Visa Types

Spouse temporary visa (subclass 309)
you are permitted to enter or remain in Australia with your spouse, until a decision is made regarding your permanent visa
you are entitled to work in Australia
you are entitled to study in Australia, but you will not have access to government funding for tertiary study
you may enrol in Australia's medical benefits expenses and hospital care scheme, Medicare. See: Medicare



Spouse permanent visa (subclass 801)
remain permanently in Australia with your spouse
work and study in Australia
enrol in Australia's medical benefits expenses and hospital care scheme, Medicare. See: Medicare
eligible to receive certain social security paymentsSee: Centrelink
apply for Australian citizenship (subject to the residency eligibility criteria)


So I will have to apply for the temporary one first from here, and then after two years I can apply for the permanent one, and then after another 2 years (I think) I can apply for Australian citizenship. Phew!