Navigating the Partner Visa Process for Long-Distance Relationships in Australia

If you’re in a long-distance relationship and looking to apply for a Partner Visa to join your partner in Australia, you may be wondering about your options. The good news is that long-distance relationships can qualify for a Partner Visa, and there are two main types available: Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) and Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801).

What Is the Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100)?

The Offshore Partner Visa is the most suitable option for couples in a long-distance relationship, where one partner is living outside Australia. This visa allows the applicant to move to Australia and eventually apply for permanent residency once the relationship has been proven genuine and ongoing.

To qualify for the Offshore Partner Visa, the couple must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing, despite the distance between them.

Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa

The Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309) is a temporary visa for the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily, with the pathway to a permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) once your relationship is proven to be genuine and ongoing.

• This is a temporary visa

• Leads directly to the permanent Partner Visa

• You must apply from outside Australia

Subclass 100 – Partner (Migrant) Visa

The Partner (Migrant) Visa (subclass 100) allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This visa is typically granted to applicants who hold the subclass 309 temporary Partner Visa.

• This is a permanent visa

• You must hold the temporary Partner Visa (subclass 309)

What Is the Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801)?

If the couple is already living together in Australia, they can apply for the Onshore Partner Visa. This visa also involves proving that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Onshore Partner Visa is typically for applicants who are already in Australia on another visa, such as a student or working visa, and wish to stay with their partner.

Subclass 820 – Partner Visa (Temporary)

The Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820) is a temporary visa for the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa lets you live in Australia temporarily while your application for the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) is processed.

• This is a temporary visa

• Leads directly to the permanent Partner Visa

• You must be in Australia when you apply

Subclass 801 – Partner Visa (Permanent)

The Partner Visa (subclass 801) allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This visa is usually granted to applicants who currently hold the subclass 820 temporary Partner Visa.

• This is a permanent visa

• You must hold the temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820)

Evidence to Prove a Genuine Relationship for Long-Distance Couples

For long-distance couples applying for the Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309), demonstrating a genuine and committed relationship is crucial. The Department of Home Affairs will look for evidence that the couple’s relationship is ongoing despite the physical distance. Here are some examples of evidence that can be submitted:

1. A Written Relationship History

Provide a detailed account of how you met, how your relationship developed, and your future plans together. This personal narrative helps to illustrate the authenticity of your relationship.

2. Photos Together

Include photographs of you and your partner from visits, holidays, or any trips taken together. This shows the couple has spent time together despite being in different countries.

3. Communication Logs

Provide chat logs, emails, or call records that demonstrate regular communication. These records help prove that the relationship remains active and consistent.

4. Travel Itineraries or Tickets

Submit copies of travel tickets, itineraries, or any other travel documentation from when you visited each other. This supports the claim of maintaining the relationship over time.

5. Marriage Certificate or De Facto Relationship Evidence

If married, submit a marriage certificate. If not, provide other evidence of a de facto relationship, such as shared finances, joint leases, or statutory declarations from friends or family.

How Does the Department of Home Affairs Assess a Long-Distance Relationship?

The Department will assess the relationship based on several factors, including the level of commitment, future plans, and how long the couple has been together. The goal is to ensure the relationship is genuine, ongoing, and based on mutual commitment.

How to Apply for a Partner Visa for Long-Distance Relationships: Book A Consultation

Qualifying for a Partner Visa while in a long-distance relationship is entirely possible. By providing the necessary evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship, long-distance couples can apply for the Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) or the Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) if already in Australia.

Book a consultation with RACC Australia, and we’ll help you navigate the application process, ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements for a successful visa application.

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