Can I add my partner to my student visa?

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One of the most common questions we get asked is if students can add a partner to their student visa. The answer? Yes, it may be possible to add your partner as a secondary applicant depending upon your circumstances.

The rules can feel overwhelming so we’ve broken down everything you need to know about applying for a student partner visa in Australia from the documents you’ll need to what constitutes a de facto relationship.

Can I add my partner to my student visa?

Yes, adding your partner to your student visa is possible if you meet the criteria provided by Home Affairs.

What is a de facto relationship?

A de facto relationship is one where you and your partner are not legally married to each other but fit the below criteria:

• You’re committed to a shared life 
• Your relationship is genuine and continuing
• You live together 
• You are not related 

It’s important to note that the period you spent dating or in an online relationship does not count as being in a de facto relationship. It is highly likely that you will be required to provide evidence to support the fact that you have been in a relationship for at least 12 months.

How do you prove that you're in a de facto relationship?

You will need to provide evidence that you are in a de facto relationship and the necessary evidence may include (but is not limited to) the below:

• Recent joint bank account statements
• Billing accounts in joint names i.e. energy, water, phone bills
• A registered relationship certificate (if applicable; Every state within Australia has special requirements to register the relationship.)
• Copy of your residential tenancy agreement or statutory declaration from landlord(s), flatmates (if you are not on the lease)

• Photographs of you and your partner - these can be with family, friends, from holidays etc
• Receipts or bookings from past holidays with your partner (these may include: flight tickets, boarding passes, postcards, insurance receipts etc)

• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover you and your partner for the period of your studies (this must cover living expenses, flight tickets costs and tuition fees)
• Statutory declaration(s) from family and/or friends confirming your relationship status
• Evidence that you both have an adequate arrangements for health insurance (generally Overseas Student Health Cover for couple) while you are in Australia​

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Can I apply for a partner student visa offshore?

Yes, you can apply for a partner student visa both onshore and offshore (providing your current visa does not state ‘no further stay’).

How long does it take to get a de facto student visa?

Yes, you can apply for a partner student visa both onshore and offshore (providing your current visa does not state ‘no further stay’).

Can I work as a secondary applicant?

A secondary application must not engage in work until the primary student visa holder has commenced a course of study. You are also not permitted to work for more than 40 hours a fortnight while you are in Australia.

If the course of study in which the primary student visa holder undertakes is for a masters or doctoral degree, then you are permitted to work more than 40 hours per fortnight. Please note, this varies from case to case and always refer to a visa grant letter where full student visa conditions are explained. 

If you’re in doubt, always check with one of our expert team if you lodged your student visa through us or contact directly Home Affairs or seek an independent legal advice.

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How much does it cost to add my partner to my student visa?

Each case will vary in terms of cost. The overall cost of your student visa application and adding a partner depends on your partner's previous visa history, location of lodgement etc. 

​Please don’t hesitate to contact our expert team for up to date pricing and support. 

What other documents will I need to apply for a partner student visa?

There are several other forms of documentation that are required when adding a partner to your student visa. These may include (but are not limited to) the below: 
 

• Online student visa application form and documents to support this - the full checklist can be found on the Home Affairs website
• Make sure you hold eligible substantive visas while in Australia
• A certified copy of the bio-page in the passport of both the main applicant and de facto partner
• Prove that your partner and you are both genuine temporary entrants - Two Genuine Entrant Temporary Letters - one for the main applicant and one for the de facto partner
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your study for all applicants included in the student visa application. For example, for a couple’s insurance for 1 year is approximately $2,850. The insurance must be paid in full prior visa lodgement. You can find further information about student health insurance on our website.
• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover yourself and partner for the period of your studies in Australia (including living expenses and tuition fees)
• Copy of Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) issued by education provider(s) for the course(s) in which you are undertaking
• Medical and x-ray examinations for yourself and partner 
• You might need to provide evidence of English language skills 
• Sign the Australian values statement 
• If you or your partner have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government, you need to arrange to pay it back.
• If you have any dependent under 18 years old, there are further visa requirements. ​​
  
  

Please bear in mind that cases differ between applicants and prices and/or evidence required will vary depending upon your personal circumstances. 

If you would like to add a partner to your student visa, please contact the Study Online Australia team for free advice and support.