Spouse Visa Australia: Requirements, Time, & Costs in 2025

Moving to Australia to settle down means fulfilling the dreams of many couples. However, the fact remains that the visa process can be very trying. The spouse visa Australia allows married or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to settle and live in Australia.

Latest Facts and News

• In 2025, the application fee for the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309) and the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100) will be AUD$ 9,095.

• By and large, 75% of spouse visa Australia applications lodged in Australia have currently been noted to take around 7-9 months for processing.

• A newly implemented online application system will begin in 2024 and will assist in finally expediting the processing.

• Same-sex partners can now apply for spouse visa Australia on the same footing as other partners.

• The Australian Government has set stricter character and health requirements for applicants seeking to apply for a visa.

Gaining a spouse visa Australia can be tough. But with the right guidance, the dream of living with your partner in Australia can be overcome by consolidating all of them.

Understanding the Spouse Visa Australia

A spouse visa Australia allows spouses of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to settle permanently in Australia. This visa is supposedly offered in two stages: first, as a temporary visa, followed by permanent residence. 

Types of Spouse Visa Australia

There are a few types of spouse visa for Australia, such as:

1. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

For onshore partner visa -

• The applicant must be present in Australia at the time of the application and visa grant.

• Temporary visa subclass 820 leads to the permanent visa subclass 801.

2. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

For offshore partner visa - 

• The applicant must be outside Australia at the time of application.

• Temporary visa subclass 309 leads to permanent visa subclass 100.

Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Australia Study Visa Process

Eligibility Conditions for Spouse Visa Australia

To qualify for the spouse visa Australia, the following needs to be satisfied by the applicant:

• A genuine relationship is maintained with either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

• Provide proof of cohabitation.

• Must be free of any significant criminal record.

• Must meet health and character requirements.

• Must be at least 18 years of age. 

Australia Spouse Visa Requirements: A Detailed Breakdown

When applying for a spouse visa Australia, you need to know the Australia spouse visa requirements, that is to submit various documents that should prove your relationship and demonstrate that you meet the Australia spouse visa requirements.

Evidence of Relationship for Australia Spouse Visa

As proof of the relationship, couples can show the below documents:

• Financial proofs, including joint bank accounts, shared bills, or property ownership.

• Social proof, including photographs, social media interactions, and letters from family and friends.

• Household evidence, including lease agreements, shared utility bills, and joint mail.

• Proof of commitment, including plans for travelling together, shared responsibilities or plans for life.

Character and Health Requirements for Australia Spouse Visa

The mentioned documents can be shown for health and character requirements:

• Police clearance: Obtain certificate clearance from other countries in which you have lived for over a month within the last ten years.

• Medical checks: Medical examinations are done by a panel doctor and approved by Australia.

Supplementary Documents for Australia Spouse Visa

• Identity proofs: Passports, birth certificates, national IDs.

• Temporarily 888: Statutory declarations by family and friends who support your relationship claim.

A well-guided application with all Australia spouse visa requirements goes a long way toward improving your chances of obtaining a visa.

Spouse Visa Australia Processing Time in 2025

The processing time for the Australian spouse visa is influenced by different factors. In 2025 the spouse visa Australia processing time is that 75% of applications are processed within 7-9 months. However, they may take longer if they are complex. 

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Here are some factors that affect the spouse visa Australia processing time:

• Completion of Application: Missing documents may cause delays.

• Country of Application: Applicants from high-risk countries would experience longer processing times.

• Health and Character Checks: Flaws in police clearances or medical exams may spell delays.

• Government Backlog: High applications may extend waiting time.

Priority Processing & Special Circumstances

• Domestic violence or Australian citizen children cases are given top priority in processing.

• Humanitarian grounds may also expedite approvals.

• To keep things running smoothly, applicants must ensure they submit all required documents correctly. They must also check their ImmiAccount to see the status of their application.

Also Read: Why Study in Australia ? Latest Updated Guide

Costs and Fees of the Australia Spouse Visa in 2025

There are various costs associated with applying for a spouse visa Australia. The base Australia spouse visa fee for either the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309) or the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100) is around 500,000 grant rupees in India. Let's know more about the Australia spouse visa fee.

Government Application Fees

Here is a breakdown of the government application spouse visa Australia cost:

Additional Costs to Consider

Here are some additional costs that you should consider in relation to a spouse visa Australia cost:

• Medical exam: From 16,000 to 27,000 per person

• Police clearance varies from 2,700-8,000 per country.

• Document Translation: 1,600-8,000 per page.

This can vary depending on where the applicant lives, the exchange rates, and their selected service providers. Be sure to check the current fees on the official Australian immigration website before your application.

The Application Procedure in Brief Steps

1. Starting on Preparing an Application

• Assemble documents like proof of identity, relationship credentials, police clearance, and health report.

• Organize any evidence about financial, social, and household evidence.

• If a translation of the documents is needed, recheck it.

2. Application For a Visa

• An ImmiAccount should be created for Australian immigration officials on the website.

• Fill out the online application for the right subclass in spouse visa Australia (820/801 or 309/100).

• Pay the visa application fee(AUD 9,095 in 2025).

• A couple of moves are done when uploading supporting and application submissions.

3. After Lodging The Application

• The medical examination should be done at a panel clinic approved by the department.

• Police clearance certificates from countries for which the applicant has lived for 12 or more months should be provided.

• Keep tracking your application change status through your ImmiAccount and answer such requests as and when made.

4. Granting of Visa and Proceeding Further

• If successful, the grant of the temporary visa (820/309) comes first.

• The application for the permanent visa (801/100) is submitted only after two years with updated proof regarding the relationship.

Expert Tip: Get all of your documents right to avoid delays. 

Experts Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Application

1. Provide Strong Relationship Evidence: 

• Submit various proofs like joint financial records. 
• Include shared bills and travel history. 
• Add personal statements as well.

2. Document Everything – Review all forms, police clearances, and health checks before submitting.

3. Be honest and consistent. Discrepancies in your application can cause delays or refusals. Keep your statements and evidence consistent.

4. Submit a Clear Application – Organize your documents as per the Department of Home Affairs guidelines.

5. Check Your Application – Look at your ImmiAccount often for updates. Respond quickly to any new requests.

6. Show Financial Stability – Prove your financial health with: 

• Bank statements 
• Proof of income 
• Shared expenses

7. Get Help from a Pro – Think about hiring a migration agent if your case is tricky or you need expert advice.

8. Get Ready for Interviews – Be prepared to discuss your relationship and plans.

9. Stay Updated on Visa Policies – Immigration laws change often, so keep informed to follow the rules.

10. Be Patient – Processing takes time. Avoid asking too often, as it can slow things down.

Following these steps increases your chances of a successful spouse visa application.

Also Read: Apply Working Visa in Australia: Types, Benefits, Process

Recent Changes and Updates to the Australia Spouse Visa Program

The spouse visa Australia program has been given several critical updates aimed at fast-tracking the process and making it safer:

• New Online Application System: Launched in 2024, aimed particularly at separating the visa process and simplifying the same. This also cuts down processing and paperwork delays.

• Tougher Health and Character Checks: Bye to applicants passing with minimum screening. More stringent background checks and new medical assessments will be incorporated.

• Same-Sex Couples Given Equal Rights: New changes ensure that same-sex partners are treated with equal rights in the immigration process.

• More Solid Financial Evidence: In this part, proof of financial interdependence and joint assets must be greater.

• Processing Times: Standard processing takes 7-9 months; priority processing is available depending on the nature of the application.

Updates will make the immigration process much safer and clearer for the applicants.

Conclusion

Applying for a spouse visa Australia demands patience, detailed preparation, and documentary essentiality. The requisite info on timing and costs may be quite helpful to applicants. And start packing those documents if you intend to apply today. This will be your first step towards meeting your partner in Australia. 

To learn more about Australian immigration, visit Terra Tern!