PARTNER VISA AUSTRALIA
Partner Visa Australia – Requirements, Process and Visa Options
A partner visa Australia pathway allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
Partner visas are relationship-based and are designed for couples in a genuine and continuing relationship. In most cases, the process involves a temporary stage followed by permanent residence if eligibility continues.
This guide outlines partner visa Australia requirements, available visa options, and the general application process.
Types of Partner Visa Australia
There are three primary partner visa pathways, depending on where the applicant is located and the nature of the relationship.
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and Subclass 801)
The onshore partner visa pathway applies to applicants who are in Australia at the time of application.
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Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa
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Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa
Applicants lodge a combined application. If eligible, the Subclass 820 is granted first. The Subclass 801 is assessed at a later stage once the relationship continues to meet legislative requirements.
Onshore applicants are generally granted a bridging visa while awaiting a decision.
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and Subclass 100)
The offshore partner visa pathway applies to applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application.
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Subclass 309 – Temporary Partner Visa
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Subclass 100 – Permanent Partner Visa
As with the onshore pathway, the application is lodged together and assessed in stages.
Applicants are usually required to be outside Australia at the time of the initial visa decision.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa allows a fiancé of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to enter Australia to marry.
Following marriage, the applicant may apply for an onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801).
Partner Visa Australia Requirements
Partner visa Australia requirements vary depending on the pathway, but core criteria generally include:
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A genuine and continuing relationship
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An eligible sponsor
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Both parties being at least 18 years of age
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Health examination clearance
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Character checks
Applicants must satisfy legislative requirements under Australian migration law at both the temporary and permanent stages.
Genuine Relationship Requirement
A central requirement for any partner visa Australia application is demonstrating that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Assessment commonly considers:
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Financial aspects of the relationship
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The nature of the household
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Social recognition of the relationship
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The degree of mutual commitment
Applicants must provide documentary evidence addressing these factors. The standard is not based solely on marriage or length of relationship, but on the overall circumstances of the couple.
Partner Visa Australia Application Process
While the process differs slightly between onshore and offshore applications, it generally involves:
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Lodging a combined application for temporary and permanent stages
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Assessment of sponsorship eligibility
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Assessment of relationship evidence
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Grant of a temporary partner visa (if approved)
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Subsequent assessment for permanent residence
Onshore applicants may be granted a bridging visa to remain in Australia lawfully while the application is processed.
Partner Visa Australia Cost
Government charges apply to all partner visa Australia applications. Fees are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change.
In addition to the visa application charge, applicants may incur costs for:
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Health examinations
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Police clearances
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Document translations
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Skills assessments (where relevant for dependent applicants)
Government visa application charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants should review the official fees and charges page and use the Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm current costs prior to lodgement.
Partner Visa Australia Processing Time
Partner visa Australia processing times vary depending on:
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Onshore or offshore application
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The complexity of the case
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The completeness of evidence
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Health and character clearances
Processing timeframes are published by the Department of Home Affairs and are updated periodically. Applicants should consult official sources for current estimates.
Onshore vs Offshore – Key Differences
Common Questions
Do we need to be married to apply?
No. De facto partners may be eligible if they meet relationship requirements.
Can same-sex couples apply?
Yes. Australian migration law recognises same-sex relationships.
Can dependent children be included?
Dependent children may be included in the application, subject to eligibility criteria.
Can I apply while on a visitor visa?
Eligibility depends on visa conditions and individual circumstances. Professional advice may be required where visa conditions restrict further applications.
Need assistance with a partner visa Australia application?
RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your eligibility, explain the appropriate partner visa pathway, and assist with preparing an application that meets Australian Government requirements.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
Why RACC?
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20+ years of experience
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Prepare for your application to the Immigration
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Preparation of Police Check
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Arrange for new Insurance
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Advice on Medical Checkup
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Don't let small careless mistake resulting in a Visa rejection
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You can also apply from outside Australia
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Our Team speak multiple languages
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English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bahasa, Sinhalese, Malay, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi etc...
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