Adding My Spouse or Partner to My Visa
By Avelyn Chen
Adding My Partner To My Visa
Whether you're planning to include them in your initial visa application or add them later, there are specific requirements and processes you'll need to navigate. The path you'll take depends on your visa type, but generally involves proving your relationship's authenticity and meeting additional financial obligations. Let's look at how this works.
Student Subclass 500 visa
International students in Australia considering adding their partner to their visa involves declaring the relationship upfront, proving its authenticity, and meeting increased financial requirements, including at least an additional AUD 10,394 annually for the partner's living expenses and their OSHC (overseas student health cover) as of October 2024.
The linked visa grants partners limited work and study rights, but demands strict adherence to conditions like maintaining health insurance and reporting relationship changes.
Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa
You can add your partner to your 485 visa at the time of applying, or after you have been granted 485 visa.
To add a partner to your 485 visa after visa grant (i.e. as a subsequent entrant), you must first ensure that you, as the primary visa holder, have declared your partner at the time of your application. Your partner can then apply for a subsequent entrant visa to join you in Australia.
Your partner must be either your spouse or de facto partner, and you'll need to provide evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship that has existed for at least 12 months. This can include documents such as a marriage certificate, joint bank statements, shared lease agreements, or other proof of your life together.
Adding My Partner to My General Skilled Visa and Permanent Employer-Sponsored Visa
| Visa Types |
|---|
| - Skilled Work Regional Subclass 491 visa |
| - Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa |
| - Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa |
| - Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 visa |
| - Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa |
To include your partner as a secondary applicant in your general skilled (subclass 190, 189, or 491) visa or permanent employer-sponsored (subclass 186) visa application, they must meet specific eligibility criteria, though there is no age limit for secondary applicants.
To add your partner, they must be either your spouse or de facto partner, and you'll need to provide proof that your relationship is genuine and has been continuing for at least 12 months. Acceptable evidence can include items like a marriage certificate, joint financial statements, shared rental agreements, or other documentation showing your life together.
Your partner must also meet the necessary health and character requirements. If you intend to claim additional points for your non-Australian partner's skills, they need to demonstrate competent English and/or have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation. Points can be gained or maintained depending on factors such as whether your partner has skilled qualifications or is an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
There are also additional issues you should consider before adding your partner to your general skilled (subclass 190, 189, or 491) visa application which we go into further detail in this article.
Adding My Partner to My Temporary Employer-Sponsored Visa
| Visa Types |
|---|
| - Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 visa |
| - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494 visa |
The easiest way to ensure your partner is included on your 482 visa is to add them during your initial visa application. You will need to declare your relationship status in the application and provide the required evidence listed above.
Your partner must be either your spouse or de facto partner, and you'll need to provide proof that your relationship is genuine and has been continuing for at least 12 months. Acceptable evidence can include items like a marriage certificate, joint financial statements, shared rental agreements, or other documentation showing your life together.
When lodged together, your partner's visa will be processed alongside yours, and if approved, they will have the same visa conditions and validity period as you do. Dependents cannot be added to applications midway during visa processing, i.e. after visa lodgement and before visa decision.
Your partner will have full work and study rights under the 482 visa. Additionally, your partner will not be subject to any travel limitations, allowing them to come and go from Australia freely.
Adding a Partner After Subclass 482 Visa Grant or Subclass 494 Visa Grant (Subsequent Entrant Application)
If your partner wasn't included in the initial visa application, they can still apply to join you later by submitting a "subsequent entrant" visa application. This application can be lodged while you are in Australia, even if your partner is overseas at the time.
For a subsequent entrant visa, you must provide documents proving the validity of the relationship. You will also need to inform your employer, who may be required to provide a letter confirming that they accept sponsorship obligations for your partner under the 482 or 494 visa.
Adding My Partner To Other Temporary Employer-Sponsored Skilled Visas
| Visa Types |
|---|
| - Training Subclass 407 visa |
| - Temporary Activity Subclass 408 visa |
To add your partner to your other types of temporary employer-sponsored skilled visa, your partner must be either your spouse or de facto partner, and you'll need to provide proof that your relationship is genuine and has been continuing for at least 12 months. Acceptable evidence can include items like a marriage certificate, joint financial statements, shared rental agreements, or other documentation showing your life together.
Partners can be included during the initial application or added later after your visa grant in their separate visa application as a subsequent entrant. Dependents cannot be added to applications midway during visa processing, i.e. after visa lodgement and before visa decision. It's also worth noting that partners on 407 visas have restricted work rights, limited to 40 hours per fortnight.
Adding My Partner to My Parent Visa
| Visa Types |
|---|
| - Contributory Parent Subclass 143 visa |
| - Temporary Contributory Parent Subclass 173 visa |
| - Temporary Contributory Aged Parent Subclass 884 visa |
| - Contributory Aged Parent Subclass 864 visa |
| - Parent Subclass 103 visa |
| - Aged Parent Subclass 804 visa |
| - Temporary Sponsored Parent Subclass 870 visa |
Partners can be included during the initial application or added during visa processing and before visa decision. Your partner must also meet the necessary health and character requirements.
To add your partner to your parent visa, your partner must be either your spouse or de facto partner, and you'll need to provide proof that your relationship is genuine and has been continuing for at least 12 months. Acceptable evidence can include items like a marriage certificate, joint financial statements, shared rental agreements, or other documentation showing your life together.
The content on this page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Australian immigration doesn't have to be complex and we can help with your unique circumstances. As family and dependent visa specialists, we'll meticulously guide you through the visa process and determine the right level of detail to meet the Department of Home Affairs' requirements for your visa grant. To seek legal advice or information that is specific to your situation, please contact us.