What is an Australian spousal visa?

Foreign spouses of Australian citizens can enter Australia through their spouse. This requires that the sponsor holds permanent residency in Australia or is an Australian citizen. Alternatively, a New Zealand citizen with permanent residency can act as a sponsor, provided the application is approved. The sponsor can apply for a temporary or permanent spousal visa, which allows their spouse to enter, work, and reside in Australia.

Types of Australian spouse visas

  • A temporary spousal visa is valid for 2 years and will be converted into a permanent spousal visa if the visa holder remains married to their Australian spouse and all legal requirements are met.
  • An indefinite spousal visa entitles the holder to reside in Australia indefinitely. This visa is generally issued no later than the expiry date of the temporary spousal visa, provided all legal requirements are met. Under certain conditions, it is issued to qualified applicants.

    • Sponsor's eligibility to participate

    To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency.
  • Are you planning to invite your partner to Australia?
  • You must be married to the applicant or live in a cohabiting relationship.
  • Generally, the age is 18 or older (consent is required for minors under 18).
  • Is prepared to sponsor the applicant and his dependent family.

    • suitability of the applicant

  • Being married to an Australian citizen
  • Can meet certain health requirements
  • No criminal record

    • Advantages of a temporary spousal visa

    After being granted a temporary spousal visa, the spouse can enjoy the following privileges:

  • The privilege of staying in Australia with your spouse until a visa decision is made.
  • The opportunity to work in Australia
  • The freedom to study in Australia, but without government funding
  • The opportunity to participate in Australia's health insurance and hospital care program

    • Advantages of an indefinite visa for spouses

    As the holder of an unlimited residence permit for spouses, you are entitled to the following privileges:

  • The opportunity to live permanently in Australia with your spouse.
  • The opportunity to work and study in Australia
  • In order to be entitled to certain social security benefits
  • The possibility of applying for Australian citizenship

    • Application for temporary and permanent visas

    You may be able to obtain an indefinite visa immediately, without having to go through the process for a temporary spousal visa, IF you can provide one of the following pieces of evidence:

  • A legally valid marriage of at least 5 years with your Australian spouse
  • Joint custody of the children with your Australian spouse and proof of a relationship of at least two years.
  • The spouse holds a protection visa or a permanent residence visa.

    • If you are unsure whether you want to live in Australia and enter on a tourist visa, you can find information here.

    Thai nationals wishing to register their marriage to an Australian national can find further information in our guide to marriage certificates in Thailand. Additional information on the legal requirements for marriage in Thailand can be found in the Family section of our website.