How to Get Married to an Australian Citizen and get a Visa Sponsorship and Secure your Accommodation Before Relocating

Are you confused about the legal process of getting married to an Australian citizen and securing a visa sponsorship? Or maybe you’re worried about whether you’ll qualify for visa sponsorship or how to move to Australia. Let’s not sugarcoat things, there are so many visa options and marriage requirements, so it’s easy to feel lost and unsure about where to start. What if you miss a crucial document or fail to meet the sponsorship criteria? The smallest mistake could delay your plans for months. Don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted out. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step guide on how to marry an Australian citizen, secure visa sponsorship, and arrange your accommodation before relocating.

Let’s get into it!

Different Types of Australian Marriage Visa

Before we proceed, we want you to first understand the various types of Australian marriage visas so you will know which visa is suitable for you. Heads up, these are the three primary ones you need to know:

1. The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

This is for people who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. In simple terms, you have to have a fiancé or fiancée who is an Australian. Maybe that’s why it’s called the “fiancé visa” casually. Now, this marriage visa allows you to travel to Australia, marry your partner within 9-15 months, and then apply for a Partner Visa afterwards.

Before you even think of applying, make sure you are outside Australia when applying, have met your partner in person, and can prove that your relationship is genuine. We’ll get into this in more detail later. Just so you know, the cost starts at AUD 9,095, and it’s ideal for couples who are not yet married but want to live together in Australia after marriage.

2. The Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 820

This Australian partner visa is for those who are already married or in a de-facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while you’re waiting for a permanent visa. But, you need to be in Australia when you apply and show proof of being in a committed relationship. Now this proof can be shared financial and living arrangements. If you are serious about getting this visa, then you should be ready to spend at least AUD 9,095 (combined with Subclass 801) to apply. This is quite suitable for couples who are ready to settle in Australia together.

3. The Partner Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 801

This is the final Australian marriage visa we will discuss here. This one is for people who have held the Subclass 820 visa for at least two years. With this visa, you are sure to become a permanent resident and stay in Australia indefinitely, work, and access full benefits. If you wish to apply for this Australian partner visa, you must still be in a genuine relationship, show recent proof that you are still in a committed relationship, and of course, meet health and character requirements. Well, Australia has zero tolerance for crime so your criminal history must be clean. Additionally, you need to keep in mind that there’s no extra fee if you’ve already paid for the Subclass 820 visa. This visa is perfect for couples who are interested in building a long-term life in Australia.

What are the Australian Marriage Visa Requirements?

Before you even think of applying for a marriage visa, you need to make sure you are eligible and can provide the necessary documents required of you. So, let’s look at the general Australian Partner Visa document checklist for each visa category we discussed above. Pro tip: Always keep in touch with the authorities to be updated on any specific documents you need to provide so you don’t miss a thing.

A. Australian Partner Visa Application 820/801 Checklist

1. You need identity documents such as a certified copy of your passport bio-data page, birth certificate, and national ID or driver’s license.  

2. You’ll need to show real proof that you are in a valid relationship. Now this could be through your marriage certificate (if married) or proof of a de facto relationship. You don’t need to rack your brain too much, just show photos together (including with family and friends), joint bank statements, lease agreements or mortgage papers that show you live together, utility bills with both of your names, and travel records showing you take trips together.  

3. Get two statutory declarations (Form 888) from Australian citizens or permanent residents which confirm that your relationship is genuine and you aren’t trying to scam anyone.

4. Don’t forget your health and character documents. You’ll need a medical examination from a recognized hospital and conducted by a panel doctor. Keep in mind that you also need to get police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16.  

5. For financial proof, you need to show joint bank account details, any proof of shared household expenses (like rent and groceries), and a document showing both of you have assets you share or financial commitments.  

6. You might have not heard this, but social evidence is important too. You can show invitations to events as a couple, social media posts together, and letters from family and friends that prove both of you are in a relationship.  

7. You’ll need to show commitment with a written statement about your relationship. This could be about how you met, your future plans, the challenges you’ve faced together and basically your love journey.

8. Lastly, make sure you’ve got the payment receipt for the application fee (from AUD 9,095 for both visas combined).

B. Australian Partner Visa Application 300 Checklist

If you have been wondering what documents are needed for subclass 300, then note the following:

1. You need identity documents like a certified copy of your passport bio-data page, birth certificate, and national ID or driver’s license.  

2. To prove you are in a real relationship, you’ll need to show that you’ve met your partner in person and have a genuine intention to marry within nine months of arriving in Australia. You can also include photos together (including with family and friends), travel records showing joint trips, engagement announcements, and any wedding plans (like venue bookings or invitations).  

3. Get two statutory declarations (Form 888) from Australian citizens or permanent residents confirming that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to get married.  

4. You’ll need health and character documents, including a medical examination conducted by a panel doctor and police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16.  

5. For financial proof, you need to show joint bank account details, any proof of shared expenses (like rent and groceries), and financial support from your partner.

6. Social evidence is also important here so include invitations to events as a couple, social media posts together, and letters from family and friends confirming your relationship and upcoming marriage.  

7. Additionally, prove that you are committed to each other and this can be done by writing a statement about how you met, why you want to get married, and your future plans together. You can also include evidence of wedding preparations and communication (texts, emails, or call logs).  

8. Finally, make sure you’ve got the payment receipt for the application fee (AUD 9,095).

Who is Eligible to Sponsor a Spouse in Australia?

Now that you are aware of the document checklist required, you need to know that not just any Australian citizen can sponsor your visa. The big question then remains, who can sponsor a spouse in Australia?

Basic Sponsorship Requirements for The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

To sponsor your fiancé for the Subclass 300 visa, you need to meet some conditions:

• First, you must either be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen aged 18 or older.
• You must have physically met your partner in person and have a genuine relationship.
• You also need to show a sincere intention to marry your fiancé within nine months of the visa being granted.
• You should have a clean criminal record, especially without any serious offences that could affect your ability to sponsor.
• Finally, you must not have any sponsorship restrictions imposed by the immigration department.

Basic Sponsorship Requirements for The Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 820

To sponsor your partner for a Subclass 820 visa, you need to meet some conditions which include:

• You must be the spouse or de facto partner of the applicant, and your relationship should be genuine and ongoing.
• You also need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen aged 18 or older.
• You need a clean criminal record, especially without any major offences related to sponsorship.
• You shouldn’t have any restrictions on your ability to sponsor so as to allow a smooth application process for your partner.

Basic Sponsorship Requirements for The Partner Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 801

For the qualifications to sponsor an immigrant for the Subclass 801 visa, you have to remain the spouse or de facto partner of the applicant you originally sponsored for the Subclass 309 visa. No wishy-washy behaviour. You have to maintain a genuine and ongoing relationship to help your partner’s successful transition from temporary to permanent residency in Australia.

How Long Does It Take to Sponsor a Spouse to Australia?

Every good thing takes time and sponsoring a spouse in Australia is no different. Just so you know, it can take different amounts of time to process different applications but this still boils down to the type of application. If your partner applies onshore (while already in Australia), the processing time is usually between 3 to 9 months. If they apply offshore (from outside Australia), it can take between 5 months and a few years.

How to Apply for the Australian Partner Visa

1. Eligibility

First, do you meet the requirements to sponsor your spouse for permanent residency? Keep in mind that you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. You also need to show that you can support your spouse financially and pay any needed fees.

2. Check Documents

After you have confirmed whether or not you are eligible, get all the required documents ready. Make sure all your documents are accurate and translated into English if it’s necessary.

3. Submit the Application

Then, you can go ahead to submit the application. But, heads up, carefully complete the application form, attach the required documents, and pay the application fee. Just make sure you double-check everything to avoid mistakes that could delay the process.

4. Wait for Assessment

After submission, the Department of Home Affairs will review your application. They may ask you to show additional information or proof but just make sure you respond promptly to avoid delays.

5. Get the Decision

If approved, your spouse will be given a temporary visa which allows them to live, work, and study in Australia. If you’ve been in a committed relationship for at least two years, you may be issued a permanent visa directly.

How to Secure your Accommodation before Relocating to Australia

Before you plan on getting married to an Australian citizen, you might want to find and secure accommodation before you relocate. The following tips would help you:

1. Figure Out Your Budget and Preferences
First, know how much you can afford to spend on rent and what kind of place you want, whether it is an apartment or a house. Also, think about the location and any features you might need.

2. Search Online
Look for listings on sites like settlementservice.com.au and Facebook Marketplace. You can also check with local real estate agents for more options.

3. Visit the Properties
Go to open house inspections to see the property for yourself. Pay attention to the condition, location, and amenities and don’t be afraid to ask questions. No big deal.

4. Submit Your Application
You have to prepare your application with your ID, proof of income, and references. Make sure everything is complete and accurate before sending it in to avoid regrets.

5. Finalize the Lease
Once your application has been accepted, go through the lease terms carefully. If anything feels off, you can try to negotiate. After agreeing, you can then go ahead to sign the lease and pay the deposit to lock it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can an Australian citizen sponsor a partner?

Yes, an Australian citizen can sponsor their partner for a Partner Visa if they are in a genuine relationship. But, here’s the catch; the sponsor must be at least 18 years old and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must also meet the financial and character requirements, as we already explained, to support the partner during the visa process.

2. Do you get an Australian passport if you marry an Australian?

No, marrying an Australian citizen does not automatically give you an Australian passport. Also, you cannot directly get Australian Citizenship through marriage. However, you can apply for Australian citizenship after holding a Partner Visa and living in Australia for at least four years (including at least 12 months as a permanent resident).

3. What is the age limit for a Partner Visa in Australia?

There’s no age limit for applying for a partner visa in Australia. But, some age rules basically apply. For example, if you’re applying for a Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), you must be at least 18 years old.

4. Can I get permanent residency in Australia if I marry an Australian?

Yes, marrying an Australian citizen can lead to permanent residency. You’ll need to apply for a Partner Visa. So, after holding a temporary Partner Visa and proving that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, you may then be eligible for permanent residency.

Conclusion

We know you have heard that immigration is always a hassle, especially when it comes to getting married to an Australian citizen. But the truth of the matter is, it doesn’t have to be that way. You just need to understand all that would be required of your visa and voila, you are a step ahead. Also, once you’ve figured out your budget, searched for properties, and submitted your application, the rest will be a breeze. Just make sure to do all you need to do carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. And before you know it, you’ll settle into your new home smoothly.