Australia Family and Spouse Visa FAQs

If you are in Australia on a visitor visa, you are generally not intended to apply for a partner visa. Most visitor visas include a ‘no further stay’ condition. However, in specific cases, this condition may be waived, allowing you to apply for another visa from within Australia.

Processing times vary based on the type and complexity of the application. Each program has separate criteria and timelines, and processing is conducted according to the migration rules set by the Australian government for that year.

Applications are typically processed in the order they are received. If you have a compelling reason for urgency, you can submit a written request to the appropriate authority explaining your situation.

You should provide a birth certificate or equivalent, a marriage certificate (if married), and color copies of the bio-data page of your passport. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Yes, a partner visa allows the holder to live and work in Australia.

No, the applicant must be outside Australia when lodging a prospective marriage visa application.

Yes, your partner can apply for a tourist visa. However, there is no guarantee it will be approved.

No, you must have lived together for at least 12 months to be eligible for a de facto partner visa.

Yes, there is no English language requirement for a partner visa. However, you must demonstrate that you have a strong and genuine relationship.

The process includes two stages: a temporary (provisional) partner visa followed by a permanent partner visa. You lodge one application and pay one fee, and the two stages are processed about two years apart. If applying for a prospective marriage visa, it adds another step to the process.

Yes, you can normally include your children. However, eligibility and requirements depend on the specific visa. It’s advisable to consult with a visa professional regarding your individual situation.