Australian Partner & Spouse Visas

Australia’s partner migration scheme allows eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens to sponsor their partner to join them in Australia. In order to be eligible for this visa category, you must meet the requirements specified by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

General Requirements: Partner, Spouse & Prospective Marriage Visas

Married partners (opposite-sex spouses) and de facto (unmarried) partners, including those in a same-sex relationship, of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen may be granted a visa to enter Australia and remain permanently under the Partner category.

A temporary visa is granted in the first instance and after a two year period a permanent visa may be granted. In certain circumstances a permanent visa may be granted in the first instance.

Fiancé(e)s (intended spouses) of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens may also be granted temporary entry to Australia.

The visa applicant must be sponsored by a person (usually their partner, fiancé(e) or in some circumstances, a parent or guardian of their partner) who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must satisfy the legal criteria to be eligible to sponsor the visa applicant.

The visa applicant must satisfy the legal criteria to be eligible for the visa, as well as satisfy health and character criteria.

Partner & Spouse Migration

Partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply to enter and/or remain permanently in Australia. Partners include:

• a fiancé or fiancée
• a married partner
• a de facto partner
• a same‐sex partner

Your unique circumstances will determine which Australian visa within the Partner category will be the most appropriate for you.