Definitions

Application for a visa

The visa application is made by a foreign national to allow them to work or undertake an activity in Australia.
Note: For the applicant to lodge a visa application their sponsor must be approved or have applied for approval as a sponsor and have not yet been assessed. For a visa to be granted there must be an approved nomination in effect. If the nomination expires a new nomination will be required.

De facto partner

A person is the de facto partner of another person (whether of the same sex or a different sex) if:

• they have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
• the relationship between them is genuine and continuing
• they live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis
• they are not related by family.

Dependent child

A child or stepchild, who has not turned 18 years of age, or, if aged 18 years or over, is a dependant. A dependent child must not have a partner or be engaged to be married.

Nomination

The nomination is the application made by the sponsor to identify the:

• position to be filled
• skills and experience required for the position
• primary applicant and their skills/qualifications for the nominated position.

Partner

A partner is your spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partners).

Primary applicant

A primary applicant is a foreign national who:

• has an organisation, government agency (Australian or foreign) or eligible individual that is willing to sponsor them for this visa;
• has the skills, qualifications and/or work experience to fill the position; and
• is applying for the visa.

Secondary applicant

A secondary applicant (family member) may be a:

• partner of the primary applicant
• dependent child of the primary applicant or the primary applicant’s partner
• other relative who is dependent on the primary applicant.

Sponsor

A sponsor is an Australian organisation, government agency (Australian or foreign) or eligible individual that is approved for the relevant sponsor class.

Sponsorship

The sponsorship is the application made by the employer to sponsor foreign nationals to Australia.  A sponsor may be approved for up to three years.

Spouse

A person is the spouse of another person if the two people are in a marriage that is legally valid in Australia, and:

• they have a mutual commitment to a shared life as husband and wife to the exclusion of all others
• the relationship between them is genuine and continuing
• they live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis.