A Complete Timeline for Australia Spouse Visa Applications in 2025

Dreaming of starting a new life in Australia with your spouse? The Australia Spouse Visa is the key to reuniting with your loved one and building a future together in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world. However, the process of applying for a spouse visa can feel overwhelming, with multiple steps, eligibility requirements, and waiting periods. If you’re unsure about how long it takes or what to expect at each stage, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Applying for an Australian Spouse Visa requires careful planning and patience. The timeline varies based on the visa type, your personal circumstances, and how well your application is prepared. Some applications get processed faster, while others may take longer due to additional document requests or verification processes. Understanding the complete timeline will help you stay prepared and avoid unnecessary delays.

In this blog, we will walk you through every step of the Australia Spouse Visa application process in 2025. From gathering the right documents to understanding processing times, we’ll provide clear and up-to-date information so you know exactly what to expect. And most importantly, you can trust the guidance we provide! At West Highlander Immigration, we have helped countless couples successfully secure their Australian Spouse Visa. Our licensed immigration advisor, Ms. Parwinder Kaur, has years of experience in handling complex visa cases. With her expert knowledge and professional approach, you can be confident that you’re receiving the right information and guidance. So, if you’re wondering how long the process takes, what steps are involved, or how to avoid common mistakes, keep reading! This blog will answer all your questions and help you navigate the spouse visa application process smoothly.

What is an Australia Spouse Visa?

An Australian Spouse Visa allows the husband, wife, or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa helps couples stay together while meeting immigration requirements. It is available as a temporary visa first, which can later lead to permanent residency in Australia.

Types of Australia Spouse Visa

If you want to live in Australia with your spouse or partner, you will need an Australian Spouse Visa. There are two main types of visas, depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside Australia. Let’s understand them in a simple way.

Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 (For applicants in Australia):

If you are already in Australia, you will first apply for the Subclass 820 visa. This is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia while waiting for your permanent visa. To get this visa, you must prove that you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your Australian partner. After holding the Subclass 820 visa for a certain period and meeting all requirements, you can apply for the Subclass 801 visa, which is a permanent visa. This allows you to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.

Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 (For applicants outside Australia):

If you are applying from another country, you will first receive the Subclass 309 visa. This is a temporary visa that lets you move to Australia and live with your spouse while your permanent visa is processed. Once you fulfill all conditions and the waiting period is over, you can apply for the Subclass 100 visa, which grants you permanent residency in Australia. This visa allows you to enjoy all the benefits of living in Australia with your spouse. Both pathways help couples reunite and start a new life in Australia. Choosing the right visa depends on your situation!

Eligibility Criteria for an Australian Spouse Visa

Applying for an Australian Spouse Visa is a significant step for couples looking to reunite and build a life together in Australia. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria that you and your partner must fulfill to ensure a successful application.

Relationship Requirements:

To qualify for an Australian Spouse Visa, you must be in a genuine and committed relationship with an eligible sponsor. This means:

  • You must be legally married or in a de facto relationship with:

An Australian citizen,

An Australian permanent resident, or

An eligible New Zealand citizen.

  • If applying as a de facto partner, you must have been in a relationship for at least 12 months before applying (unless your relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory).
  • You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing, with a shared life together.
  • You must be living together or, if living apart temporarily, have valid reasons (such as work or travel).

Sponsorship Requirements:

  • Your partner must sponsor you for at least two years from the date your visa is granted.
  • The sponsor must meet certain character requirements, including a clean criminal record.
  • If your sponsor has previously sponsored another partner for a visa within the last 5 years, there may be restrictions on their ability to sponsor again.

Proof of Relationship:

The Australian government requires strong evidence to prove that your relationship is genuine and stable. This may include:

  • Financial evidence, such as joint bank accounts, shared assets, or financial commitments.
  • Social evidence, including photographs, travel records, invitations to events as a couple, and statutory declarations from family and friends.
  • Household evidence, such as joint lease agreements, utility bills, and proof of living arrangements.
  • Commitment evidence, showing communication records, travel history, and future plans together.

Health and Character Requirements:

  • You must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel doctor to prove you meet Australia’s health standards.
  • You and any dependent applicants (if applicable) must provide police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
  • If your sponsor has a history of certain criminal offenses, additional conditions may apply.

Financial Stability and Obligations:

  • You and your sponsor must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourselves without relying on government assistance.
  • Your sponsor must commit to financially supporting you for two years, covering living costs if necessary.

Meeting all the above criteria is essential for a successful Australian Spouse Visa application. Ensuring that you provide comprehensive and accurate documentation will help avoid unnecessary delays. If you are unsure about any requirement, seeking expert guidance can make the process smoother.

Documents Required for Australia Partner Visa

When applying for an Australian Spouse Visa, submitting the right documents is essential to prove your relationship and meet immigration requirements. Here are the key documents you need to prepare:

  • Identity and Personal Documents: You and your sponsor must provide valid passports, birth certificates, and recent passport-sized photographs. If you have changed your name, legal proof of the name change is required.
  • Relationship Proof: To establish a genuine and ongoing relationship, you need to provide marriage certificates (for married couples) or proof of living together for at least 12 months (for de facto partners). Joint bank statements, shared lease agreements, household bills, and travel records also strengthen your case.
  • Sponsor’s Documents: Your sponsor must submit proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility as a New Zealand citizen. A sponsorship declaration and police clearance certificate may also be required.
  • Health and Character Certificates: The applicant must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel doctor. Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years must also be submitted.

Ensuring that all Australia Spouse Visa documents are accurate and complete can help avoid unnecessary delays. Double-check everything before submission to increase your chances of visa approval.

Processing Time for Australia Partner Visa

Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 Visa Processing Time (For Applicants in Australia):

The Subclass 820 visa is the first step for applicants who are already in Australia and wish to stay with their spouse or de facto partner. The processing time for this temporary visa varies based on individual circumstances, application accuracy, and government workload. On average, the current processing time for a Subclass 820 visa is:

50% processed in 9 months.

90% processed in 18 months.

The key factors that influence the processing time include:

  • Submission of complete and accurate documents
  • Additional requests for information or evidence
  • The time required for background checks, including health and character assessments

Once the Subclass 820 visa is granted, applicants can live and work in Australia while waiting for the Subclass 801 visa, which grants permanent residency. The Subclass 801 visa processing time is:

50% processed in 8 months.

90% processed in 26 months.

For a smoother process, applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and provide strong evidence of their relationship.

Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 Visa Processing Time (For Applicants Outside Australia):

For those applying from outside Australia, the process begins with the Subclass 309 visa, which is a temporary visa allowing the applicant to move to Australia with their spouse. The processing time for this visa is:

50% processed in 10 months.

90% processed in 21 months.

Once the applicant has lived in Australia for the required period and meets all conditions, they can apply for the Subclass 100 visa, which grants permanent residency. The processing time for this visa is:

50% processed in 9 months.

90% processed in 18 months.

To avoid delays, applicants should ensure that all documents are submitted correctly and that they respond to any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs promptly.

Understanding these processing timelines helps applicants plan their move and stay prepared throughout the visa application journey. Seeking professional guidance can also improve the chances of a smooth and successful application.

Australia Spouse Visa Fees in 2025

Applying for an Australian Spouse Visa involves various costs, depending on the visa type and the number of applicants included in the application. Below is a breakdown of the fees for 2025.

Subclass 820 and 801 (For Applicants in Australia):

If you are applying for a partner visa while in Australia, the cost for the Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 visas is as follows:

  • Main Applicant: AUD 9,095
  • Additional Applicant (18 and over): AUD 4,550
  • Additional Applicant (Under 18): AUD 2,280

For applicants who previously held a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), the application fee is reduced to AUD 1,515 for the main applicant.

Subclass 309 and 100 (For Applicants Outside Australia):

For those applying from outside Australia, the fees for the Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas are:

  • Main Applicant: AUD 9,095
  • Additional Applicant (18 and over): AUD 4,550
  • Additional Applicant (Under 18): AUD 2,280

These fees cover both the provisional and permanent stages of the partner visa process. The application is paid once, and the Subclass 100 visa can be granted without additional charges once eligibility criteria are met.

It is essential to note that these visa fees are subject to change based on government policies. Additional costs may include medical examinations, police clearances, and document translations. Ensuring that all required documents are correctly submitted can help avoid unnecessary delays and extra costs.

FAQ’s

How do I apply for an Australian Spouse Visa?
You need to submit an online application through ImmiAccount, provide the required documents, pay the visa fee, and complete health and character assessments.

How long does it take to get an Australian Spouse Visa?
Processing times vary. The Subclass 820 visa takes 9-18 months, while the Subclass 801 permanent visa takes 8-26 months. The Subclass 309 visa takes 10-21 months, and the Subclass 100 visa takes 9-18 months.

What is the difference between Subclass 820/801 and Subclass 309/100?
The Subclass 820/801 is for applicants in Australia, while the Subclass 309/100 is for those applying from outside Australia.

Can I travel outside Australia while my visa is being processed?
If you apply for a Subclass 820 visa, you must stay in Australia while it is processed. For Subclass 309, you must be outside Australia at the time of approval.

Do I need to take an English test for a Spouse Visa?
No, but you may need to meet functional English requirements later if applying for permanent residency.

Can I apply for permanent residency directly?
No, you must first apply for a temporary partner visa (Subclass 820 or 309) before becoming eligible for a permanent visa.

Can I apply for a Spouse Visa while pregnant?
Yes, pregnancy does not affect eligibility, but additional medical checks may be required.

How West Highlander Immigration can help?

Applying for an Australian Spouse Visa can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone! At West Highlander Immigration, we specialize in making the process simple and stress-free. Our team has helped many couples reunite in Australia by providing the right guidance and support at every stage of the application. Our director, Ms. Parwinder Kaur, is a MARA-licensed immigration expert (MARA number 1280308) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia and Migration Alliance Australia. This means we stay updated with the latest immigration policies and ensure your application is strong and well-prepared. Whether you need help with paperwork, eligibility checks, or handling visa refusals, we’re here for you. With our experience and commitment, you can feel confident that your spouse’s visa application is in safe hands.

Let’s make your journey to Australia smooth and successful!