Publications 6

Bridging Visas and Work Rights: Life While Waiting for a Partner Visa

Meta Title: Life on a Bridging Visa A – Work Rights, Travel, and Medicare While Waiting for Your Partner Visa
Meta Description: Applied for an onshore partner visa? Learn about the Bridging Visa A you’ll hold while waiting – your work rights, access to Medicare, how to get a Bridging Visa B for travel, and tips for making the most of life in Australia during the partner visa processing period.

One advantage of applying for a partner visa onshore is that you can stay in Australia during the processing on a Bridging Visa. Understanding your bridging visa conditions – especially regarding work and travel – is crucial to navigate this period smoothly. This article explains the types of bridging visas associated with partner applications (primarily Bridging Visa A), what you can and cannot do on them, and how to maintain your status until your partner visa is decided.

What is a Bridging Visa A (BVA)?

A Bridging Visa A (subclass 010) is an interim visa granted to someone who applies for a new substantive visa (like a partner visa) while in Australia, and they have a current visa at time of application. The BVA “bridges” the gap between your old visa’s expiry and the decision on your new visa. Key features for partner visa applicants:

The BVA is usually granted automatically when you lodge a valid onshore partner visa application (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision).
It does not come into effect immediately if you still have a valid visa. It activates the day after your previous visa expires. If your previous visa remains valid throughout the wait (e.g., you applied while on a 3-year student visa), the BVA may never need to come into effect at all – but it’s there as a safety net if the wait extends beyond current visa.
The BVA allows you to lawfully remain in Australia until your partner visa is granted (or refused + any appeals are finalized).

For partner visa applicants, the Bridging Visa A typically has:

Full work rights – no restriction on work (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision). This is a huge benefit; unlike some other BVAs which carry over work limitations, partner visa BVAs are usually unrestricted, recognizing the partnership and settlement intentions.
Study rights – you can study (though as a temporary visa holder you might not qualify for domestic fees in tertiary institutions until PR).
Medicare access – applicants for partner visas are eligible for Medicare immediately upon lodgement (due to reciprocal agreements or interim arrangements). The BVA letter plus partner visa acknowledgment can be taken to Medicare to enroll in public healthcare.

The grant notice for your BVA will state “No Conditions” or specifically mention work rights if applicable. Keep this notice safe.

Working on a Bridging Visa A

With work rights on your BVA, you can:

Seek full-time or part-time employment with any employer (you are not limited to the 40 hours/fortnight that student visas have, for example).
Be self-employed or start a business.
Essentially work as if you were a permanent resident (though you won’t have access to some employment that requires citizenship or security clearances, etc., but that’s due to other factors, not the BVA itself).

This ability to work can be a financial lifesaver for couples, letting the applicant contribute income while waiting potentially 12+ months for the visa outcome. It also helps integration – you gain Australian work experience.

Important: If you applied for a partner visa while on a visa that did not allow work (like a tourist visa with condition 8101 “No Work”), your Bridging Visa A will still give you full work rights. The conditions of your previous visa do not carry onto the BVA (BVA has its own conditions). So you can legally work as soon as the BVA is active (i.e., once your tourist visa expires and BVA kicks in).

However, note that Bridging Visa A is only valid in Australia. If you leave the country without proper arrangements (see Bridging Visa B below), your BVA will cease and you’ll have no right to return – thereby ending your work rights too. So plan travel carefully to maintain continuity of work eligibility.

Also, while on BVA, you continue to accrue entitlements like any temporary resident worker. You should be paid according to Australian labor laws (at least minimum wage), you accrue sick leave and annual leave if in a leave-entitled job, etc.

Access to Medicare

Australia generally allows partner visa applicants to enroll in Medicare (public health care) because of a policy extending Medicare to applicants for PR visas from within Australia. Once you have:

Your Bridging Visa A grant notice, and
The acknowledgment of your partner visa application (or fee receipt),

You can go to a Medicare office or apply online to get a Medicare card. This means while you’re on the BVA, you can access doctor visits in the public system and receive treatment in public hospitals often at low or no cost, same as an Aussie would. This is incredibly beneficial, as private health insurance for a temporary visa holder can be expensive.

Do note:

If your previous visa had Medicare access (like you were already on a student visa from a country with a reciprocal agreement), you might already have Medicare – you can keep it.
If not, get Medicare as soon as the partner application is lodged. You typically get an interim card (green) valid for 12 months, renewable until your PR is granted.
If your partner visa is refused and you appeal, you remain on BVA during appeals and can continue Medicare in that time (just may need to show proof of appeal lodgement to Medicare to extend coverage).

Medicare will cover many health costs, but consider maintaining private health for extras like dental or physio if those matter to you (optional).

Travelling on a Bridging Visa: Obtaining a BVB

One catch: a Bridging Visa A does not allow travel outside Australia. If you depart Australia on a BVA, it automatically ceases and you won’t be able to re-enter on it, effectively abandoning your partner visa application. To travel, you need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB):

BVB (subclass 020) allows a one-time departure and re-entry (or multiple within a specified period) while keeping your partner visa application valid.
To get a BVB, you must have a BVA in effect (or scheduled to come into effect on a set date). If your BVA isn’t active yet because your original visa is still valid, you actually can apply for BVB but they will usually not grant it until the BVA is active (sometimes they grant with a future effective date aligning with when BVA activates).
Apply through ImmiAccount ideally 3–4 weeks before travel (processing can take anywhere from a day to a couple weeks). Provide your travel dates and reasons (e.g., “to visit family”, “holiday”, or “urgent business”). Partner visa applicants usually are granted BVB without issue for short trips.
You’ll be given a window in which you can travel (e.g., “BVB valid for travel from 01 June to 30 September, allows one return”). Ensure you return before the window closes. Once back in Australia, you automatically fall onto a Bridging Visa A again.
If you need to travel again later, you’d apply for another BVB.

During COVID, travel was restricted even on BVB, but in normal times, it’s straightforward.

Tip: Avoid long trips abroad during processing if possible. While you can travel on BVB, remember the partner visa can only be granted while you’re onshore. If you’re away when the case officer is ready to grant, they might ask you to return or, worst case, refuse the visa if you can’t make it back in time (though they usually give a chance). Short trips (a few weeks) pose low risk. Extended stays (months) might coincide with a decision time – and you don’t want to jeopardize missing communication. Always notify Home Affairs (through your ImmiAccount or agent) of your travel plans if you’ll be out for a while, so the case officer knows how to reach you or to possibly hold off grant until you’re back.

Bridging Visa C or E – Avoiding Them

Most partner applicants will be on a Bridging Visa A. Bridging Visa C arises if you were unlawful when applying or held a bridging visa already (not common for partner unless you lost status before applying – try to avoid that scenario). BVC has no work rights by default, but you can request work rights with evidence of hardship. It’s best to not fall into BVC by making sure you apply while on a substantive visa.

Bridging Visa E comes if your partner visa is refused and you have no other visa – you go onto BVE during appeal. BVE typically has no work rights (though you can request them in hardship) and no travel rights. Hopefully you won’t face this, but if you do, you might need to apply for work rights with evidence (like bank statements showing low funds, etc.). BVE is a more precarious state, so it’s far preferable to remain on BVA by getting it right initially.

Making the Most of Your Bridging Period

The waiting period on a bridging visa can be many months. Here are some tips:

Work and save: Build up savings for your future in Australia (you may need it for moving to a new place, starting a family, etc.). Also, having stable employment can ease stress and is looked upon positively (though not a direct visa factor).
Career and education: Use the time to improve English (if needed) or take short courses to boost your employability in Australia. Even though international fees might apply, there are community courses, TAFE, or online certifications that could be useful when you become a PR and beyond.
Community integration: Because you can move freely, consider volunteering or joining local groups. This builds networks and can even provide additional social evidence of your relationship (if you volunteer as a couple, for instance).
Health and well-being: Utilize Medicare to take care of any health needs. Get a health check-up, address any issues – this is part of settling into life in Australia with peace of mind.
Maintain visa compliance: Do not overstep bounds of bridging visa (e.g., don’t attempt to travel without BVB, and if on an initial visa with conditions that still apply until it expires, don’t breach those – e.g., if you lodged on a tourist visa, don’t work until the tourist visa term is over and BVA kicks in).
Prepare for PR stage: Keep accumulating relationship evidence so that when the 801 stage comes, you can smoothly provide it. Sometimes bridging visa time is a great opportunity to bulk up evidence (e.g., add partner to utility bills now that you have freedom to do so in Australia, etc.)

Conclusion

Living on a Bridging Visa A during partner visa processing is a unique phase – you’re not a permanent resident yet, but you have many of the practical rights of one (work, Medicare, staying indefinitely). By understanding those rights and limitations (especially regarding travel), you can avoid accidentally jeopardizing your status. Many partners actually find this period rewarding: you can actively contribute to your household income, gain local experience, and deepen your bond with your partner without the shadow of visa uncertainty (you know you can at least stay while it’s decided).

Think of the BVA as a probationary period where you’re essentially a temporary Aussie. Use it to lay down roots – professionally, socially, and domestically. Then, when the golden email arrives granting your partner visa, you’ll be all set to seamlessly transition from bridging visa life to permanent resident life, having already started building your future in Australia.

Partner Visa Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Meta Title: Australian Partner Visa Interview – Questions, Tips, and How to Prepare
Meta Description: Nervous about a partner visa interview? Learn why the Department might interview you or your sponsor, the types of questions asked about your relationship, and tips to confidently prepare for an Australian partner visa interview (820/801 or 309/100).

Not all partner visa applicants will have an interview – in fact, many are decided on paper evidence alone. However, the Department of Home Affairs can call in a couple for an interview (or sometimes, telephone-interview one or both partners separately) if they need clarification or have doubts about the application. An interview is your chance to verbally prove your relationship’s genuineness. It can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can navigate it successfully. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Might an Interview Be Requested?

The Department generally schedules interviews in partner visa cases when:

Evidence is inconclusive or inconsistent: If the case officer finds some red flags – e.g., conflicting information, or not enough proof of cohabitation – they might interview to get answers directly (Most common reasons why your Australian Partner Visa application is rejected).
Random spot-check: Some offices conduct interviews as a quality measure, even for strong cases, just to verify details.
Background verification: They might interview friends/family too or do a site visit in rare cases (like anti-fraud checks). If something from those checks needs confirming, they’ll interview.
High-risk profiles: If, for instance, there’s a significant age gap, cultural/language differences, or the relationship commenced shortly before visa application – factors that historically correlate with higher fraud rates – an interview is more likely to ensure the couple is bona fide.
Prospective Marriage (Fiancé) visas: Often, one partner may be interviewed about the history of the relationship (since by nature, many haven’t cohabited long). They might ensure the couple has plans to marry etc.
During appeals (AAT): If you go to the tribunal after a refusal, you and your partner will give oral evidence – essentially an interview under oath.

If you’re called for an interview, don’t panic – it doesn’t mean your application will be refused. It means the officer is giving you a chance to fill in gaps or resolve doubts, which is positive.

Interview Logistics

Interviews can be conducted:

In-person at a Home Affairs office (or Australian Embassy/Consulate if overseas). The officer might interview the applicant and sponsor together or separately.
By telephone: Common for overseas sponsors or if logistics don’t allow in-person. Sometimes they call without prior scheduling (especially to sponsors in Australia while the applicant is offshore).
By video (Skype/Teams): This became more common during COVID and may continue for convenience in some cases.

You’ll usually receive an email or letter scheduling the interview, with a date, time, and location or call details. Rescheduling is possible if you have a valid conflict, but try to accommodate their request to avoid delays.

Sometimes, the sponsor and applicant are interviewed separately (to compare answers for consistency). They may even do it without the other present intentionally. Other times, a joint interview is done and they ask each of you questions in front of each other.

Interviews typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on complexity and the depth of questioning.

An interpreter can be arranged if needed (you can request one if you’re not comfortable in English; do NOT try to struggle in English and give confused answers – use an interpreter if there’s any doubt).

Common Interview Questions

The questions largely center on your relationship – essentially a verbal test of how well you know each other and your shared life. They may also cover sponsor’s ability to support, and applicant’s background. Some examples:

Biographical Details: They may start with simple ones: What is your partner’s full name? Date of birth? Where were they born? How many siblings do they have? What are their parents’ names?
History of Relationship: When and how did you meet? Who introduced you? What did you do on your first date? When did it become serious? Who said “I love you” first? When did you decide to marry or move in together?
Daily Life: What is your usual daily routine as a couple? Who wakes up first? Do you have breakfast together? Who cooks? How do you share chores? What do you do on weekends?
Addresses: List the places you have lived together and when. Describe your current home – how many bedrooms, furniture, etc. (They might be cross-checking that both parties describe the home consistently).
Employment: What does your partner do for work? Where do they work (company name)? What are their work hours? How do they get to work? Have they changed jobs since you’ve been together?
Finances: Do you have a joint bank account? How do you manage money? Who pays which bills? Can you roughly state how much rent or mortgage you pay? Did you file taxes together (if applicable)?
Social: Name some friends you have in common. When is the last time you went out together with friends, what did you do? Have you met each other’s families? Describe those meetings. What gifts did you give each other on birthdays or holidays?
Important Dates: When is your partner’s birthday? Your anniversary date? If married: when and where was the wedding? How many people attended? Any special celebrations like partner’s graduation, etc. that you both attended – describe.
Travel: Have you traveled together? Where and when? (They may cross-reference your passport stamps or provided itineraries).
Quirks and Personal Knowledge: Sometimes they ask fun personal things: What’s your partner’s favorite food? Favorite movie or music? What do they usually eat for breakfast? What side of the bed do they sleep on? Do they have any scars or tattoos? Do they have any allergies? (These kinds of questions test how intimately you know each other’s habits and history).
Future Plans: Have you discussed having children? Are you planning to buy a house? What do you both want to do in five years? (Shows shared commitment).
For Prospective Marriage: When do you intend to marry? Have you made wedding arrangements? Why did you choose to marry in Australia vs overseas? (They want to ensure the intent to marry is genuine).
Address any red flags: If there’s a noticeable age gap or cultural difference, they might gently probe: “What attracted you to him despite the age difference of 15 years?” or “How do you handle having different religious backgrounds?” These aren’t gotcha questions – they just want to hear you acknowledge and have thought about these things.
Past relationships: They might ask about previous marriages: “When did Sponsor divorce his ex-wife? Have you met the ex or how do they co-parent if kids are...1. Partner Visa Australia 2025 – Requirements, Process & Timeline
Meta Description: Learn how to bring your spouse or de facto partner to Australia. A 2025 guide on partner visa eligibility, application steps, processing times, costs, and tips for a successful outcome.

What is an Australian Partner (Spouse) Visa?
An Australian partner visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. It’s the main pathway for Australians to reunite with overseas husbands, wives, or long-term partners. Unlike skilled visas, there are no strict age limits or income thresholds for a partner visa – the key is proving you are in a genuine spousal or de facto relationship.

Australia uses a two-stage process for partner visas. First, you receive a temporary partner visa (subclass 820 if applied onshore, or subclass 309 if offshore). After about two years, if the relationship is still genuine, a permanent partner visa is granted (subclass 801 onshore, or subclass 100 offshore). This two-step approach allows authorities to reassess your relationship after an initial period before granting permanent residency.

Eligibility and Relationship Requirements: To be eligible, you must be married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Married applicants must have a marriage valid under Australian law. De facto couples (including same-sex couples) generally need to have lived together for at least 12 months, unless you have registered your relationship in Australia (which can waive the 12-month rule). Both applicant and sponsor must usually be 18 or older. The relationship must be exclusive and genuine, and you’ll need to provide evidence of your life together – joint finances, shared living arrangements, social recognition of the relationship, and mutual commitment.

The Australian partner acts as the sponsor and must be 18+ with Australian citizenship/PR status. Sponsors undergo police checks. Note that a person can only sponsor two partner visa applicants in their lifetime (with at least 5 years between sponsorships) (Family Migration Visas - McKkr’s) – this is to prevent misuse of the program. If a sponsor has serious criminal convictions (especially involving violence), the visa can be refused unless there are compelling circumstances, to protect the applicant.

Application Process (Onshore vs Offshore): You can apply for a partner visa while in Australia (onshore 820/801) or from outside Australia (offshore 309/100). Onshore applicants get a Bridging Visa allowing them to stay (and usually work) in Australia during processing. Offshore applicants must remain abroad until the temporary visa is granted, but can visit Australia on a tourist visa in the interim (noting they must be offshore at the moment of grant for the 309).

Starting 2025, partner visa applications involve a two-step lodgement: the sponsor must be approved before the visa applicant can be granted a visa. In practice, this means the Australian partner lodges a sponsorship application (including character checks), and only after the Department approves the sponsorship will they finalize the visa outcome. This new process aims to screen out ineligible sponsors early on and adds protection for applicants. It also means you should prepare all your sponsor documents (police checks, etc.) along with the main application to avoid delays.

Processing Times in 2025: Partner visas are in high demand, so wait times can be long. As of early 2025, the Department of Home Affairs reports a median processing time of ~14 months for the first-stage partner visa. Some straightforward cases get done in under a year, but complex ones or those with missing info can take 18–24 months. The government has made partner visas “demand-driven” (no annual cap) to reduce backlogs, but you should still prepare for a wait. It’s wise to ensure your application is decision-ready (all forms filled correctly, all evidence provided) to avoid delays due to requests for more information.

Factors that can affect processing include the completeness of your application, your country of origin (security checks from some countries take longer), and whether any issues arise (like health or character checks needing further review). During the wait, onshore applicants remain on a bridging visa with work rights, and offshore applicants can typically get a visitor visa to spend time with their partner in Australia (just remember to exit Australia for the actual visa grant).

Cost of a Partner Visa: It’s one of the most expensive Australian visas. As of July 2024, the visa application charge is AUD $9,095. This covers both temporary and permanent stages (you don’t pay again for the 801/100). If you include dependent children, additional fees apply for each child (several thousand dollars each). There’s also a 1.4% credit card surcharge if paying by card. Other costs include health exams ($300–$500), police certificates for each country ($50–$100 each), and possible translation fees for documents not in English. Given the hefty fee, it’s crucial to get the application right the first time. (Note: Fees tend to increase slightly each year – for example, it rose from $8,850 to $9,095 in July 2024.)

Partner Visa Benefits: Once you have a temporary partner visa, you can live, work, and study in Australia. You can enroll in Medicare (public healthcare). After the permanent visa is granted, you become a permanent resident, which sets you on the path to Australian citizenship (you can typically apply for citizenship after 4 years of residence including at least 12 months as a PR). Partner visa holders usually can travel freely in and out of Australia. Most importantly, being together in Australia brings significant emotional and practical benefits – no more long-distance, you can build a life under one roof.

The Importance of Evidence: Because partner visas don’t have hard criteria like points or English tests, the main hurdle is proving your relationship is genuine. You’ll need extensive evidence: joint bank accounts, lease or property documents, utility bills with both names, travel itineraries, photos together over time, and statements from friends/family (statutory declarations Form 888) attesting to your relationship. The Department will assess your application against four aspects: financial aspects of your relationship, the nature of your household, social aspects, and the nature of your commitment. Make sure to cover all these with evidence. If evidence is weak or contradictory, your visa could be refused. (We’ll cover tips on proving your relationship in detail in Article 13 below.)

What If the Relationship Breaks Down? Generally, your partner visa requires the relationship to continue until the permanent stage. If you separate after the temporary visa but before the permanent, the permanent visa is usually refused. However, there are important exceptions known as relationship cessation provisions. If you and your Australian partner have a child together, or if the Australian partner has died, or if the visa applicant (or their children) have suffered domestic violence committed by the sponsor, you may still be eligible to proceed to permanent residency (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision) (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision). Australian law protects victims of domestic violence – if you have evidence (police reports, court orders) of abuse, you can still be granted PR even if the relationship ended. These are complex cases requiring strong proof. In normal circumstances, if a relationship genuinely ends, the Department should be informed and the partner visa process will stop.

Why Professional Help Can Be Valuable: Given the high stakes (a ~$9k fee and the importance of being together), many couples choose to use a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer for guidance. A professional can help ensure you meet all requirements, help you gather robust evidence, and avoid common pitfalls (like missing documents or inconsistent info). They can also manage communications with the Department on your behalf. While it’s an additional cost, it can save you from a refusal which would cost far more in reapplication or appeals. We discuss the benefits of professional assistance in Article 9 below.

In summary, an Australian partner visa is a powerful avenue to reunite families and loved ones, but it requires careful preparation. By understanding the process, meeting the criteria, and providing thorough evidence, you can maximize your chances of a successful outcome. The journey may be lengthy and detailed, but at the end of it is the opportunity to build your life in Australia together with your partner – a reward well worth the effort.

2. Spouse Visa Australia – Partner Visa Guide for Married Couples
Meta Description: Learn how to bring your husband or wife to Australia on a spouse visa. This guide covers eligibility for married partners, application steps, required documents, processing times, and tips for a successful partner visa outcome for married couples.

What is a Spouse Visa?
“Spouse visa” is the common term for an Australian partner visa when the applicant and sponsor are a married couple. There isn’t a separate “spouse visa” subclass – you’ll be applying for the Partner visa (subclass 820/801 if applying in Australia, or subclass 309/100 if applying from overseas). Being married to an Australian citizen or PR makes you eligible under the partner visa category. Essentially, if you’re legally married and in a genuine relationship, you can use that marriage to meet the relationship requirement for the partner visa.

Eligibility for Married Couples:
To qualify as a spouse for the visa, your marriage must be legally valid and recognized in Australia. This means:

The marriage is monogamous (Australia does not recognize polygamous marriages for immigration).
Both parties were at least 18 at the time of marriage (if one was 16–17, a court order would be needed for validity in Australia).
If the marriage took place overseas, it should generally be legally valid in that country and not violate Australian laws (for example, certain underage or close-relative marriages are not recognized). Usually, if it’s a standard marriage in another country, Australia will recognize it.

Aside from legal validity, you must show the marriage is genuine and continuing. A marriage certificate alone isn’t enough – you need to provide evidence that you and your spouse have a real shared life. The Department will assess your application just like any partner case (covering financial, household, social, and commitment aspects). There’s no minimum duration of marriage required – you could marry and immediately apply for the visa. Even newlyweds can be successful if they document their relationship well. (In fact, being married exempts you from the 12-month de facto rule.)

Application Process for Married Partners:
The process is the same partner visa process, with a few differences in evidence emphasis:

Proving the marriage: Include your official marriage certificate (issued by a government registry, not just a ceremonial certificate). If it’s not in English, provide a NAATI-certified translation.
Filling out the forms: In the partner visa application form, you’ll indicate you’re married and provide details of the marriage (date, place, etc.). The online form will still ask de facto-like questions about your relationship history – answer them, emphasizing that you transitioned into marriage on XYZ date.
Documents to gather: Beyond the marriage certificate, gather evidence of your married life. This includes joint financial documents (accounts, bills), proof of cohabitation (lease, mail to same address), photos of the wedding and other shared experiences, etc. Even though marriage is a strong commitment indicator, you still need to show the Department that it’s not a sham marriage. So evidence of living together and combining lives is critical.
Sponsorship form: Your Australian spouse will submit the sponsorship form, including their commitment to the marriage and details about your relationship. They should mention the marriage and perhaps the wedding in their statement.

If applying in Australia, you’ll get a Bridging Visa A with work rights after lodgement. If applying overseas, you’ll wait abroad for the subclass 309 to be granted (but can visit Australia on a tourist visa in the meantime). Processing times for married couples are similar to other partner visas – ~12–18 months for the temporary stage on average. Being married doesn’t necessarily speed it up; what helps speed is a decision-ready application with all documents.

Proving a Genuine Marriage:
Even as a married couple, you must prove the relationship is genuine to the Department. Here are tips:

Marriage evidence: Provide your marriage certificate and photos from your wedding ceremony and reception (if you had one). If you had a small courthouse wedding, that’s fine – mention your reasons (e.g., plan to have a bigger celebration later, etc.) so the officer doesn’t wonder why it was very low-key.
Joint life evidence: Don’t rely on “we’re married, that’s it.” Show joint leases or property, joint bank accounts, insurance naming each other, etc. Married couples often integrate finances and households – demonstrate that. If you’re newly married and haven’t merged everything yet, explain and provide what you have plus plans (e.g., “We married 3 months ago and are in the process of opening a joint account; meanwhile, we share expenses as shown in bank transfers.”).
Social recognition: Provide statements from family and friends (Form 888) attesting that you are a genuine married couple. Often family can mention how they attended your wedding or how they see you functioning as a married pair. This carries weight.
Continued relationship: If you married recently, you might not have a long history to draw on. In that case, lean on whatever history you do have (like dating period evidence) plus the significance of your decision to marry and any future plans (like starting a family, buying a home – whatever is relevant and truthful for you).
Don’t assume the marriage speaks for itself. Sadly, the Department has seen cases of marriages of convenience for visas, so they will still scrutinize yours for genuineness. Treat it as if you were proving a de facto – cover all bases with evidence.

Spouse Visa vs De Facto Partner Visa:
Legally, they are the same visa (partner visa). The difference is just in how you meet the relationship requirement:

Married couples provide a marriage certificate; de facto couples provide evidence of 12-month cohabitation or relationship registration.
Married couples don’t have to show 12 months together, which can simplify some evidence (you focus on quality of relationship rather than length). Even a short marriage can qualify if genuine. For de facto, length of relationship (12+ months) is itself a criterion.
The end result (temporary then permanent residency) is identical for married and de facto. There’s no advantage in processing priority just because you’re married, but sometimes evidence is more clear-cut for married couples due to the formalization of the union (e.g., families know, joint obligations, etc., are more common).
If you’re engaged and not yet married at the time of application, consider whether to use the Prospective Marriage visa (if you’re offshore and want to marry in Australia) or marry first then apply as spouses. Often, if marriage is imminent, marrying first and applying directly for partner visa saves time and money (the fiancé visa route involves two visa applications and fees).

Processing Times and Considerations:
As mentioned, being married doesn’t magically speed processing – your case still goes into the partner visa queue. But one benefit is you bypass the de facto requirement so you can apply as soon as you’re married (some couples who haven’t lived together long might not qualify de facto, but once married, they can apply without waiting). Ensure when you apply that you either include the official marriage certificate or, if not available yet (some registries take weeks), at least include a celebrant-issued certificate and a letter explaining the official one is pending – though ideally, wait for the official certificate to avoid any doubt.

While waiting on a bridging visa (if onshore), you and your spouse can live life normally – work, travel with BVB, etc. Use this time to further build evidence (joint bills, etc.) which you can later present for the permanent stage.

Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Application:

Double-check all forms: Make sure dates like your wedding date, how long you’ve lived together, etc., are consistent across your and your spouse’s statements and the forms. Inconsistencies can raise flags.
Provide narrative: In your personal statements, tell your love story – even though you’re married now, share how you met, how your relationship grew, what marriage means to you two. Let the case officer see the human side of your marriage, not just the paperwork.
Don’t neglect evidence because “we’re married.” Officers evaluate married couples just as thoroughly. Many partner visa refusals are of couples who were legally married but failed to convince the officer the marriage was genuine (e.g., they had almost no cohabitation or knowledge of each other). So put in the effort to document your married life.
Plan for the future stage: The permanent 801/100 stage will come ~2 years after application. Usually it’s a formality if you’re still together. But keep records during these two years (like new leases, maybe a baby’s birth certificate if applicable, etc.). If something like a pregnancy or buying a house happens after the temporary stage is granted, those will strongly support your permanent stage evidence.

Conclusion:
For married couples, the partner visa pathway is a clear route to building a life in Australia together. You have the advantage of a legally recognized union, but you must still demonstrate it’s a genuine marriage and not just on paper. With thorough documentation and honest storytelling of your relationship, you put your best foot forward. Thousands of husbands and wives successfully obtain partner visas each year – by following the guidelines and providing robust evidence, you and your spouse can soon join them, moving forward in Australia as a married couple with the stress of visas behind you.

3. Parent Visa Australia – Contributory vs Non-Contributory Visas for Bringing Your Parents
Meta Description: Explore how to bring your parents to live in Australia. We explain contributory and non-contributory parent visas, eligibility (balance of family test), costs, processing times, and the pros and cons of each pathway in reunifying families in Australia.

Australia offers parent visas to allow parents of Australian citizens and PRs to live in Australia. However, parent migration is heavily regulated due to the financial implications (parents are typically older, with potential healthcare costs). There are two main categories: Contributory Parent Visas (much faster but extremely expensive), and Non-Contributory (Regular) Parent Visas (lower fee but with waiting periods that can exceed 20 years). Here’s what you need to know:

Key Eligibility Criteria for All Parent Visas:

The Australian child must be an adult (18+) and either an Australian citizen, permanent resident (settled for at least 2 years), or eligible NZ citizen. The child will act as the sponsor for the parent.
The parent must pass the Balance of Family Test. This is crucial: at least half of the parent’s children must reside in Australia (as citizens/PRs), or more of the parent’s children live in Australia than in any other single country. For example, if a couple has 3 children and 2 are in Australia, they pass. If they have 4 children, with 1 in Australia and 3 abroad, they fail. This test is strict and cannot be waived – if it’s not met, a parent visa cannot be granted.
The parent must have an approved sponsor (usually the child). The sponsor must agree to support the parent and may need to provide an Assurance of Support (see below).
Usually, the parent must be outside Australia to apply for the non-contributory subclass 103 or contributory subclass 143 (there are onshore versions for aged parents – subclass 804 and 864 – if the parent is old enough and in Australia on a visa that allows onshore application).
Both parent and sponsor must meet health and character requirements.

Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 103 & 804):
These are the traditional parent visas with a low application fee (a few thousand dollars). However, they are subject to a very small quota – only about 1,500–2,000 of these are granted each year across all of Australia. As a result, the queue is enormous (over 125,000 applicants waiting). The current estimated wait time for a new application is 30+ years. Yes, decades. In practical terms, applying for a non-contributory parent visa is almost like a lottery for far in the future. Many applicants will not live to see it finalized, unfortunately.

Costs for the subclass 103/804: The first installment is around AUD $4,425 (for main applicant) and second installment ~$2,065 just before grant – totaling around $6,490 (as of 2024). There’s also an Assurance of Support (AoS) required: a bond of $5,000 (for one parent) or $10,000 (for a couple) held by Centrelink for 10 years. This AoS is meant to ensure the parents don’t immediately go on welfare; if they do, the government can draw from the bond.

Because the wait is so long, many families opt not to pursue the non-contributory visa unless they truly cannot afford the contributory fees. Some lodge a 103 as a backup (to get a place in queue) but later switch to 143 contributory if able. Note: Parents can visit Australia on long-term visitor visas (like the 3 or 5-year Sponsored Parent 870 visa) while waiting in the queue.

Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143 & 864):
These visas offer a much faster outcome in exchange for a massive fee to “contribute” to future costs. Processing times for contributory parent visas are about 4–6 years currently (depending on backlog). The government grants ~6,500 of these per year, which is more than non-contributory, hence shorter wait (but still a queue of a few years).

The cost is the big barrier: around AUD $47,000 per parent. This is paid in two installments: e.g., for subclass 143, first installment ~$4,885 at lodgement, then second installment ~$43,600 per parent right before grant (these figures change slightly with fee increases). So a pair of parents (couple) would be nearly $90,000 total. There’s also a smaller AoS bond: $10,000 for one parent or $14,000 for a couple, held for 10 years.

It’s incredibly expensive, but many families consider it worthwhile for reuniting sooner. Typically, children (and sometimes the parents selling assets) pool money to afford it. One advantage is the parent gets permanent residency relatively quickly – meaning access to Medicare, ability to work (if not too old), and eventually citizenship if they reside long enough.

There are also temporary contributory parent visas (subclass 173 offshore, 884 onshore for aged) where you pay about half the fee, get a 2-year temporary visa, then pay the remainder to transition to PR. This staggered approach costs slightly more overall but can be useful if you can’t pay all upfront.

Other Requirements – Assurance of Support:
Both contributory and non-contributory parent visa grants require an AoS – a financial undertaking by a sponsor or another person (often the child) to support the parents and a bond lodgement with the government. The assurer must show a certain income (so not everyone can be an assurer – if the child doesn’t earn enough, sometimes another relative can co-assure). The AoS for contributory is held 10 years, for non-contrib it’s 2 years. If the parent draws any welfare benefits in that period, the government can seize equivalent from the bond. After the period, if no claims, the bond is returned.

Pros and Cons:

Contributory Parent Visas: Pros: Much faster (a few years). Parents get to actually move and enjoy life with their children and grandchildren in Australia while still in relatively good health. Cons: Extremely costly; not everyone can afford nearly $50k each. Also, parents won’t be eligible for an Age Pension or certain benefits for 10 years after PR, so the family must be able to support them.
Non-Contributory Parent Visas: Pros: Affordable fee. Cons: An unrealistic wait time for most; by the time the visa is granted (if ever), the family’s situation could be completely different. It’s often not a practical solution unless you’re very young parents applying (which is rare) or willing to just get in queue and hope policy changes down the track.

Alternatives:
Because of the issues above, the government introduced the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) in 2019. This visa isn’t a path to PR, but it allows a parent to live in Australia for up to 5 years at a time (renewable up to 10 years total) as a visitor. It costs about $5,000 for a 3-year or $10,000 for a 5-year visa, and the sponsor (child) must have a high taxable income (about $83,000+) to qualify. There’s a cap of 15,000 per year, but it hasn’t been fully utilized yet. The 870 is a temporary fix – parents must leave after max 10 years cumulative and it has no PR benefits – but for some families, it’s a good way to have parents around during a lengthy wait or if PR isn’t feasible.

Processing and Backlog:
In 2022–23, 8,500 parent visas were granted (6,500 contributory, 2,000 non-contrib). The backlog as of mid-2023 was ~140,000 parent visa applicants and growing. Despite slight increases in quota in recent years, the backlog for non-contributory is still increasing. There have been calls to reform the parent visa system because the current settings are unsustainable (many parents are waiting for visas that may not come in their lifetimes). Ideas include raising quotas, introducing more partial payment options, or focusing on temporary visas. But until changes happen, the status quo remains: a choice between paying a lot or waiting a lot.

Which to Choose?
If you can afford it (or can gather funds), the Contributory route is really the only realistic way to bring parents for PR within a useful timeframe. Non-contributory is more like a theoretical future benefit or a fallback if you truly cannot get the money. Some families do both: apply for the 103 (to get a queue date) and then later apply for 143 when ready to pay – but note, lodging a 103 and then switching to 143 doesn’t save you time really; your 143 will be processed on its own timeline (though some credit for time in queue may apply if you had a 103 lodged prior to June 2014, due to past transitional arrangements).

Example: If Mrs. A has 4 children – 2 in Australia, 2 in the UK – she passes the balance of family test (2 of 4 in Australia). She could apply for a contributory parent visa. Let’s say her daughter sponsors her, and Mrs. A pays the ~$47k fee and moves to Australia in 5 years as a PR. She enjoys 20 years with her family in Australia. Conversely, if she went the non-contrib route, she might wait 30 years – which likely exceeds her natural lifespan.

Tips for Parent Visa Applicants:

Ensure the balance of family test is met before applying. If not, don’t apply (it will be refused and money lost).
Get your finances in order. If choosing contributory, have a plan for funding the second installment when the time comes (some take loans or reverse mortgages on the parent’s home).
Prepare for the health examination: Older parents may have health issues. A significant health problem can result in a visa refusal if it’s deemed too costly (especially for non-contrib visas as no waiver usually). Contributory parent visas can have health waivers in some cases, but it’s not guaranteed. Manage chronic conditions as well as possible and provide complete medical info when asked.
Be patient and keep in contact. For long waits, update the Department if your address changes. If the parent gets a new passport while waiting, inform them with Form 929. Many parent visa applications are so old the applicants forget to communicate changes – don’t miss your chance when your turn finally comes because you missed a letter.
Alternative strategy: If parents are relatively healthy and under, say, 75, another strategy some consider is applying for a skilled visa or other pathway if they qualify (rare, but some parents might have a work skill and still under age limit for skilled migration). Or if one parent qualifies for an employer-sponsored visa. These are uncommon, but worth mentioning as creative solutions if applicable to your situation.

Conclusion:
Bringing parents to Australia is possible but requires balancing time and money. Contributory parent visas provide a quicker reunion at a steep cost, whereas non-contributory visas are accessible money-wise but with impractically long waits. It’s a difficult policy area, as the government tries to balance family reunion with public expense. As a sponsor, carefully assess your family’s financial ability and how urgently your parents wish to migrate. If they’re relatively young retirees and you can afford it, contributory visas can be a wonderful way to reunite and let them enjoy life in Australia. If not, consider the temporary parent visa as a medium-term solution while hoping for policy shifts. Whichever path, make sure to meet all requirements (especially the balance of family test and AoS capacity) and prepare for a journey – be it a few years or many – to bring Mom and Dad home to Australia with you.