Can I Sponsor My Partner If I’m on a Bridging Visa or Temporary Visa?
In many cases, sponsoring your partner to Australia is possible even though you hold a temporary visa or a bridging visa. However, note that the available options will be limited to a temporary visa only, particularly to a subsequent entrant visa that is linked to your visa. Unless you’ve become an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can sponsor your partner for a permanent visa as well, including the Australian Partner Visa.
In this article, we will explore the specific conditions and available options for sponsoring your partner to Australia. We will also answer your questions, such as whether you can bring your spouse or partner to Australia while you’re on a Work Visa or Student Visa.
Who can sponsor a Partner Visa in Australia?
To sponsor your partner on a Partner Visa, you must be:
- An Australian citizen, or
- An Australian permanent resident, or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
But what if you’re on a temporary visa or bridging visa?
Can a temporary visa holder sponsor their partner to come to Australia?
In short, no. First, you can’t sponsor your partner for a Partner Visa if you hold a temporary visa, such as a subclass 482, 485, or 500 Visa. Sponsoring your partner to Australia on a Partner Visa is only possible if you’ve become an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Second, you may be able to sponsor them for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), but it only gives a short stay (up to 3 months), and you must be able to show financial capability in doing so. Currently, you’re required to show at least AUD 5,000 in your bank account to sponsor your partner on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). Your partner must also show their genuine intention to stay temporarily.
If you’re looking for a visa that allows your partner to stay in Australia as long as your visa allows for, consider the subsequent entrant visa linked to your temporary visa subclass. Here’s the detailed explanation of each of them:
Subsequent Entrant Visa for Student Visa (subclass 500)
Yes, you can bring your partner to Australia while holding a Student Visa with the Subsequent Entrant for Student Visa. The requirements are straightforward, and it’s a viable option for many.
The requirements are:
- Your partner must be declared on your initial Student Visa application.
- Your partner must meet the health and character requirements.
- Your partner must show their intention as a genuine temporary entrant.
The Subsequent Entrant for a Student Visa costs AUD 1,600.
Subsequent Entrant Visa for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
If you hold a subclass 485 Visa, you can sponsor your partner to Australia using the Subsequent Entrant Visa for 485 Visa.
The Subsequent Entrant Visa for Temporary Graduate Visa is a flexible option. It doesn’t have specific requirements, and the process is straightforward, giving you peace of mind.
Subsequent Entrant Visa for Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)
You can bring your partner to Australia while holding a 482 Visa, with the option to apply for a Subsequent Entrant Visa. Your partner must meet the following requirements:
- Be nominated by your sponsoring employer,
- Have health insurance,
- Meet the health and character requirements,
- Have not contravened ‘paying for visa sponsorship’ legislative provisions.
The cost for this visa is AUD 3,210.
Subsequent Entrant Visa for SESR subclass 494 Visa
The requirements for the Subsequent Entrant Visa for 494 Visa are:
- Be nominated by your sponsoring employer,
- Have at least a Functional English level,
- Meet the health and character requirements.
This visa costs AUD 4,910.
Note that all subsequent entrant visas will be valid as long as your primary visa is still valid.
What if I’m on a Bridging Visa? Is sponsoring my partner to Australia possible?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible. If you’re on a Bridging Visa, sponsoring your partner to Australia is not possible. However, you can consider having your partner visit you in Australia on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). You can strengthen the application by including a supporting statement letter, which should outline the reasons for the visit, the relationship between you and your partner, and any other relevant information that can support the application.
However, if you’re on a Bridging Visa and waiting for a decision for your Protection Visa application or your merits review, having your partner on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) will be more complex. It’s strongly advised to have a Registered Migration Agent to back your partner’s application.
Are there other options?
If applying for the Subsequent Entrant Visa is not possible, you can consider waiting until you become a Permanent Resident, then sponsor your partner on a Partner Visa.
However, you must also note that you must be either married or in a de facto relationship to do so.
Sponsoring your partner to Australia while holding a temporary visa or bridging visa can be confusing. Just remember that your best option depends on your current visa, your partner’s location, and future PR pathways.
