Adding a partner

Want to Add Your Partner to Your Visa?

If you already hold a visa or have lodged an application, your partner may be able to join you in Australia—either by being included in your existing application or through a subsequent entrant application.

Let’s break it down by visa type:

Adding a Partner to a 482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage)

  • A partner must be included at the time of application or added later as a subsequent entrant.

  • You can’t add a partner to a pending application.

  • If you're in a de facto relationship, you’ll need to show at least 6 months of living together in a genuine relationship.

  • Relationship registration isn’t accepted in place of cohabitation for this visa.

  • The government fee for a partner is the same as the primary applicant's.

Adding a Partner to a 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme)

  • You can include your partner when you apply, or add them later—as long as the visa is still processing.

  • You’ll need to show 12 months of living together or provide a relationship registration certificate.

  • Being engaged alone doesn’t meet the requirement.

  • Once the primary applicant’s permanent residency is granted, your partner can’t be added to the visa. You’ll need to lodge a separate Partner visa (820 or 309) instead.

  • Tip: It’s much more cost-effective to include your partner early in the application process.

Adding a Partner to a 500 Visa (Student Visa)

  • Partners can be included in the original student visa or added later via a subsequent entrant application.

  • If your partner is overseas, they must have been declared on your original visa application.

  • You must be married, have registered your relationship, or show 12 months of de facto relationship evidence.

  • Partners can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, including during semester breaks.

  • If the student is enrolled in a master’s or PhD program, work rights are unlimited for their partner.

Adding a Partner to a 407 or 408 Visa

  • Partners can be added when you apply or afterwards as a subsequent entrant.

  • You can’t add a partner to a pending application.

  • For 407 visas, partners can only work up to 40 hours per fortnight.

  • For 408 visas, partners have full work rights.

Not Sure If You Can Add Your Partner?

We can help you figure it out.
Get in touch for a free visa eligibility check, and we’ll guide you through the process of adding your partner or lodging a subsequent entrant application.

Subsequent Entrant Fees

In some situations, your partner may need to pay a subsequent entrant fee, especially if they’ve previously applied for a visa while in Australia.

This fee is charged in addition to the standard visa application fee and usually applies when:

  • Your partner is lodging a new application as a dependent after you’ve already received your visa

  • They’ve held or applied for a visa onshore in the past

Not everyone will need to pay this fee—it depends on your visa history and current circumstances.

Need help figuring it out?
We can check whether the subsequent entrant fee applies to your case during your free visa assessment.