How can I live permanently in Australia with my spouse ?

If you are in a genuine married or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and wish to live permanently in Australia with your partner, you will need to obtain a Spouse visa.

What are the visa requirements for emigrating to Australia as a spouse ?

You may apply for a Spouse visa if you :

• are legally married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, or
• are in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and you have been in this relationship for at least 12 months immediately prior to applying for the visa,
• are able to be sponsored by your partner,
• are in a relationship that is genuine and continuing and are able to provide evidence of this,
• have a mutual commitment to a shared life as husband and wife,
• live together, or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis,
• and your partner have both turned 18 years of age (unless special circumstances apply),
• have no limitations on making an application if applying in Australia.

How do I apply for a Spouse visa ?

To apply for a Spouse visa, you must complete and sign application form 47SP, Application for emigration to Australia by a partner and answer all questions honestly and completely, in English. When you lodge your application you must ensure that your application is complete, that is:

• the application form is signed and every question is answered,
• the visa application charge has been paid,
• supporting documents are attached.

Completed applications can be lodged at the nearest Australian diplomatic office overseas, either in person, by a representative or sent by mail. If an application is sent by mail, you need to include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the secure return of your passport.

How is my application for a Spouse visa processed ?

Applications for a Spouse visa go through a two-stage process.

The process involves applying for a temporary visa and a permanent visa on the one application form.

At the first stage the temporary visa application will be considered. The second stage, two years after making the application, involves consideration of the permanent visa application.

What do I do if my relationship ends before my permanent visa application is decided ?

If the relationship ends while you have a temporary visa, you must inform the department immediately. You may still be eligible for a permanent visa, without having to fulfil the normal two-year waiting period.