If you are intending to move to Australia with your partner, then it is likely you have heard the words partner visa Australia. It's one of the most well-traveled pathways for couples to stay together in Australia — if you're married, in a de facto relationship, or even engaged. But, as with much immigration, it might appear daunting and complicated on the surface.
This article breaks it all down into simple, easy-to-understand language — no lawyer jargon, no unnecessary stress — just real, practical information about the partner visa Australia and how to apply for it.
What Is the Partner Visa?
Australia partner visa is for a person in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a qualifying New Zealand citizen. If you qualify, this visa enables you to remain in Australia temporarily or permanently based on your status in the application process.
There are two principal pathways based on applying within or outside Australia:
- Onshore: Subclass 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent)
- Offshore: Subclass 309 (temporary) and 100 (permanent)
Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa
Alright, let's define precisely what each one of these actually signifies.
Subclass 820 (Temporary Onshore Visa)
This visa is for people who are already in Australia on another visa. It lets you remain while your permanent visa is being processed. You'll be able to work and study, and you can access Medicare.
Subclass 801 (Permanent Onshore Visa)
This is stage two. As long as your relationship remains valid two years from the date you apply, you are eligible for permanent residency under the subclass 801.
Subclass 309 (Temporary Offshore Visa)
This is for individuals overseas. Upon approval, this implies you are allowed to travel to Australia and remain in limbo until the permanent visa is granted.
Subclass 100 (Permanent Offshore Visa)
Once you've determined your relationship is genuine, you'll come to this permanent stage — as the onshore process is, but it started when you were abroad.
Who Can Apply?
You and your partner both have to be qualified for a partner visa Australia to be eligible.
For the Applicant
- You must have a genuine, committed relationship.
- You should be either legally married or in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months (unless registered).
- You must be over 18 in most cases.
- You’ll need to pass health checks and character checks (like police clearance).
For the Sponsor
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Can’t have recently sponsored someone else for a partner visa (there’s a 5-year rule).
- Must demonstrate they are able to sustain you financially and emotionally.
- Police checks are also necessary.
Establishing Your Relationship
This is the big one: establishing your relationship is genuine. It is not merely a matter of getting married or cohabiting — the government will need to see proof.
They will examine things in four broad areas:
- Financial Commitment – Joint bank accounts, shared bills, or assets.
- Social Proof – Travel documents, photographs, social media postings, family or friends' letters.
- Living Arrangements – Bills or leases which you both hold, or correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address.
- Ongoing Commitment – Plans for the future, emails, texts, travel bookings, statutory declarations, or future objectives.
You don't require all evidence that's available, but the more complete and consistent your story is, the better.
How the Process Works
This is a summary of what is required to make an application for a partner visa Australia:
1. Have Everything Ready
Gather all your documents, check the requirements, and organize early with your proof. This includes documents of identity, evidence of the relationship, as well as police certificates.
2. Submit Your Application
You submit your application online through the Australian Government's immigration website. If you submit onshore, you'll receive a Bridging Visa, allowing you to stay in the country while your application is processed.
3. Temporary Visa Grant
After you have been granted your temporary visa (820 or 309), you will be in a position to work and reside in Australia and wait for the government to make a decision about your permanent visa.
4. Waiting for Two Years
Two years will lapse from the date you applied for you to obtain the permanent visa (801 or 100) if your relationship is genuine and true.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times for the partner visa Australia are usually slow and vary depending on your situation:
- 820 (onshore temporary): 21–29 months
- 801 (onshore permanent): 12–22 months after 820
- 309 (offshore temporary): 12–25 months
- 100 (offshore permanent): 17–28 months after 309
Keep in mind these are just estimates. If your application is well-prepared and complete, you might process faster.
What Does It Cost?
This is one of the more expensive visas:
- Main applicant: Around AUD $8,850
- Additional adults: Around AUD $4,430
- Children: Around AUD $2,215
You will have to pay for:
- Medical checks
- Police certificates
- Certified translations
- Professional advice (like a migration agent)
Can You Work While Waiting?
Yes! When you receive your temporary partner visa Australia, you will have full work rights. Even while you're on a bridging visa waiting for the 820, in most situations you can work — which is a huge advantage.
Mistakes to Avoid
Most people hit on little but important information. Here's what to look for:
- Too little evidence – #1 cause of rejections and delays.
- Mixed-up information – Make sure your stories, photos, and forms all agree.
- Missing deadlines – Especially when they request more documents.
- Relying only on a marriage certificate – It's not enough alone.
Tips to Help
- Plan ahead. Start collecting relationship evidence well in advance.
- Be explicit. Tell everything plainly in your application.
- Tell your own story. Descriptions of meeting, falling in love, and building your lives together make a big difference.
- Use a migration agent if you don't know. They're not always necessary, but may come in handy with difficult situations.
What If You Break Up?
If your relationship does not work out while your partner visa is under process, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs. Occasionally you might still be able to stay (e.g., if you were a victim of family violence or you have a shared child), but generally the visa will not go ahead.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a partner visa Australia might seem like a daunting task, but it's a way to show your commitment and move forward with your partner in a land of possibility. It's not just about forms — it's about creating a life together.
Take it easy, be honest, and gather as much positive evidence as you can. And don't stress, it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
