Newlyweds often ask how soon they can apply for an Australian spouse visa (Partner visa). The good news is there’s no mandatory waiting period after marriage – you can lodge your application as soon as you have your marriage certificate. But being ready to apply involves more than just saying “I do.”
Understanding the Partner (Spouse) Visa Pathway
Partner visas cover both married and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. If you’re married, you apply under the spouse category. There are two main routes: applying onshore (Subclass 820/801) while in Australia, or applying offshore (Subclass 309/100) from overseas. Both are a two-stage process, beginning with a temporary visa and later leading to permanent residency. Importantly, marriage waives the 12-month relationship requirement for de facto couples, so you can apply immediately if your marriage is valid and genuine.
Registering Your Marriage and Obtaining a Certificate
To apply, you need proof of a valid marriage. If you married in Australia, your celebrant registers the marriage, but you must request the official certificate from the state registry, which may take a few days or weeks to arrive. If you married overseas, you will need your foreign marriage certificate, translated into English if necessary. The marriage must be legally valid where it took place and meet Australian requirements. Certification or an apostille can help confirm its authenticity.
How Soon After the Wedding Can You Apply?
There is no waiting period. As soon as you have your marriage certificate, you can lodge the application. Many couples apply immediately after their wedding. The key is to ensure your
documents are ready, even if you upload some evidence shortly after lodging.
Onshore vs Offshore Applications
Applying onshore allows you to remain in Australia during processing. Once your current visa expires, a Bridging Visa A will take effect, giving you full work rights, study rights, and access to Medicare. However, this visa does not allow travel outside Australia unless you obtain a Bridging Visa B. Offshore applications, by contrast, are lodged while the applicant is overseas. Although they do not come with a bridging visa, new rules mean that a 309 visa can still be granted even if the applicant is in Australia at the time of decision. Couples usually choose the onshore route if they are already in Australia together, and the offshore route if they are separated and cannot remain in Australia long-term.
Maintaining Lawful Stay and Bridging Visas
It is best to apply while holding a valid visa so you receive a Bridging Visa A. If your visa has expired, you may be issued a Bridging Visa C or E, which come with restrictions and additional hurdles such as the “Schedule 3” requirement. Always check your current visa for a “No Further Stay” condition (8503). If present, you must seek a waiver or apply offshore instead.
Supporting Documents and Evidence
A marriage certificate is essential, but you must also prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Department of Home Affairs assesses evidence of shared finances, household responsibilities, social recognition, and long-term commitment. Examples include joint bank accounts or leases, utility bills at the same address, photos and travel records, statements from family or friends, relationship statements, and proof of future plans together. In addition, the applicant must complete police checks and health examinations, while the sponsor must provide proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency and meet sponsorship requirements.
What to Expect
Processing times are long, often 12 to 18 months or more for the temporary stage. Once granted, the temporary visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent stage, which is usually assessed about two years after the initial application. In some cases, such as long-term relationships or when children are involved, the permanent visa may be granted immediately. During the process, you may be asked for extra documents or to attend an interview. Onshore applicants should apply for a Bridging Visa B before leaving Australia, while offshore applicants generally wait abroad until the visa is granted. Children can be included in the application, or if born after, may be Australian citizens by birth if one parent is already a citizen or permanent resident.
Conclusion: Tips for Newlyweds
Apply as soon as you have your marriage certificate, since no waiting period applies. Lodge the application while your visa is valid so you can secure the benefits of a Bridging Visa A. Gather thorough evidence that shows your marriage is genuine and ongoing, and stay patient with the long processing times. Although the journey is lengthy, the outcome is worth it: the ability to live in Australia with your spouse and start building your life together.
