If you’re in love with an Aussie and dreaming of a future together in Australia—you’re in the right place.
The Australian Spouse Visa (also known as a Partner Visa) allows you to live, work and build your life here with your husband, wife or partner.
It’s one of the most important—and emotional—visa applications you’ll ever prepare. And while every couple’s story is unique, the visa process is very specific.
In this article, I’ll guide you through exactly how the Spouse Visa Australia process works in 2025, what evidence you’ll need, common mistakes to avoid—and how you can get started with confidence.
Download our Free Partner Visa Guide or book a free call with our expert team if you’d like personalised advice for your situation.Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa Australia?
You may be eligible to apply for an Australian Spouse Visa if you are:
You can apply whether you are currently in Australia (onshore) or overseas (offshore).
The right visa for you will depend on where you are living now, the stage of your relationship, and your future plans as a couple.
Three Main Spouse Visa Options
There isn’t an official visa called “Spouse Visa. It’s actually just a common name people use for the Australian Partner Visa pathways.
The three main options are:
Subclass 820/801 — Onshore Partner Visa
If you are already in Australia (often on a Visitor Visa, Student Visa or Work Visa), you may be able to apply onshore. You’ll receive a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while your application is processed.
Subclass 309/100 — Offshore Partner Visa
For couples applying while one partner is outside Australia. The application is lodged offshore, and the applicant must be offshore at the time the visa is granted.
Subclass 300 — Prospective Marriage Visa
For engaged couples. This visa allows you to come to Australia to marry your partner, and then apply onshore for the Partner Visa.
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, download our Free Partner Visa Guide or book a free call. We’ll help you choose the best pathway for your unique circumstances.
Spouse Visa Australia: How the Process Works
The Australian Spouse Visa is a two-stage process:
1️⃣ Temporary Visa (Subclass 820 or 309) — allows you to live and work in Australia
2️⃣ Permanent Visa (Subclass 801 or 100) — usually granted around 2 years later
When you apply, you submit one combined application for both stages. If you apply onshore, you’ll generally be granted a Bridging Visa which allows you to stay in Australia while your application is processed.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Spouse Visa Australia?
The key to a successful Spouse Visa Australia application is evidence—showing that your relationship is genuine, continuing, and meets the legal criteria.
You’ll need to provide documentation across four key areas:
Getting this part right is absolutely critical. Many refusals happen because the evidence isn’t strong enough or doesn’t cover all areas.
Strong Evidence is Essential. We cover all this and more in the Port Migration PArtner Visa Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Spotify or wherever you get your Podcasts.
Other Spouse Visa Requirements
In addition to relationship evidence, you must also meet:
Every applicant’s situation is a little different. If you’d like us to review your circumstances, just book a free call.
Spouse Visa Processing Times in 2025
Processing times for the Australian Spouse Visa vary depending on:
- Type of visa (onshore, offshore, prospective marriage)
- Strength and completeness of your application
- Current Department of Home Affairs priorities
Subscribe on YouTube to watch our regular updates and stay up to date with Partner Visa Processing.
The key to faster processing? A well-prepared, decision-ready application.
This is where expert help can save you months of unnecessary delays.
Common Questions About the Spouse Visa Australia
It’s the common name for Australia’s Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801, 309/100, or 300), allowing partners of Australians to live and work here.
Yes! You can apply if you are in a de facto relationship (usually 12 months+) or if you have a registered relationship in some Australian states.
They’re the same thing! The official name is Partner Visa, but many people call it a Spouse Visa.
Usually 12–24 months for the temporary visa, with permanent residency granted after 2 years.
If you apply onshore (Subclass 820), you’ll be granted a Bridging Visa to stay in Australia while your application is processed.
You’ll need to show your relationship is genuine and continuing, with financial, social, household and commitment evidence.
It leads to permanent residency—but you are first granted a temporary visa, followed by the permanent stage 2 years later.
You may have appeal rights, depending on your situation. If you’re worried about risk factors, we strongly recommend seeking professional advice.
It’s not mandatory, but many couples choose expert help to reduce stress, avoid delays, and improve their chances of success.
Provide strong evidence, prepare a clear relationship statement, and make sure your application is consistent across all areas. Our Free Partner Visa Guide can help you get started.
Ready to Apply? How We Can Help
At Port Migration, we’ve helped LOTS of couples—just like you—successfully apply for their Australian Spouse Visa.
We know how important this is. And we also know how overwhelming it can feel at the start.
That’s why we offer:
You don’t have to figure this out alone. And you don’t want to risk mistakes when your future together is on the line.
Download Your Free Partner Visa Guide
Your first step? Grab our free Partner Visa Guide.
You’ll learn:
Book Your Free Call
Or if you’d like personalised advice from an expert—book your free call today.
We’ll help you:
Spouse Visa Australia may be a complex process—but with the right plan, the right evidence and the right expert by your side, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
We’re here to help. And we’d love to make your love story the next Partner Visa success story. 💙
