Update (October 2026)
The 457 visa closed in 2018 and the TSS visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. You can still add a spouse or de facto partner to a 482 visa, either in the main application or later as a subsequent entrant, and they generally receive full work and study rights. Relationship evidence requirements still apply, so check the current requirements for de facto partners before you apply.
If your currently hold a subclass 457 temporary work visa or TSS 482 visa it is possible to add your spouse or de facto partner (minimum of 6 months evidence is required) to your subclass 457 visa as a secondary applicant.
Location of Spouse or De Facto:
Your spouse or de facto partner can be inside or outside Australia at the time of applying for the visa.
Conditions of Visa for your spouse or de facto partner:
They will be granted a subclass 457 visa with unrestricted work rights,
Expiry:
Their visa will expire on the same date as your subclass 457 visa.
Checklist:
If married, usually a marriage certificate will suffice. If in a De Facto relationship:
The history of the relationship through a signed statement regarding:
- how, when and where the couple first met
- how the relationship developed
- the couple’s domestic arrangements, that is, how they support each other financially, physically and emotionally and when this level of commitment began
- any periods of separation, when and why the separation occurred, for how long and how the couple maintained their relationship during the period of separation
- the couple’s future plans.
Financial aspects of the relationship, such as:
- joint ownership of the house or joint names on a lease
- correspondence addressed to the couple at the same address
- details of financial commitments including bank statements, and any joint liabilities.
The nature of the household, such as:
- any joint responsibility for the care and support of any children
- the couple’s living arrangements including sharing responsibilities within the home.
Social context, such as:
- evidence that the couple is generally accepted and recognised as a couple socially such as joint invitations
- evidence of common friends
- assessments by the couple’s friends and family of the relationship
- joint travel or joint participation in sporting, social or cultural activities.
The couple’s commitment to each other, such as:
- the duration of the relationship including knowledge of each other
- intention to have a long term relationship, for example, through terms of their wills
- correspondence and telephone accounts to show that the couple maintained contact during any periods of separation.
What your partner can do on a dependent 457 visa:
Your partner or de facto will have:
- full work rights
- full study rights
- no travel restrictions
What this means in 2026
The 457 visa closed in 2018 and the TSS visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. The good news is that the basic approach to including a partner has not changed: your spouse or de facto partner can be part of your 482 application, or can apply later as a subsequent entrant.
Including your partner from the start. This is usually the simplest option. Your partner is assessed as a secondary applicant and must meet health and character requirements. You need to show that your relationship is genuine and continuing, with evidence such as joint finances, a shared address and how others see you as a couple.
Adding your partner later. If you marry or start a de facto relationship after your visa is granted, your partner can apply as a subsequent entrant. Their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. Your sponsor may need to agree to extend its sponsorship obligations to the new family member.
Government charges. From 1 July 2026, the 482 visa charge for each dependant aged 18 or over is $4,015, and $1,005 for each dependant under 18 (see visa application fees from 1 July 2026).
Work and study rights. A secondary 482 visa holder can generally work for any employer and study in Australia, with no limit on hours.
Can my partner work on my 482 visa?
Yes. Secondary 482 visa holders generally have full work rights and are not tied to your sponsor.
Can we add a partner after the 482 visa is granted?
Yes. Your partner can apply as a subsequent entrant. The visa usually ends on the same date as yours.
What evidence of the relationship is needed?
Evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing, such as a marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence, joint finances, a shared home and statements about your relationship.
Will my partner be included in a later PR application?
Usually yes. A partner can be included in a later 186 visa application if they still meet the relationship, health and character requirements.
