents or other proof demonstrating that a child’s best interests are served by remaining with you in Australia.

All documents not originally in English must be translated and certified by an accredited translator.

Document Organisation Tips

A little planning goes a long way when you’re facing dozens of pages:

Create folders (physical or digital) by category: Identity, Relationship, Sponsor, Health, Police Checks and so on.
Use a contents list at the front of each folder, with clear section numbers to match your lodgment checklist.
For digital files, employ PDF bookmarks or a numbered naming convention like “4.2_Household_UtilityBill.pdf.”
Keep originals and certified copies together, so you can quickly retrieve whichever version Home Affairs requests.
Review your compilation against a final checklist—tick off each item as you go, and consider a peer or agent double-check before submission.

By methodically gathering and labelling every document, you streamline your lodgment process and minimise the chance of delays caused by missing or unclear evidence.

Step 5. Complete Mandatory Health Examinations

Before Home Affairs can grant your Spouse Visa, you and any family members included in your application must satisfy Australia’s health requirements. These checks ensure you’re free from medical conditions that could pose significant costs to the Australian community or public health risks. In this step, you’ll learn why these exams matter, how to book and attend them, and what happens once the results are in.

Understanding the Health Requirement

Australia’s health criteria aim to identify conditions that could:

Incur large or ongoing treatment costs
Pose a public health risk (for example, untreated tuberculosis)
Require extensive community support

Everyone named on your visa application—main applicant, spouse and dependent children—must meet this standard. In some cases, a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth may impose health undertakings (an agreement to cover future medical costs) rather than refuse the visa outright. To learn more about the full set of health rules, see the official Home Affairs guide:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

Booking and Attending Health Checks

Only examinations conducted by an approved panel physician are accepted. The process differs slightly depending on your location:

• In Australia

Locate a panel doctor via the Department’s list or book directly with Bupa Medical Visa Services.
Schedule your medical assessment, which typically includes:
- A general medical examination
- Chest x-ray to screen for tuberculosis
- Blood tests for conditions like HIV and hepatitis
Bring your passport, visa Transaction Reference Number (TRN) and any prior medical reports.

• Overseas

Find your nearest panel physician on the Home Affairs website.
Contact the clinic to arrange your appointment and enquire about local fees.
Follow the same test protocol: medical exam, x-ray and blood work.

Tips for a smooth appointment: arrive early, wear loose clothing for x-rays, and disclose any pre-existing conditions or medications to the doctor.

Post-Examination Assessment

Once your panel physician submits results electronically, a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth reviews them. You might encounter one of three outcomes:

Health clear: your results meet the requirement—no further action needed.
Health undertaking: you or your sponsor must agree to cover potential future treatment costs; you’ll receive instructions on lodging this undertaking.
Referral for specialist opinion: if results are inconclusive, you may be asked for follow-up tests or consultations at your own expense.

Keep all correspondence and receipts, and monitor your ImmiAccount for any follow-up requests. A swift response to additional health queries helps avoid processing delays and keeps your Spouse Visa application on track.

Step 6. Obtain Required Police Certificates

Police certificates prove you meet Australia’s character requirements and are a non-negotiable part of your Spouse Visa application. At a minimum, you need an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Certificate. If you’ve lived in other countries for 12 months or more over the past decade, you’ll also need certificates from those jurisdictions. Here’s how to tick this box efficiently.

Australian Federal Police National Police Certificate

All applicants aged 17 or older who have lived in Australia for 12 months or more in the last 10 years must get an AFP National Police Certificate. To apply:

Eligibility: You must be at least 17 and have resided in Australia for a cumulative 12 months in the past 10 years.
Application process: Request your check online through the Australian Federal Police National Police Check portal. You’ll fill in personal details and consent to the check.
Fee and timing: The standard fee is AUD 56, and processing typically takes around 15 business days.
Validity: The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Make sure it remains valid at the time you upload it to ImmiAccount and at decision time—otherwise, you’ll need to reapply.

Keep your TRN (Transaction Reference Number) and any confirmation emails in a safe place—they’ll help you track progress and retrieve your certificate if needed.

Overseas Police Checks

If you’ve spent 12 months or more in any country outside Australia during the last 10 years, you must obtain a police check from each of those places. Requirements vary by country, but the general steps are:

Identify the issuing authority: Look up the official police or home affairs website for each country you lived in.
Follow local procedures: This could involve applying online, mailing identity documents or attending an in-person appointment.
Translate and certify: Any non-English certificate must be translated by an accredited translator. Each translated page should carry a signed declaration confirming accuracy.

Because turnaround times and document requirements differ, start overseas checks early—some countries can take several months to issue clearances.

Submitting and Managing Certificates

To avoid last-minute stress, order all police certificates as soon as you begin gathering documents in Step 4. Then:

Upload promptly: ImmiAccount lets you attach scanned certificates and translations directly to your application.
Track validity: Note the issue and expiry dates in your lodgment checklist. If a certificate expires before the Department makes a decision, you’ll need a fresh one.
Maintain backups: Keep both digital and physical copies organized in folders labelled “AFP Certificate” and “Overseas Checks” for easy retrieval.

By planning ahead and monitoring your certificates’ validity, you’ll satisfy Australia’s character requirements smoothly and keep your Spouse Visa application moving forward.

Step 7. Check Visa Fees and Processing Times

Knowing how much you’ll pay and how long you’ll wait helps you plan your Spouse Visa journey without surprises. In this step, we break down the government charges you’ll incur, the ancillary costs you should budget for, and the typical processing timeframes for each visa stream. Having this information up front lets you avoid unexpected bills and manage your expectations from lodgment to grant.

Government Visa Application Charge

The principal fee for partner visas covers both the temporary and permanent stages when you apply onshore (820/801) or offshore (309/100). For most applicants, it starts from AUD 9,095. If you’ve held a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) and apply within its validity, you may benefit from a reduced rate (around AUD 1,515 for the main applicant). Each additional family member attached to your application attracts a supplementary charge—typically several thousand dollars—so factor in spouses, dependent children or other included relatives when calculating your budget.

Additional Application Costs

Beyond the visa application charge itself, you’ll encounter out-of-pocket expenses for:

Health examinations: Expect to pay about AUD 300–500 per person for medical assessments, chest x-rays and blood tests with a panel physician.
Police certificates: The AFP National Police Check is AUD 56. Overseas checks vary but often range between AUD 30 and AUD 100 each, plus translation fees if not in English.
Biometrics: Fingerprints and facial photos typically cost AUD 30–80 per person, depending on the country and collection provider.
Translations and certifications: Accredited translators charge around AUD 30–50 per page. Remember to include the translator’s declaration with each document.

By tabulating these estimates early, you can set aside a realistic visa budget and avoid last-minute financial hurdles.

Processing Time Estimates

Processing times fluctuate with Home Affairs’ caseload and your individual circumstances. As a general guide:

Onshore Partner Visa (820 → 801): 12–24 months
Offshore Partner Visa (309 → 100): 14–26 months
Prospective Marriage Visa (300): 12–24 months

These ranges cover the period from lodgment to grant of your temporary visa; the permanent stage for 801 or 100 begins once the waiting period (usually two years after application) is reached. For a quick overview of current times and any priority streams, see our summary at spouse visa Australia requirements. Monitoring these estimates helps you stay informed and plan your move to Australia with confidence.

Step 8. Submit Your Visa Application

Once you’ve prepared every document and met all requirements, it’s time to lodge your Spouse Visa application. Using the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal—ImmiAccount—is the most efficient way to submit your forms, attachments and payment. A smooth lodgment process not only minimises errors but also helps you track progress from the moment you hit “Submit” until the visa decision is made.

Using ImmiAccount for Lodgment

First, set up or log into your ImmiAccount at the Home Affairs website. Create a clear folder for your partner visa application and start a new “Partner” form. You’ll need to:

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport and identity documents.
Provide your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) if you’re switching from a Prospective Marriage visa or another partner visa application.
Complete the sponsorship section by adding your sponsor’s details, ensuring their name, date of birth and citizenship status match the information in their sponsorship approval.

When uploading attachments, pay attention to file requirements:

File formats: PDF for text documents, JPEG or PNG for photos and scanned certificates.
Size limits: typically 2 MB per file—compress large scans without losing readability.
Naming convention: use descriptive titles like “4.1_Relationship_Statement.pdf” or “5.2_Bupa_Medical_Report.jpg.”

A well-structured ImmiAccount lodgment reduces the chance of technical rejection and helps case officers find what they need without extra follow-up.

Lodgment Checklist

Before you click “Lodge application,” cross-check every item against this final checklist:

All partner visa forms are fully completed and signed where required.
Identity documents (passport biodata, birth certificate, change-of-name certificates) are uploaded and legible.
Relationship evidence is organised under Financial, Household, Social and Commitment headings.
Sponsor documents have been attached and match the approved sponsorship details.
Health and police certificates are current (not expired at time of lodgment).
Payment of the government visa application charge has been processed successfully.

It’s wise to have a trusted friend, family member or registered migration agent review your entire application. A fresh set of eyes can spot oversights in spelling, dates or missing attachments before the Department does.

Post-Lodgment Acknowledgment

After lodgment, ImmiAccount will display a confirmation page and email you an acknowledgment containing your unique TRN. This number is your key reference for every future interaction with Home Affairs—saving it in multiple locations (phone notes, email folder, printed copy) ensures you can always retrieve it quickly.

Keep an eye on your ImmiAccount inbox and the email address you provided:

Home Affairs may request additional documents or clarify details via immiMessage.
Notifications will flag any changes in processing status, from sponsorship approval to health clearances.

Retaining all correspondence and your TRN securely helps you manage deadlines for responding to requests and allows you to check progress using VEVO or direct ImmiAccount status updates. With your application officially lodged, you’re one step closer to meeting the spouse visa Australia requirements and building your life down under.

Step 9. Manage Your Application After Lodgment

After you’ve lodged your Spouse Visa application, proactive management can make all the difference. This stage is less about paperwork and more about staying organised, keeping tabs on progress, and responding swiftly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs. Below we cover what to expect if you’re onshore, how to monitor your file, and tips for handling departmental queries.

Bridging Visa (Onshore Applicants)

If you applied from within Australia, you typically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) as soon as Home Affairs acknowledges your lodgment. This visa takes over from any substantive visa you held at the time of application, maintaining your rights to work, study and access essential services while you wait for the Partner Visa decision. Key points:

Automatic grant: Your BVA is granted automatically upon lodgment. You don’t need to apply separately.
Conditions: In most cases you’ll retain the work and study conditions of your previous visa. If you need to travel overseas before a final decision, you can apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to secure re-entry rights.
Visa expiry: The BVA remains valid until your new Partner Visa is decided, you withdraw your application or—rarely—your application is refused.

Keep a copy of your Bridging Visa grant notice handy (print or digital). Check the conditions carefully: any breach could jeopardise your ongoing stay.

Monitoring Application Status

Staying informed about your application’s progress prevents nasty surprises. Here are two easy ways to check updates:

ImmiAccount Dashboard
• Log in regularly to view your application status. Look for fresh immiMessages—Home Affairs often flags requests for additional evidence there.
• Track the stages: sponsorship approval, health clearances, character checks and final decision. Each milestone will appear as a status update (for example, “In assessment” or “Additional information requested”).
VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)
• Once your Bridging Visa is active, you can verify its conditions and expiry date using VEVO.
• VEVO also shows any current substantive visa you hold, which is useful if you’ve switched visas during the process.

Checking daily—even a quick glance—helps you spot departmental communications the moment they arrive.

Responding to Departmental Requests

When Home Affairs needs more information, they’ll send an immiMessage outlining what’s missing or unclear. Responding promptly and precisely keeps your application moving:

Timelines: Address requests within the deadline specified (often 28 days). If you need more time, request an extension through immiMessage before the deadline lapses.
Format and naming: Upload documents in the same format they requested (PDF or JPEG), and use clear file names like “9.2_PoliceCertificate_NZ.pdf” or “9.3_SponsorBankStatements.pdf.”
Reference your TRN: Begin any message or file note with your Transaction Reference Number to ensure case officers link your submission correctly.

Pro tip: Create a simple log (spreadsheet or notebook) listing every request, date received, date responded and a brief description. This audit trail helps if there’s ever confusion about what you’ve already provided.

By keeping your Bridging Visa conditions under control, monitoring updates and responding to requests promptly, you’ll minimise delays and steer your spouse visa Australia requirements toward a successful grant.

Step 10. Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residency

Once you’ve held your temporary Partner visa (subclass 820, 309 or 300) for the required period, it’s time to move on to permanent residency. This transition cements your place in Australia—and brings a fresh set of benefits and obligations.

Timing for the Permanent Visa Stage

Regardless of whether you applied onshore (820 → 801) or offshore (309 → 100), a two-year waiting period applies from the date you lodged your combined application. During this time, Home Affairs monitors your ongoing eligibility:

Onshore applicants become eligible for subclass 801 two years after lodgment of the 820/801 application.
Offshore applicants are considered for subclass 100 two years after lodgment of the 309/100 application.

You do not pay an extra visa charge at this stage—your initial application fee covers both temporary and permanent assessments. Keep an eye on your ImmiAccount around the two-year mark; Home Affairs will typically finalize the permanent decision automatically once they confirm your eligibility.

Maintaining Ongoing Eligibility

Home Affairs must be satisfied that the relationship underpinning your application remains genuine and continuing. To safeguard your permanent grant:

Continue living together or, if separated by work or study commitments, document your ongoing contact (phone logs, letters, joint expenses).
Notify Home Affairs promptly (via immiMessage) of any significant changes—such as divorce, separation, the breakdown of your relationship or a sponsor’s change of address.
If circumstances change due to domestic and family violence, you can still qualify under the Family Violence Provisions; supply relevant police or support agency reports.

Failing to maintain or demonstrate your relationship commitment can delay—or in rare cases, jeopardize—your permanent visa grant.

Receiving Your Permanent Visa

When Home Affairs grants your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801 or 100), you’ll receive a digital visa notice outlining:

Your new status as an Australian permanent resident
Travel facility validity (usually five years from grant), during which you can leave and re-enter Australia freely
Any continuing obligations, such as notifying address changes within 14 days

Permanent residency lets you live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. It also opens doors to settling in—apply for a Tax File Number, enroll in Medicare and, once you meet the residency requirements, consider applying for citizenship.

Before you make travel or relocation plans, verify your visa grant notice for the exact expiry of your travel facility. After that date, you’ll need a Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157) to travel in and out of Australia.

Transitioning from temporary to permanent residency marks a significant milestone in your Spouse Visa journey. With permanent status secured, you can focus on building your future together—whether that means starting a family, advancing your career or planning a long-term home in Australia.

Step 11. Avoid Common Application Mistakes

Even the most carefully prepared Spouse Visa application can be tripped up by small oversights. Before you hit “Submit,” take a moment to review these frequent errors. Addressing them now could save you weeks—or even months—of delays.

Incomplete or Inconsistent Information

Discrepancies in names, dates or addresses are red flags for case officers. Make sure every document—from your passport biodata page to utility bills—matches perfectly. Common slip-ups include:

Typos in your partner’s name between the sponsorship form and your relationship evidence
Differing birth dates or passport numbers on separate identity documents
Mismatched residential addresses on leases, bank statements and statutory declarations

Tip: Create a master spreadsheet listing each key field and the source document. Cross-check every entry during your final review to catch inconsistencies before lodgment.

Insufficient Relationship Evidence

A polished relationship statement means little without balanced proof. Home Affairs looks for a mix of:

Financial documentation (joint bank accounts, shared loans or insurance policies)
Household records (lease agreements, utility bills or mail in both names)
Social proof (invitations, travel itineraries, photos with friends and family)
Commitment evidence (joint wills, powers of attorney, documented future plans)

Relying too heavily on one category—such as bank statements—can create gaps. Aim for diversity and clarity: each item should reinforce your genuine, ongoing commitment.

Missing Sponsor or Form Errors

Your sponsor’s paperwork is just as critical as yours. Double-check that:

The correct sponsorship form is submitted and references your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
You’ve used the latest version of Form 888 for statutory declarations (old templates won’t be accepted)
Proof of your sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residency aligns with what’s in ImmiAccount

For a full rundown of these and other pitfalls, see our guide on common partner visa mistakes. A quick audit now can keep your application on the fast track to approval.

Next Steps for Your Spouse Visa Journey

You’re now equipped with a clear roadmap through each phase of the spouse visa Australia requirements. To keep yourself on track, use the checklist below as a quick reference. Tick off each item as you finalise your preparations, lodge your application and move towards permanent residency.

Step 1: Select the correct visa subclass for your situation.
Step 2: Confirm relationship, age and sponsor eligibility.
Step 3: Secure and lodge your sponsor’s commitment.
Step 4: Gather identity, relationship and family documents.
Step 5: Complete all mandatory health examinations.
Step 6: Obtain police certificates (AFP and overseas).
Step 7: Check and budget for visa fees and ancillary costs.
Step 8: Lodge your application via ImmiAccount with a final checklist.
Step 9: Track progress, manage your Bridging Visa and respond to requests.
Step 10: Meet the two-year requirement and maintain your relationship for the permanent stage.
Step 11: Avoid common pitfalls by reviewing names, dates and evidence variety.

Take a moment to review each step, set realistic timelines and allow extra time for translations, health checks and police clearances. Early planning and attention to detail drastically reduce the risk of delays and ensure you present the strongest possible case.

If you’d like personalised guidance or need help with any stage of your application, visit the Simon Mander Consulting P/L homepage for expert advice, tailored resources and support from migration professionals with over 22 years of experience.

SMCadmin

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