Spouse Visa

This visa category is for applicants who are married to either an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa would entitle the applicant on being sponsored by their partner to enter or remain in Australia:

on a temporary visa (usually for a waiting period of approximately two (2) years from the date you applied for the visa)

on a permanent visa if, after the waiting period (if applicable), your partner relationship still exists and you are still eligible for this visa.

Duration

The temporary spouse visa is granted for two years, after which time the applicant is required to prove the genuine relationship which would then lead to Australian permanent residency.

Relationship

Be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen;

Be legally married to the sponsor and in a 'genuine, continuous relationship' with them which they intend to continue after arrival in Australia.

Health & Character

Australia has strict health and character requirements for any Australian visa application that must be met before any Australian visa will be granted. People attempting to migrate to Australia on an Australian spouse visa will be required to:

Undergo a medical examination and chest x-ray undertaken by one of a panel of doctors selected by the Australian authorities, and

Obtain police certificates for all countries in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the 10 years leading up to the application.

Processing Time

The current processing time for migration to Australia under the Australia spouse visa is 6 - 8 weeks from the start of the process