How to Apply for an Australia Marriage Visa for Immigrants: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you planning to join your spouse in Australia? Here is everything you need to know about how to apply for an Australia marriage visa for immigrants.

Applying for a marriage visa to Australia is the same process for visa types. 

However, whether you’re newly married or planning to tie the knot, you need to understand the visa processes and requirements. 

That’s why we created this to walk you through the steps to apply for an Australia Marriage Visa, to ensure a successful application.

But before we talk about how to apply for an Australia marriage visa for immigrants, let’s look at the different types of marriage visas in Australia.

Types of Partner Visas in Australia

Australia has several types of partner visas designed to help spouses and partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens join their loved ones in Australia and they include:

1. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

This visa is for those who are engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident and plan to marry them in Australia.

You must be outside Australia when you apply.

It is valid for 9 months, during which you must marry your partner.

After marriage, you can apply for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801).

2. Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309)

This temporary visa is for spouses or de facto partners applying from outside Australia. 

It allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) is processed.

However, you must be in a genuine relationship with your partner.

3. Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100)

This is the permanent visa that follows the provisional Subclass 309 visa. 

It allows you to live permanently in Australia with your partner.

Meanwhile, you must hold a Subclass 309 visa and continue to meet relationship requirements.

4. Partner Visa (Temporary) (Subclass 820)

This visa is for spouses or de facto partners applying from within Australia. 

It also allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is processed.

You must be in Australia when you apply.

5. Partner Visa (Permanent) (Subclass 801)

This is the permanent visa that follows the temporary Subclass 820 visa. 

It allows you to live permanently in Australia with your partner.

You must hold a Subclass 820 visa and continue to meet relationship requirements.

Requirements Needed to apply for Marriage Visa in Australia for Immigrants

To apply for a marriage visa in Australia, you need to meet specific requirements

Here’s a list of the general requirements for the main types of marriage visas:

General Requirements

1. Relationship Evidence:

• Proof of a genuine and continuing relationship.
• Evidence of living together or a commitment to live together.
• Joint financial commitments (e.g., bank statements, joint leases).

2. Identity Documents:

• Valid passports for both applicant and sponsor.
• Birth certificates.

3. Health and Character Checks:

• Medical examinations.
• Police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

4. Sponsor Requirements:

• The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Proof of the sponsor’s citizenship or residency status.

Specific Visa Requirements

1. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have met in person and know each other.
• Must intend to marry within 9 months of visa grant.
• No legal impediments to marriage.

2. Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) and Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100)

• Must be married or in a de facto relationship.
• De facto relationships must have existed for at least 12 months.
• Evidence of mutual commitment to a shared life.

3. Partner Visa (Temporary) (Subclass 820) and Partner Visa (Permanent) (Subclass 801)

• Must be in Australia when applying.
• Must be married or in a de facto relationship.
• De facto relationships must have existed for at least 12 months.
• Evidence of mutual commitment to a shared life.

Additional Documents

• Recent passport-sized photos.
• Statutory declarations from friends and family supporting the relationship.
• Marriage Certificate. If already married.

How to Apply for an Australia Marriage Visa for Immigrants

Here is a step by step process on How to Apply for an Australia Marriage Visa for Immigrants you need to follow. 

• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including relationship requirements and health and character checks.
• Get all the necessary documents such as proof of relationship, identity documents, and health assessments.
• Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Pay the required visa application fees.
• Be prepared for interviews to verify the authenticity of your relationship.
• Processing times can vary, so be patient and check your application status regularly.
• Once approved, you’ll receive your visa and can make plans to move to Australia.

Conclusion

Before you start your Australian marriage visa application, you need to understand the different types of visas available and their requirements. 

We have discussed all the requirements needed for all visa types as well as the step-by-step process on How to Apply for an Australia Marriage Visa for Immigrants

However, don’t forget to gather all necessary documents and evidence to support your application. 

If you need further assistance, you can consider consulting a registered migration agent.

We hope this guide is helpful to you. 

Have questions or need further assistance? Leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading

FAQs on How to Apply for an Australia Marriage Visa for Immigrants

How long does it take to process an Australian marriage visa?

The processing time for an Australian marriage visa depend on the type of visa and individual circumstances. 

However, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. 

Hence, you should check the processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website and ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid delays.

Can I work in Australia while my marriage visa application is being processed?

Yes, if you have applied for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) or a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), you may be granted a Bridging Visa that allows you to work in Australia while your application is being processed. 

The conditions of the Bridging Visa will depend on your specific situation.

What happens if my relationship ends before my visa is granted?

If your relationship ends before your visa is granted, it can affect your application. 

However, there are certain circumstances where the application can still proceed, such as if you have children together or if there has been domestic violence. 

You should seek advice from a migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs in such cases.

Do I need to provide evidence of my relationship for the entire duration of the visa processing?

Yes, you need to continuously provide evidence of your genuine and ongoing relationship throughout the visa processing period. 

This includes joint financial commitments, communication records, and proof of living together. 

You should regularly update your application with new evidence that can strengthen your case.

Can I include my children in my marriage visa application?

Yes, you can include dependent children in your marriage visa application. You will need to provide their birth certificates, proof of custody (if applicable), and meet health and character requirements for each child. 

Including your children in the application ensures they can also join you in Australia if the visa is granted.