Last Updated: 1 April 2026

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How to Apply for a Partner Visa Australia

A partner visa Australia allows you to live with your partner if they hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand status.

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You apply for both the temporary and permanent visa stages together. The temporary visa comes first, followed by permanent residency if your relationship continues to meet requirements. Read our full guideline of partner visa australia

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This guide shows you exactly how to apply, what documents you need, and how to avoid mistakes that lead to refusal.

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Apply for Partner Visa Australia

You can apply for a partner visa Australia online through the official system.

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Start your application here:
https://online.immi.gov.au/elp/app?action=new&formId=FV-Partner-APP-TEMP

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This is the official ImmiAccount application form for partner visa Australia.

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You must submit your application online. Paper applications are not accepted.

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Before you apply, make sure you:

• Meet eligibility requirements

• Prepare all required documents

• Choose the correct visa pathway (onshore or offshore)

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Step 1: Choose the Right Partner Visa Pathway

You must choose your pathway based on your location at the time of application.

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Onshore Partner Visa (Apply in Australia)

• Subclass 820 (temporary)

• Subclass 801 (permanent)

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You must stay in Australia when you lodge your application.

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Offshore Partner Visa (Apply Outside Australia)

• Subclass 309 (temporary)

• Subclass 100 (permanent)

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You must stay outside Australia when you apply.

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Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

You must meet all core requirements before you apply.

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Basic Requirements

• You hold a genuine and continuing relationship

• Your partner qualifies as a sponsor

• You meet health requirements

• You meet character requirements

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The Department assesses your relationship across:

• Financial aspects

• Household arrangements

• Social recognition

• Commitment

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Your application depends on evidence, not relationship status alone. Read our full partner visa requirement page.

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Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

You must prepare strong and consistent documents before you apply.

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Identity Documents

• Passport

• Birth certificate

• Name change documents (if applicable)

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Relationship Evidence (Critical)

You must prove your relationship across all areas:

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Financial

• Joint bank accounts

• Shared expenses

• Loans or assets

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Household

• Lease or shared address

• Bills in both names

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Social

• Photos together

• Travel history

• Statements from friends or family

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Commitment

• Communication history

• Future plans

• Evidence of ongoing contact

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Other Required Documents

• Police certificates

• Health examinations

• Sponsor documents

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Incomplete or weak evidence delays or damages your application.

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Step 4: Apply Online Through ImmiAccount

You must apply online through the official immigration system.

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Start your application here:

https://online.immi.gov.au/elp/app?action=new&formId=FV-Partner-APP-TEMP

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Application Process

1. Create or log in to your account

2. Select:

   • New Application

   • Family

   • Partner visa

3. Complete all sections

4. Upload documents

5. Pay the visa fee

6. Submit your application

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You must pay the correct fee or the system will not process your application.

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After submission:

• You receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

• You give the TRN to your partner

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Step 5: Sponsor Submits Their Application

Your partner must complete the sponsorship.

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Sponsor Requirements

• Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen

• Submit sponsorship form

• Provide identity and eligibility evidence

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You cannot change your sponsor after lodgement.

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Step 6: Attach All Supporting Documents

You must upload documents as soon as possible after submission.

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Strong applications:

• Include complete documents

• Show consistent timelines

• Avoid contradictions

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You can attach up to 100 documents per applicant.

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Step 7: Complete Health and Character Checks

You must complete:

• Health examinations

• Police checks from all relevant countries

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Police certificates remain valid for 12 months.

You cannot receive a visa without meeting these requirements.

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Step 8: Wait for Temporary Visa Decision

The Department processes your application after submission.

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What Happens Next

• Onshore applicants usually receive a bridging visa

• Offshore applicants wait outside Australia

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Typical processing depends on:

• Application completeness

• Evidence strength

• Background checks

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Step 9: Move to Permanent Stage

You move to the permanent stage after eligibility.

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Timeline

• Usually around 2 years after application

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Requirements

• You must remain in a genuine relationship

• You must submit updated evidence

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Permanent visas:

• Subclass 801 (onshore)

• Subclass 100 (offshore)

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You receive permanent residency after approval.

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Partner Visa Application Checklist

Before you apply, confirm you have:

• Identity documents

• Relationship evidence (all 4 aspects)

• Police certificates

• Health checks

• Sponsor documents

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Missing documents create delays or refusal risk.

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Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusal

You must avoid these:

• Weak or limited relationship evidence

• Conflicting information

• Incomplete application

• Ineligible sponsor

• Ignoring visa conditions

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The Department assesses the full picture. One weak area can affect your entire application.

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How to Improve Your Approval Chances

You should:

• Submit complete documents early

• Show clear and consistent timelines

• Cover all relationship factors

• Avoid generic or repetitive evidence

• Keep your application organised

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Strong structure and clarity increase decision confidence.

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FAQs 

Can I apply for a partner visa without marriage?

Yes. You can apply as a de facto partner if you meet relationship requirements.

Do I need to live together?

In most cases, yes. De facto applicants usually show 12 months of living together, unless an exception applies.

Can I apply while on a visitor visa?

You can apply depending on your visa conditions. Some visas restrict further applications.

Can I work while waiting?

Yes. Temporary partner visa holders receive work rights.

Does this visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. The partner visa pathway leads to permanent residency if your relationship continues.