Marrying an Australian Citizen While on a Visa 482

Marrying an Australian citizen or permanent resident while holding a 482 visa is a fairly common situation. It is a decision with a large effect on your migration pathway — you may be able to move to a partner visa, but you need to understand the process before acting.

Two partner visa pathways

In Australia (onshore): Apply for the 820/801 visa (partner visa — temporary and permanent).

• Visa 820 (temporary): granted when you apply, allowing work and study
• Visa 801 (permanent): granted usually 2 years later

Outside Australia (offshore): Apply for the 309/100 visa (partner visa — offshore).

• Visa 309 (temporary): granted after an offshore assessment
• Visa 100 (permanent): follows visa 309

If you are in Australia on a 482 visa → applying for 820/801 onshore is generally more suitable.

Effect on the 482 visa when you lodge a partner visa

When you lodge a partner visa 820 while holding a 482 visa:

• The 482 visa remains valid and you continue to work as normal
• When the 482 visa expires, you are granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to stay while awaiting the 820 outcome
• With a BVA following a 482, work conditions are usually tied to the conditions of the previous 482 visa

Note: lodging a partner visa does not cancel the 482 visa — both exist in parallel until one of them ends.

Relationship requirements

The Department requires proof of a genuine relationship:

• Legally married (marriage certificate) or de facto for at least 12 months
• Evidence of living together: joint lease, joint bank account, utility bills
• Social evidence: photos together, recognition by friends and family

A new marriage (under 12 months de facto) can still apply for a partner visa, but needs especially strong evidence of the genuine nature of the relationship.

Partner visa processing times

A partner visa 820/801 usually takes 2–3 years or longer:

• Temporary stage (820): usually 6–18 months
• Permanent stage (801): a further 1–2 years after the relationship reaches 2 years (or there are children together)

While you wait, you can still work, study and stay in Australia.

If the relationship breaks down while the partner visa is being processed

If the relationship ends before the 801 visa is granted, you risk not being granted permanent residence. Seek advice from a migration agent as soon as the situation changes.