Australian Family Visas
Australia offers several family visa options for partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents. These visas are designed to help couples reunite and build their lives together in Australia, whether they are married, in a de facto relationship, or engaged to be married.
Partner Visas (Onshore and Offshore)
Partner visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia. These visas are typically processed in two stages—first granting temporary residence, followed by permanent residency after a qualifying period.
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that they are in a genuine and ongoing relationship. Evidence is assessed across various areas, including shared financial responsibilities, cohabitation, joint social activities, and mutual commitment. Depending on where the applicant is located at the time of application, the visa can be lodged either from within Australia or from overseas.
Processing times for partner visas can be lengthy, and applicants should ensure their documentation clearly supports the nature and history of the relationship.
Prospective Marriage Visa
This visa is designed for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident and intend to marry after arriving in Australia. Applicants must apply from outside Australia and, once granted, must travel to Australia and marry their sponsor within a specified time frame (typically nine months).
After the marriage takes place, the next step is to apply for a partner visa, which can lead to permanent residency. This visa pathway provides an option for couples who are not yet married or in a de facto relationship but plan to formalise their relationship in Australia.
