Under Australian Spouse visa, married or genuine partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens* may apply. The applicants can be partners of either same-sex or same opposite. This visa is for a period of 2 years, after which, the relationship is reexamined and this is issued on a temporary basis. The applicant is issued a permanent visa. Applicants living in Australia or outside the country can apply for this visa, if it is considered as genuine.

Australian Spouse Visa Basic Requirements

Applicants should have sponsoring partners of at least 18 years of age, in order to be eligible for Spouse Visa. Partners should be either permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizens or Australian citizen. Applicants and their partners should be either legally married (as per Australian law) to in a de facto relationship, essentially. Partners can be opposite and same-sex couples, in case of De facto relationship. They should be able to express genuine commitment to their partner and they should have been in the relationship for at least 12 months.

Applicants are required to hold a legitimate visa and be in Australia while the visa is being issued, if they fall under the category of Onshore Spouse. Applicants have to be outside Australia, at the time visa is being issued. Applicants should additionally satisfy health and character requirements, if they come under the Offshore Spouse visa category.