Australia partner visa for Sri Lankan 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 Sri Lankan 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 Colombo. 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. A repeat examination may be required if processing is lengthy.
Police clearance
Sri Lankan nationals must provide a police clearance certificate from the Sri Lanka Police, obtained through the Criminal Records Division. Follow the country-specific guidance provided by Home Affairs at the time of application.
You must also provide police clearances from every other country you have lived in for twelve months or more since the age of 16.
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 family events.
Commitment: communication records, travel history between Sri Lanka and Australia, future plans.
Documents needed
Sponsor’s documents:
– Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residence
– Completed sponsorship form (Form 40SP)
Applicant’s documents:
– Valid Sri Lankan passport
– Marriage certificate from the Registrar General’s Department for married couples: Sri Lanka registers both civil and religious marriages. Obtain a certified copy from the relevant district registrar or the Registrar General’s Department.
– National Identity Card as additional identity documentation
– Health examination results
– Sri Lanka Police clearance certificate
– Relationship evidence as described above
If previously married:
– Divorce decree from a Sri Lankan court or death certificate
All documents in Sinhala or Tamil 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 Sri Lanka 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.
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.
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
Our marriage was a religious ceremony. Is it legally recognised?
In Sri Lanka, both civil and religious marriages can be legally registered under the Marriage Registration Ordinance. If your religious marriage was registered with the district registrar, it is legally valid. Obtain the certified marriage certificate from the Registrar General’s Department.
Do documents in Sinhala or Tamil need to be translated?
Yes. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Can I work in Australia on the onshore temporary 820 visa?
Yes. The temporary 820 visa includes full work rights.
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.