If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the Australia Spouse Visa or Partner Visa might be your gateway to living together in Australia. This visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to join their partner in Australia. Whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship, this visa opens the door to a new life in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
In 2025, the Australian government continues to refine its visa processes to ensure that applicants are in genuine, ongoing relationships. This means that proving the authenticity of your relationship is crucial to securing a successful application. A strong case backed by solid evidence not only speeds up the process but increases the chances of approval. So, let’s dive into how you can prove that your relationship is real and lasting.
Types of Australian Spouse Visa
When applying for an Australian Spouse Visa or Partner Visa, it’s important to understand two main pathways available:
Subclass 820 and Subclass 801, and Subclass 309 and Subclass 100. These visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live, work, and study in Australia.
Subclass 820 and Subclass 801: Temporary and Permanent Partner Visa
The Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 visas are part of the same process, but they come in two stages. The Subclass 820 is a temporary visa, while the Subclass 801 is a permanent visa.
- Subclass 820- Temporary Visa: This visa is the first stage of the Partner Visa process. Once you apply for a partner visa while you’re in Australia, you will be granted the Subclass 820 visa. It allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent visa application is being processed. It’s important to note that the Subclass 820 visa is temporary, but it enables you to live, work, and study in Australia until you receive your permanent visa.
- Subclass 801- Permanent Visa: After you’ve held the Subclass 820 visa for a certain period of time, you may be eligible for the Subclass 801 permanent visa. This visa lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. Once granted, it opens the path to Australian citizenship if you meet the necessary requirements. During the wait for Subclass 801, you’ll need to prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Subclass 309 and Subclass 100: Temporary and Permanent Partner Visa
Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 are part of Australia’s spouse visa process for partners who are living outside of Australia. These visas allow a partner to join their Australian spouse in Australia, first temporarily and then permanently.
- Subclass 309- Temporary Partner Visa: Subclass 309 is the first stage of the spouse visa process for people who are outside Australia. If you apply for this visa, you will be granted temporary permission to enter Australia while your permanent visa application is processed. This visa lets you live, work, and study in Australia while you wait for the next stage.
- Subclass 100- Permanent Partner Visa: After holding the Subclass 309 visa for some time and proving that your relationship with your Australian spouse is genuine and ongoing, you may be eligible for the Subclass 100 permanent visa. Once granted, this visa lets you stay in Australia permanently. It gives you the right to work, study, and live in Australia indefinitely. The Subclass 100 visa can also open a pathway to applying for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Tips for Proving Your Relationship
If you’re planning to apply for an Australia Spouse Visa, it’s essential to show that your relationship with your partner is genuine and ongoing. The Australian government is committed to ensuring that only those in real relationships are granted these visas, which means proving the authenticity of your relationship is a crucial step in the process. In 2025, understanding how to meet the requirements and provide strong evidence can significantly improve your chances of securing approval. Here are some practical tips for proving your relationship in your Australia Spouse Visa or Partner Visa application:
Provide Evidence of Your Relationship History:
When applying for an Australian Spouse Visa, the first thing the authorities will want to see is the history of your relationship. Whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship, they want to understand how your relationship has developed over time.
- For Married Couples- Submit a copy of your marriage certificate as evidence of your legal marriage.
- For De Facto Couples- Provide documents that show you have lived together for at least 12 months prior to applying. These can include lease agreements, utility bills, or joint bank accounts. If you haven’t lived together for 12 months, other evidence of the relationship’s genuineness, such as proof of regular visits or correspondence, may also be considered.
Demonstrate Financial Commitment:
One of the most important ways to prove that your relationship is genuine is by showing how financially committed you are to each other. If you and your partner share financial responsibilities, this strengthens your case for an Australia Spouse Visa.
- Joint Bank Accounts: Provide evidence that you have a shared bank account where both parties contribute or manage finances together.
- Financial Documents: Include details of shared expenses, like rent, mortgage payments, bills, or shared assets such as vehicles or property.
- Insurance Policies: Submitting evidence of both partners being listed on insurance policies for health, life, or home can also support your case.
The more you can show that you share financial responsibilities, the stronger your application will be.
Provide Evidence of Social Commitment:
This involves showing that your relationship is recognized by others in your social and family circles. A genuine relationship isn’t just between you and your partner- it also involves how you interact with the wider community.
- Photos: Submit photos of you and your partner together at family gatherings, holidays, or other social events. These should include a mix of different occasions and time periods to show the evolution of your relationship.
- Affidavits or Statements from Friends and Family: Ask family members or close friends to provide statements about your relationship. These statements should explain how they know you both and confirm that they view your relationship as genuine and committed.
- Social Media: If applicable, sharing publicly available posts from social media accounts where you both have shown your relationship can be beneficial. However, make sure your online presence portrays a healthy, committed relationship.
Demonstrate Emotional Support:
Australia’s immigration authorities also want to see that your relationship is emotionally genuine and that you provide each other with ongoing emotional support.
- Communication Records: Provide evidence of your communication if you’ve been living apart or in a long-distance relationship. This could include phone records, emails, messages, and video calls that demonstrate consistent, meaningful communication over time.
- Letters of Support: Both partners can write personal letters detailing the relationship’s emotional journey. This helps show the depth of the connection and can also explain how you handle life’s challenges together.
Having a clear narrative of how you emotionally support one another over time can make your application more compelling.
Provide Detailed and Honest Information:
When completing the visa application, honesty is crucial. Ensure that all details you provide are accurate and reflect the truth about your relationship. Any discrepancies or inconsistencies in your application could raise red flags and delay the process or lead to a visa refusal.
- Complete Forms Accurately: Carefully fill out all forms and provide supporting documents. If anything is missing or unclear, provide explanations or additional evidence as needed.
- Be Transparent About Previous Relationships: If either partner has been married or in previous relationships, be open about it. This includes providing information about any children or past partners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Proving Your Relationship
While your relationship with the Australia Spouse Visa is essential, it’s equally important to avoid common mistakes that could delay or harm your application. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation:
One of the biggest mistakes is submitting incomplete or incorrect documents. Always double-check that all forms are filled out correctly and that you provide all required evidence. Missing information can lead to delays and refusals.
Lack of Clear, Consistent Evidence:
Make sure your evidence clearly shows the development and authenticity of your relationship. Avoid submitting random photos or documents without context. Photos should show both partners in meaningful situations over time, not just one-off moments.
Failing to Provide Evidence of Communication:
For long-distance relationships, failing to provide proof of consistent communication is a common mistake. Always include a variety of communication records such as texts, calls, emails, or video chats.
Overlooking Financial Evidence:
Some couples overlook providing evidence of shared financial responsibilities, which can weaken your application. Make sure to include joint bank accounts, shared bills, and other financial documents.
By avoiding these mistakes and being thorough in your application, you’ll greatly improve your chances of success.
Why seek professional help for your Australian Spouse Visa?
The Australia Spouse Visa application process can be complex, with many requirements and documents to submit. Seeking professional help ensures that your application is accurate, complete, and compelling. Immigration experts can help you avoid common mistakes, provide personalized guidance, and ensure that your case is as strong as possible, increasing your chances of approval.
West Highlander Immigration
West Highlander Immigration is a top consultant for Australia spouse visas, specializing in Subclass 309 applications. Led by Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a MARA-licensed professional, we provide expert advice and manage cases with high success rates. We also offer exceptional support in visa appeals and refusals, staying up-to-date with the latest immigration changes.