If you are planning to bring your spouse to Australia to study with you, the student spouse visa could be the perfect option for you. The Australian government offers this visa to individuals who are enrolled in a full-time course of study and wish to bring their spouse or de facto partner to live in Australia with them. In this guide, we will outline the eligibility requirements for this visa, the application process, and any changes to the visa requirements that you should be aware of for 2023.

Key Takeaways

• The student spouse visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of a full-time student in Australia to live and work in Australia for the duration of the student’s course.
• Eligibility requirements include having a valid marriage or de facto relationship, being sponsored by a full-time student visa holder, meeting health and character requirements, and having access to adequate funds.
• The application process involves submitting an online application, providing supporting documentation, and possibly attending an interview.
• In 2023, the visa application fee will be AUD 700 for the main applicant and AUD 700 for each dependent.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the student spouse visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Marriage or De Facto Relationship

You must be legally married to, or in a de facto relationship with, a person who holds a student visa in Australia. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as joint bank accounts, rent agreements, and photographs.

Sponsorship and Enrollment

Your spouse must be enrolled in a full-time course of study in Australia, and hold a valid student visa. You will also need to be sponsored by your spouse, who will need to provide proof of their income and the ability to support you financially while you are in Australia.

Health and Character Requirements

You and your spouse will need to meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This might involve attending a health examination and obtaining police clearances. You may also need to provide evidence of health insurance cover for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Adequate Funds

You and your partner will need access to adequate funds to support yourselves while in Australia. This includes having enough money to cover your living expenses, as well as the cost of your return or onward travel from Australia.

Application Process

To apply for the student spouse visa, you will need to complete an online application form and provide supporting documentation. This might include proof of your marriage or de facto relationship, your spouse’s enrollment in a course of study, evidence of adequate funds, and any other documents requested by the Australian government.

If necessary, you may also be asked to attend an interview with an Australian government representative to discuss your application. You should ensure that you provide all required documents and information, as failure to do so could result in your application being refused.

Changes for 2023

For the 2023 intake, the main change to the student spouse visa requirements is the visa application fee. The fee for the main applicant and each dependent is set to be AUD 700, an increase from the 2022 fee of AUD 620.

FAQ

Can I work while on the student spouse visa?

Yes, you are able to work while in Australia on the student spouse visa. However, there may be some restrictions on the number of hours that you can work. Your dependent spouse visa will typically allow you to work up to 40 hours per fortnight while your spouse is studying, and full-time hours during semester breaks.

How long does the student spouse visa last?

The student spouse visa is typically valid for the same duration as your spouse’s student visa. You will need to ensure that you apply for an extension of the visa if your partner’s course of study is extended beyond its original end date.

Can I apply for permanent residency after my student spouse visa expires?

Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residency in Australia after your student spouse visa has expired. This may involve applying for another type of visa, such as a skilled migration visa or employer-sponsored visa, depending on your circumstances.