Student Visa – adding a partner

If you are currently here in Australia on a Student Visa which doesn’t include your boyfriend or girlfriend, it is still possible to add them as a secondary applicant on your Student Visa.

How do I apply?

To meet the criteria for this visa, you must either be married to your partner or able to prove that you have lived with your boyfriend or girlfriend for 12 months. This Visa is inclusive of same-sex couples.

How do I show that I am in a De facto Relationship?

12 Months Cohabitation

A de facto relationship would require evidence that you have lived with your partner for the last 12 months. The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) requires documentary evidence that you have lived together for 12 months prior to lodging your application.

If you are married or either registered your relationship with the Births, Deaths or Marriages Registry in an Australian state or territory, then you do not need to show 12 months of cohabitation but will need to show that you are currently living together. Registering your relationship can be particularly advantageous if your relationship is new as this can waive the 12-month cohabitation rule.

What can you do once you’re added to your partners Student Visa?

When your visa is granted and you are added as a secondary applicant to your partners Student Visa, you will have the same work and travel rights as their Student Visa. Your partner’s Student Visa will expire on the same date as yours.

Once you add your spouse or de facto partner to your Student Visa they can be included in any future visa you apply for, including permanent residence.

Key takeaway

Adding your partner to your student visa or being added to your partner’s student visa a secondary applicant is a great solution for applicants in a relationship – it enables them to avoid paying unnecessary extra course fees, stay longer in Australia upon starting a new relationship, or stay longer in Australia after completing their course before their partners.

The team at Questra will work closely with you and your partner to achieve the best solution for your unique situation.