Australia partner visa for Nepali nationals
What this visa is
The Australian partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is a two-stage process: the applicant is first granted a temporary visa, then assessed for permanent residence after approximately two years.
Applications can be made from outside Australia (offshore: subclass 309 leading to subclass 100) or from within Australia on a valid status (onshore: subclass 820 leading to subclass 801).
This guide covers the process for Nepali nationals applying to join a partner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are the spouse or de facto partner of your sponsor:
- Legally married spouses
- De facto partners in a genuine relationship for at least twelve months immediately before applying
You must be aged 18 or over. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing. Both parties must have met in person.
Who can sponsor
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over and not subject to sponsorship bars or character exclusions.
Financial requirement
There is no minimum income requirement for the sponsor. The assessment focuses on the genuineness of the relationship.
Health requirement
All applicants must undergo a health examination with an approved panel physician. Panel physicians are available in Kathmandu. Use the ImmiAccount health examination locator to find the approved clinic and book your appointment in advance.
Health results are submitted electronically to the Department of Home Affairs. If processing is lengthy, a repeat examination may be required.
Police clearance
Nepali nationals must provide a police clearance certificate from the Nepal Police. DIBP provides country-specific guidance on the process for Nepal at the time of application. The certificate is typically obtained through the Metropolitan Police Range or relevant district police office.
You must also provide police clearances from every other country you have lived in for twelve months or more since the age of 16. Many Nepali applicants have spent time in Australia on student or work visas before applying, and an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check will be required for that period.
Proving your relationship
Home Affairs assesses four aspects of the relationship:
Financial aspects: joint accounts, shared assets, financial interdependence.
Nature of the household: shared address, domestic responsibilities, statements from people who know you as a couple.
Social aspects: photographs together, family knowledge of the relationship, attendance at community events.
Commitment: communication records, travel history, future plans.
For Nepali applicants, many couples have met and lived in Australia before one partner returns to Nepal. Evidence of the Australia-based relationship and subsequent long-distance communication is important.
Documents needed
Sponsor’s documents:
– Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residence
– Completed sponsorship form (Form 40SP)
Applicant’s documents:
– Valid Nepali passport
– Marriage registration certificate from the local ward office (for married couples): in Nepal, marriages are registered at the Ward Office of the relevant municipality. Obtain a certified copy of the marriage registration certificate.
– Citizenship certificate (नागरिकता प्रमाणपत्र) as identity documentation
– Health examination results
– Nepal Police clearance certificate and AFP check if applicable
– Relationship evidence as described above
If previously married:
– Divorce certificate or death certificate
All documents in Nepali must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount. Both the sponsor and applicant complete their sections online.
For offshore applications (309/100), the applicant remains in Nepal during processing. Once the temporary 309 visa is granted, they travel to Australia. The permanent 100 visa is assessed after approximately two years.
For onshore applications (820/801), the applicant must be in Australia holding valid temporary status when they apply. A significant number of Nepali applicants apply onshore after being in Australia on student or work visas.
Costs and processing times
Government application fee: AUD $11,710 for the primary applicant, covering both stages.
Additional costs include the health examination, police clearance fees, certified translations, and migration agent fees if applicable.
Nepal is one of the top source countries for Australian family migration. Check current processing times on the Home Affairs website before applying.
After approval
Once the temporary visa is granted, the applicant can live, work, and study in Australia. After approximately two years, Home Affairs reassesses the relationship before granting the permanent visa.
As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Australia. After four years of permanent residence, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
FAQs
We met in Australia when I was on a student visa. How do we prove our relationship?
Evidence from your time living together in Australia is strong relationship evidence. Include your shared lease, utility bills, bank statements showing the same address, and photographs together from that period, alongside ongoing communication records after you returned to Nepal.
Do Nepali documents need to be translated?
Yes. All documents in Nepali must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Can I apply onshore if I am currently in Australia on a student visa?
Yes, provided you hold valid temporary status at the time you lodge the application. The onshore 820 visa includes work rights while you wait.
What if the relationship breaks down during the waiting period?
You must notify Home Affairs. The permanent visa will generally not be granted unless exceptional humanitarian circumstances apply.
Is there a right of appeal if refused?
Yes. Refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Can dependent children be included?
Yes. Dependent children can be included, subject to health and character requirements.