Yes. Many applicants begin their relationship after receiving the 485 visa. As long as you meet the married or de facto criteria, your partner can apply at any time. This is one of the most common reasons students lodge a Subsequent Entrant application.

You may still be eligible if you can show:

compelling circumstances,

culturally recognised commitments,

shared travel,

ongoing communication,

or relationship registrations (where applicable).
Most students book a consultation to structure evidence clearly because DHA requires proof of a genuine, continuing relationship.

If they hold another valid visa (visitor, student, etc.), they may enter Australia — but they must comply with that visa’s conditions. Entering Australia does not speed up the Subsequent Entrant application, so timing needs to be managed carefully.

Yes — but only until your 485 expires. Once the primary visa ends, the Subsequent Entrant option closes. Lodging early helps avoid issues linked to bridging visas, travel plans, or expiry complications.

If applying inside Australia, your partner will receive a Bridging Visa A allowing them to stay lawfully while the application is assessed. If applying outside Australia, they must remain offshore unless they have another visa to enter Australia.

Joint finances help but are not mandatory. You may provide other relationship proofs such as:

photos

chat logs

call records

travel itineraries

statutory declarations

shared plans (leases, bills, etc.)
The Department assesses the relationship holistically.

Indirectly, yes. Although the Subsequent Entrant itself doesn’t lead to PR, living together in Australia makes it easier to build:

de facto partnership evidence,

joint financial history,

long-term cohabitation records.
This strengthens future Partner visa or skilled migration pathways.