Partner Visas Australia

What is a Partner Visa in Australia?

A Partner Visa Australia lets the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. It allows couples to stay together while their relationship is assessed, and can lead to permanent residency if the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Types of Partner Visas in Australia

Partner visas in Australia vary depending on the applicant’s situation, such as whether they are already in the country or planning to marry an Australian citizen. These visas allow partners to live together in Australia, with different stages for temporary or permanent residency.

Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309)

The Temporary Partner Visa lets the applicant live in Australia while their permanent visa application is processed. Subclass 820 is for those applying onshore, while subclass 309 is for offshore applicants.

This visa grants work and study rights in Australia. It usually lasts until a decision is made on the permanent partner visa application. Applicants must prove they are in a genuine relationship with their Australian partner.

Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100)

The Permanent Partner Visa is the next step after the temporary visa. Subclass 801 applies to onshore applicants, and subclass 100 applies offshore. Approval allows the partner to live permanently in Australia.

Applicants must continue to demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship for at least two years before receiving this visa. It provides full access to health services and social security benefits. The permanent visa is granted without the need to apply separately if eligible.

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

The Prospective Marriage Visa is for individuals engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident. It allows entry into Australia for the purpose of marrying their partner within nine months.

Applicants must be outside Australia when applying. After marriage, they can apply for a partner visa to remain permanently. This visa does not grant work rights but enables entry to marry legally in Australia.

Eligibility Requirements for Partner Visas

Applicants must demonstrate the authenticity of their relationship, meet specific sponsor requirements, and pass health and character assessments. Each element is critical to the visa approval process and involves detailed documentation.

1. Relationship Evidence

Applicants need to provide strong proof that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. This includes joint financial responsibilities, shared living arrangements, and social recognition as a couple.

Documents such as bank statements, utility bills, photos together, and statutory declarations from friends and family support this claim. Evidence of communication and visits if separated by distance is also essential.

The Department of Home Affairs expects the relationship to be committed, mutual, and exclusive. Legal marriage certificates or registered relationship documentation must be included where applicable.

2. Sponsor Criteria

The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must be living in Australia or intending to live there when the visa is granted.

Sponsors need to be at least 18 years old and able to provide financial and social support for the applicant. They must not be subject to certain legal issues like bankruptcies or criminal convictions in some cases.

Sponsorship lasts for two years after the applicant is granted the visa. The sponsor must also declare they have not previously sponsored someone else within set time limits.

3. Health and Character Checks

Applicants are required to undergo medical examinations from approved panel physicians. These checks ensure they meet health standards, including screening for communicable diseases.

Character requirements involve police certificates from every country the applicant has lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. The Department examines criminal history and any risk to Australian society.

Failure to meet these checks can lead to visa refusal or cancellation, unless waivers are granted under certain compassionate circumstances.

Partner Visa Application Process

The partner visa application involves detailed steps, specific documentation, and clear fee structures. Applicants must carefully follow the process to avoid delays and ensure all criteria are met. Understanding these elements helps streamline the submission and response times.

Step-By-Step Application Guide

The process begins by identifying the correct visa type, typically either the subclass 820/801 (onshore) or subclass 309/100 (offshore) partner visa. The first stage, temporary visa, grants provisional status while the permanent stage is assessed.

Applicants lodge a single combined application for both stages. They must provide personal and relationship information, police checks, and health assessments.

After submission, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional evidence or an interview. Approval times vary, but applicants should regularly check application status through their ImmiAccount.

Required Documents

Documents must prove the genuine nature of the relationship and meet identity requirements. Key documents include:

• Proof of identity: passport, birth certificate, driver’s licence
• Relationship evidence: joint bank accounts, shared bills, photos, communication records
• Statements from both partners detailing the relationship’s history and commitment
• Police clearance certificates for all applicants aged 16 and above
• Health examinations and vaccinations as specified by the department

All documents submitted must be originals or certified copies, and non-English documents require official translations.

Partner Visa Fees and Processing Times

The partner visa government application fee as of 2025 ranges from AUD 1,500-9,000 depending on the visa, payable at the time of application. Additional charges apply for health checks or police certificates.

Processing times vary significantly:

• Temporary partner visa (subclass 820 or 309): generally 14 to 24 months
• Permanent partner visa (subclass 801 or 100): often 11 to 28 months after the temporary visa grant

Delays frequently result from incomplete documents or additional information requests. Applicants should prepare accordingly and avoid submissions with missing details.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Partner visa applicants often face issues with proving their relationship and managing long processing times. The following details practical steps for addressing these challenges effectively.

Addressing Insufficient Evidence

Lack of clear proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship is a common reason for visa refusal. Applicants should provide a variety of documents such as joint bank statements, shared lease agreements, and photos from different times and events together.

Written statements from friends or family can support the application. These statements should describe the couple’s history and commitment in specific terms.

Organising evidence in a clear, chronological manner helps decision-makers understand the relationship.

Applicants can also seek advice from immigration advisers to ensure the evidence provided meets requirements.

Looking to join your partner in Australia? Check out these helpful guides to understand your options: the Partner Visas in Australia overview, the onshore 820 Visa and 801 Visa pathway, the offshore 309 Visa and 100 Visa route, and the 300 Visa for engaged couples. These resources will help you choose the right visa for your relationship and migration goals.