Australian citizens who are engaged to or married to a British citizen or a person with UK settled status can apply for a UK Fiancée or Spouse Visa. These visa types allow Australians to join their partners in the United Kingdom to live together long-term.
Although Australia and the UK share strong historical and cultural ties, Australians must still meet all requirements under the UK Immigration Rules to be granted a family visa. The most common options are the Fiancée Visa (if you plan to marry in the UK) or the Spouse Visa (if you are already married).
The Fiancée Visa allows an Australian national to enter the UK for a period of 6 months to marry their British or settled partner. After the marriage takes place in the UK, the applicant can apply to switch to a Spouse Visa without needing to leave the country.
Eligibility includes:
This visa does not allow work or study during the initial 6-month period. After marriage, applicants must apply for a Spouse Visa to remain in the UK and gain work rights.
The Spouse Visa is intended for Australians who are already married to a UK citizen or someone holding settled or pre-settled status. It allows a stay of 30 months (2.5 years), with an option to extend and later apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Applicants must provide a marriage certificate, evidence of their relationship, and meet the financial and accommodation requirements. The English language requirement still applies but is usually not a problem for Australian nationals.
Applications are made online through the official UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) website. After submission, applicants must attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Australia, with centres located in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Supporting documents can be submitted electronically or scanned during the appointment. Most Australian applicants choose the Priority Visa Service for quicker decisions (usually 30 working days), although standard processing takes 60–90 days on average.
To avoid delays or refusals, it is important to submit a well-prepared application with strong documentation — such as communication records, joint travel history, shared financial commitments, and clear evidence of your intent to live together in the UK.
Fiancée Visa holders must get married within 6 months and then apply for a Spouse Visa. Spouse Visa holders can live, work, and study in the UK, and after 5 years may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (ILR) and British citizenship.
Whether you're an Australian fiancé(e) or spouse, our expert team can help you navigate the UK visa process smoothly and successfully.
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