Adding a partner

Want to Add Your Partner to Your Visa?

If you already hold a visa or have lodged a visa 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.

The rules depend on the type of visa you hold and your partner’s circumstances.

Let’s break it down by visa type:

Adding a Partner to a 482 Visa (Skills in Demand Visa)

A partner can generally be included:

  • When the primary applicant lodges their visa application, or

  • Later through a subsequent entrant application.

A partner cannot be added to a lodged 482 visa application after submission. If the primary applicant has already lodged their application or has been granted their visa, the partner must generally apply separately as a subsequent entrant.

To apply as a subsequent entrant, your partner must:

  • Be your spouse or de facto partner

  • Meet the relevant family unit requirements

  • Provide evidence of the relationship, such as:

    • Marriage certificate, or

    • Evidence of a genuine de facto relationship (for example, joint finances, shared address documents, and other relationship evidence)

Relationship registration may assist where recognised under Australian migration law.

The partner will generally have the same visa conditions as the primary 482 visa holder once granted

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

You may be able to include your partner:

  • When you lodge your Subclass 186 visa application, or

  • During processing if the application circumstances allow.

You generally need to provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing.

For de facto relationships, you may need to provide evidence that you meet the relevant relationship requirements or provide evidence of a registered relationship where applicable.

Being engaged alone does not meet the partner relationship requirements.

Once the primary applicant’s permanent residency has been granted, a partner cannot usually be added to that visa. Your partner may need to explore another visa option, such as a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100), depending on their circumstances.

Tip: Including your partner at the earliest possible stage is usually the simplest and most cost-effective approach.

Adding a Partner to a 500Visa (Student Visa)

Partners can generally be included:

  • In the original Student Visa application, or

  • Later through a subsequent entrant application.

The partner must meet the requirements for a subsequent entrant, including providing evidence of the relationship.

You generally need to be:

  • Married, or

  • In a registered relationship, or

  • In a genuine de facto relationship meeting the relevant requirements.

Work rights for partners depend on the visa conditions attached to their visa.

Generally:

  • Partners of most Student Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.

  • Partners of students who are enrolled in a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree (PhD) generally have unlimited work rights.

  • Work rights may change depending on the primary student visa holder’s course, commencement date, and individual visa conditions.

Always check the visa conditions through VEVO before starting work.

Adding a Partner to a 407 or 408Visa

Partners may generally be included:

  • When the visa application is lodged, or

  • Later through a subsequent entrant application where permitted.

For Subclass 407 Training Visa holders:

  • Partner work rights are generally limited to 40 hours per fortnight, unless an exemption applies.

For Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa holders:

  • Partner work rights depend on the visa stream and the conditions attached to the visa.

Always check the specific visa conditions before relying on work rights.

Not Sure If You Can Add Your Partner?

We can help you understand your options.

Get in touch for a free visa eligibility check, and we’ll guide you through the process of adding your partner, applying as a subsequent entrant, or exploring alternative visa pathways.

FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT

Subsequent Entrant Fees

In some situations, your partner may need to pay an additional Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC)when applying as a subsequent entrant for certain temporary visas.

This charge is separate from the standard visa application charge and depends on your partner’s individual visa history and circumstances.

The Subsequent Temporary Application Charge may apply when:

  • Your partner is applying for certain temporary visas while in Australia; and

  • They have previously held or applied for certain substantive temporary visas in Australia.

Not every subsequent entrant applicant will need to pay this charge. The Department of Home Affairs assesses eligibility based on the applicant’s previous visa history and the type of visa being applied for.

Need help figuring it out?
We can review your circumstances and confirm whether any additional charges may apply during your free visa assessment.