Australian Spousal Visa Application

To-Do List

Understand Visa Type and Requirements

  • Visa Type: Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 for onshore applications or subclass 309/100 for offshore applications).
  • Eligibility: Confirm that:
    • The Australian citizen/permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen is your sponsor.
    • The relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed to a shared life.
    • You meet health, character, and financial requirements.

Gather Essential Documents

For the Applicant (Vietnamese National):

  1. Personal Identity:
    • Valid passport (certified copy of bio-data page and all used pages).
    • Birth certificate (certified and translated into English).
    • National ID card (certified and translated).
    • Family book (certified and translated).

Marriage Proof:

  • Marriage certificate (certified and translated).

Relationship Evidence:

  • Photos together (wedding, trips, daily life).
  • Communication records (chat logs, emails, phone records).
  • Joint financial accounts/statements.
  • Proof of shared accommodation (rental agreement or joint ownership).
  • Statutory declarations from friends or family supporting the relationship.

Health Examination:

  • Book a health check with an approved panel physician.

Character Evidence:

  • Police clearance certificates from the country of your residence
  • Address history for the last 10 years.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS, PTE, or other accepted test scores.

For the Sponsor (Australian Citizen):

Personal Identity:

  • Certified copy of passport or Australian citizenship certificate.

Proof of Relationship:

  • Statements on relationship history.
  • Shared financial commitments (e.g., joint accounts, loans, utility bills).

Sponsorship Obligations:

  • Signed Australian Government sponsorship undertaking form.

Character Evidence:

  • Australian police clearance certificate.

Prepare Additional Supporting Evidence

  1. Proof of Co-habitation: Lease agreements, utility bills, mail addressed to both.
  2. Joint Finances: Joint bank accounts, shared assets, or loans.
  3. Social Proof: Photos and invitations to events, declarations from friends/family.
  4. Future Plans: Statements on long-term plans (e.g., buying a home, children, retirement).

Create and Submit Online Application

Steps:

Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Immigration website.

Complete the Partner Visa Application (subclass 309/100 or 820/801).

    • Upload all required documents.
    • Pay the visa fee

Submit the Sponsorship Application (linked to the partner visa).

Arrange Medical Examination

  • Book an appointment with a panel-approved doctor in Vietnam.
  • Take your Health Identifier (HAP ID) from the ImmiAccount for the exam.
  • Ensure you bring:
    • Passport.
    • Visa application acknowledgment.
    • HAP ID.

Provide Police Clearance Certificates

  • Apply for an Enhanced Police Clearance Certificate (both types 1 and 2).

Obtain police clearances for any country where the applicant has resided for 12+ months in the past 10 years

Monitor Application and Provide Updates

  • Respond to Requests for More Information:
    • Immigration may request additional documents or clarifications.
    • Upload requested documents promptly to your ImmiAccount.
  • Update Circumstances:

Inform immigration of changes (address, relationship status, pregnancy, etc.).

Attend Biometric Appointment (if required)

  • Book and attend a biometric collection appointment, if requested.

Await Visa Decision

  • Processing Time:
    • Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 309/820): 15-20 months.
    • Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100/801): After 2 years of the temporary visa.
  • While Waiting:
    • For offshore applicants: You cannot stay in Australia until a visa grant unless on another visa.
    • For onshore applicants: You may receive a bridging visa allowing work and study.

Post-Approval Steps

  • Prepare for Permanent Visa (Subclass 100/801):
    • Submit updated relationship evidence after 2 years of holding a temporary partner visa.
  • Ensure Compliance with Visa Conditions:
    • Notify immigration of any changes (e.g., address, relationship breakdown).

Additional Tips

  • Hire a PTB-BC Consultancy: Consider engaging PTB-BC Consultancy for professional assistance.
  • Stay Organized: Maintain a checklist of submitted documents to avoid delays.
  • Keep Copies: Retain copies of all submitted documents and correspondence with the immigration department.

By following this detailed checklist, you’ll ensure a well-prepared spousal visa application for Australia.