Spouse Visa
Migration to Australia under the spouse visa category is for applicants who are married to either an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Duration
The initial Australian Spouse visa is granted for two years, after which time the Spouse visa applicant is required to show the relationship is still a genuine one. The Australian Spouse visa can lead to Australian permanent residence and candidates may apply directly for permanent residence if the marriage is a long standing one and/or there are children from the marriage.
Eligibility Criteria
Relationship
The main applicant must:
- Be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen;
- Be legally married to the Australian Spouse visa sponsor and in a 'genuine, continuing relationship' with them which they intend to continue after arrival in Australia on the Australian Spouse visa.
Sponsor
The sponsor must also meet certain criteria.
Health & Character
Australia has strict health and character requirements that must be met before any permanent visa of more than 12 months will be granted. People attempting to migrate to Australia on an Australian Spouse visa will be required to:
- Undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray undertaken by one of a panel of doctors selected by the Australian authorities, and;
- Obtain police certificates for all countries in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the 10 years leading up to the application.
Additional Information: An Australian Spouse visa application will need to be supported by documentary evidence of the spouse relationship.
Processing Times
The current processing time for migration to Australia under the Australia spouse visa is six - eight weeks from the start of the process. A Global Visas consultant will be able to advise you of the latest processing times.
