Family visa guide · Reviewed September 2026
A partner or spouse visa is for a genuine family relationship. It is not a method for “finding someone abroad for a free visa”. The UK, Canada and Australia all require evidence of a real relationship, and each country has different sponsor, financial, fee and application rules. This guide compares the three systems using current government information.
1. Partner sponsorship is not “free visa sponsorship”
Family sponsorship is designed to let qualifying couples live together. The immigration authority can ask for evidence of the relationship, sponsor eligibility, identity, finances, health, character and other requirements.
No legitimate website can promise that meeting someone, getting engaged or marrying automatically gives you a visa.
Do not create a relationship only for immigration.
False relationship evidence or a sham marriage can lead to refusal and serious immigration consequences. This guide is about lawful family routes for genuine couples.
2. UK spouse or partner family visa
The UK family visa can let an eligible person live with a qualifying spouse or partner in the UK for more than six months.
GOV.UK asks applicants to prove the relationship and, in many cases, financial and English-language requirements.
Current financial requirement
For many new partner or spouse applications, the couple usually needs to show a combined annual income of at least £29,000.
Different rules can apply if:
- the sponsor receives certain disability or carer benefits;
- the first qualifying partner application was made before 11 April 2024 and the person is extending with the same partner;
- human-rights or child-related exceptions are relevant.
Some savings can be used under the published financial rules.
Relationship evidence
GOV.UK may expect evidence showing you live together or have an ongoing committed relationship. Examples can include joint bills, tenancy or housing records, shared finances, official correspondence, regular communication and evidence of time spent together.
Current fee
The current family-visa fee for joining a partner, parent or child is £2,064 when applying from outside the UK and £1,407 when applying in the UK. The immigration health surcharge can also apply.
A successful partner application from outside the UK can normally give up to 2 years and 9 months of permission. Settlement may be possible after the required qualifying period, commonly five continuous years on the partner family route when the rules are met.
Official UK route
3. Canada spouse and partner sponsorship
Canada’s family sponsorship program lets an eligible Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act sponsor a qualifying spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child for permanent residence.
The sponsor must meet the program rules and take responsibility for the sponsored person’s basic needs under the sponsorship undertaking.
Current fee
IRCC’s current fee list shows CAD $1,260 to sponsor a spouse or partner when the right of permanent residence fee is included. Dependent children added to the application have separate fees.
Biometrics, medical exams, police certificates and other third-party costs can apply.
Processing times
Canada does not give one universal processing time for every spouse/partner case. IRCC says times vary by country, application type, completeness, verification needs, response time and annual immigration levels.
Use the live processing-time tool rather than trusting an old “12 months guaranteed” article.
After submission
If the application is complete, IRCC can send an acknowledgement of receipt, assess sponsor eligibility, assess the sponsored person’s permanent-residence eligibility, and request biometrics and medical exams where needed.
Official Canada sponsorship program
4. Australian partner visas
Australia has different partner pathways depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia when applying.
Applying outside Australia
The usual pathway is:
- Partner (Provisional) visa subclass 309 — temporary stage;
- Partner (Migrant) visa subclass 100 — permanent stage for eligible holders.
Home Affairs currently lists the combined application cost from AUD $11,710 for most applicants.
Applying inside Australia
The usual pathway is:
- Partner (Temporary) visa subclass 820;
- Partner (Permanent) visa subclass 801.
The current main-applicant cost is also from AUD $11,710 for most applicants, with lower concessions in limited circumstances including certain eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicants from 1 July 2026.
The permanent stage is generally considered after the required period; Home Affairs says applicants are typically eligible for permanent partner assessment two years after the original temporary/permanent application was lodged.
Relationship evidence
Home Affairs can look at:
- mutual commitment;
- whether the relationship is genuine and continuing;
- whether you live together or do not live permanently apart;
- shared financial commitments;
- household responsibilities;
- social aspects of the relationship;
- future plans.
Official Australian partner routes
5. What makes relationship evidence useful?
More documents are not automatically better. The evidence should show a consistent story about a real relationship.
Possible evidence categories
- marriage or civil-partnership documents where relevant;
- joint tenancy or housing documents;
- shared bills or financial accounts;
- travel and visits;
- photos over time, used as supporting—not sole—evidence;
- messages or call history when living apart;
- joint responsibility for children;
- letters or official records showing the same address;
- statements explaining how the relationship developed;
- future plans together.
Do not manufacture bank transfers, photos, chats or addresses only to make an application look stronger.
6. Long-distance relationships
Living in different countries does not automatically make a genuine relationship invalid. Immigration authorities can understand that work, study, visa limits, family duties or money can keep couples apart.
But you may need to explain the separation and show how the relationship continues through visits, communication, financial or emotional support and future plans.
7. Real costs go beyond the government application fee
Depending on the country and case, you may also pay for:
- immigration health surcharge in the UK;
- medical exams;
- police certificates;
- biometrics;
- document translations;
- certified copies;
- travel to a visa application centre;
- professional legal or immigration advice if you choose to use it.
There is no universal “free spouse visa”. Some applicants may qualify for specific fee waivers or concessions, but those are legal programs with defined criteria.
8. Sponsor responsibilities matter
A sponsor is not just signing a form.
Canada, for example, uses a formal sponsorship undertaking for basic needs. Australia has sponsor eligibility and character requirements. The UK examines the sponsor’s status and financial or other requirements relevant to the route.
The sponsor should read the obligations before submitting the application.
9. Romance and visa scams
Partner visas attract scams because they combine money, relationships and immigration hopes.
Warning signs
- someone quickly promises marriage and a visa before meeting you;
- you are asked to send money for an “embassy relationship certificate”;
- a person claims they can guarantee a spouse visa;
- you are told to fake cohabitation or joint finances;
- someone asks you to hide previous marriages or children;
- a “partner” repeatedly needs money for visa, hospital, customs or travel emergencies;
- an agent promises to create relationship evidence for you.
If the relationship itself feels unsafe or financially coercive, stop and verify independently before sending money or identity documents.
10. Important 2026 Canada family declaration change
Canada ended a temporary public policy for certain previously undeclared family members on 10 September 2026. IRCC says the policy continues only for eligible applications received during the policy window.
Family declarations can have long-term immigration consequences. List required family members accurately and follow the current IRCC forms and instructions.
11. Should you hire an immigration lawyer or adviser?
Many straightforward applications can be prepared using official government instructions. Professional advice can be useful for refusals, prior immigration problems, criminal history, complex sponsorship eligibility, previous undeclared family members or unusual relationship circumstances.
If you pay for help, use a professional authorised to provide immigration advice in the relevant country.
Frequently asked questions
Is partner visa sponsorship free?
No. All three countries discussed here have government application fees and may have other costs. “Free visa sponsorship” is not a normal description of these routes.
What is the UK partner income requirement in 2026?
Many new partner/spouse family visa applications use a combined minimum income requirement of £29,000 a year, with different rules for certain benefit recipients and some people who entered the route before 11 April 2024.
How much is Canada spouse sponsorship?
IRCC currently lists CAD $1,260 including the sponsorship, processing and right of permanent residence fees for a spouse or partner.
How much is an Australian partner visa?
Home Affairs currently lists the combined 309/100 or 820/801 application from AUD $11,710 for most main applicants, with some concessions.
Does marriage guarantee approval?
No. A legal marriage can establish one part of eligibility, but immigration authorities still examine the relationship and other requirements.
Can a long-distance couple qualify?
Potentially, depending on the route and evidence. You may need to explain why you live apart and show an ongoing genuine relationship.
Official sources used for this guide
- GOV.UK — Partner or spouse family visa
- GOV.UK — Partner financial requirements
- Canada.ca — Spouse, partner and child sponsorship
- IRCC — Current fee list
- Australian Home Affairs — Partner visas
Guide Travel note: Family immigration rules and fees change. Use the official country-specific route for your relationship and current application date.
