Graham-Nguyen & Associates

The spouse visa allows an individual who is married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen to live permanently in Australia. 

If you would like more information on the spouse migration visa or a free assessment of your options please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will be happy to make an appointment to meet with you to assess your suitability for spouse migration and discuss your options further. 

 
The process of demonstrating that you are in a genuine and continuing relationship is a complex one.  In many instances the Australian Immigration Department does not consider a marriage certificate as sufficient evidence that a relationship is genuine and on going.  At Graham-Nguyen & Associates we will ensure that your application is fully investigated and documented to give you have every chance of being granted a visa. We can also assist you in preparing for the interview process.

There is a common misconception that you must be in a relationship for at least 2 years before you can apply for a spouse visa as a de facto couple.  This is not the case, there are ways to demonstrate a genuine and continuing relationship in less than 2 years.   

A spouse visa takes approximately six months to be decided once the application is lodged at the Australian Embassy or Consulate.  The process usually involves a one hour interview and each applicant must complete a medical check. 

To be eligible to apply for a Spouse Visa you must be able to demonstrate that you:

·        are married to an Australian citizen or permanent resident in a marriage valid under Australian law; OR,

·        are in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident for at least 12 months prior to making application; OR,

·        personally know, (i.e. have met with Australian partner physically), and will be married to your sponsor in a marriage valid under Australian law by the time the Visa is granted (offshore applicants only).

You must also meet certain character requirements and take a physical examination and X-ray to satisfy health requirements in order to meet the Visa criteria.

Applicants applying from outside Australia must also be outside of Australia at the time the Visa is granted.  It is possible to arrange a short stay tourist visa in order to travel to Australia while your application for a spouse visa is being considered. 

Same sex partners can apply for an Interdependent Visa.  The requirements and assessment is similar to that applied to a de facto couple. 

AUSTRALIAN SPOUSE VISA ENTITLEMENTS

A spouse visa is assessed in two stages (temporary and permanent).   An applicant actually applies for both visas using one application form and paying only one application fee. The first temporary Visas, once granted, is valid for two (2) years from date of decision.  If the relationship is assessed to be still genuine and ongoing at the end of the two years, applicants will be granted a permanent visa.

As a permanent resident, you will have the right to live, work  and study in Australia, as well as access to Medicare (government subsidised health care) from the date your temporary visa is granted.  You will also have the right to apply for citizenship once certain residency requirements are met.

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