Australian Partner Visas – Complete Guide
Australian Partner Visas Explained
Australia’s Partner Visa program allows Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their husband, wife, fiancé(e), or de facto partner to live in Australia. The purpose of the program is to keep genuine couples together by providing a pathway to permanent residence.
While the application process can appear straightforward, Partner Visa applications are often among the most detailed visa applications submitted to the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants must provide extensive evidence demonstrating that their relationship is genuine, continuing, and committed. Preparing a comprehensive application from the outset can significantly reduce delays and the likelihood of requests for further information.
Whether you are already living together in Australia or your partner is overseas, understanding the requirements before lodging your application is essential.
Types of Australian Partner Visas
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801)
The onshore Partner Visa is for applicants who are already in Australia when they apply.
The application is made in two stages:
- Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa) – allows the applicant to remain in Australia while their application progresses.
- Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa) – usually considered approximately two years after the initial application, provided the relationship continues and all eligibility requirements are met.
Many applicants are granted a Bridging Visa that allows them to remain lawfully in Australia while their Partner Visa application is being processed.
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100)
The offshore Partner Visa is designed for applicants who are outside Australia when they lodge their application.
Like the onshore pathway, it consists of two stages:
- Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner Visa)
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa)
Applicants generally need to be outside Australia when the temporary visa is granted, although current policy and individual circumstances can affect this requirement.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
The Prospective Marriage Visa is intended for couples who are engaged but not yet married.
To qualify, applicants generally need to demonstrate that:
- They have met each other in person.
- They genuinely intend to marry.
- The marriage will occur within the visa validity period.
- The relationship is genuine and ongoing.
After marrying, the visa holder may usually apply for an onshore Partner Visa to continue the pathway towards permanent residence.
Who Can Apply?
Generally, applicants must be:
- Married to an eligible sponsor; or
- In a genuine de facto relationship.
For de facto relationships, couples usually need to demonstrate that they have lived together for at least 12 months immediately before applying, although exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, including where the relationship has been formally registered under State or Territory law.
Each case is different, and eligibility depends upon the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Who Can Sponsor?
Sponsors are generally required to be:
- Australian citizens;
- Australian permanent residents; or
- Eligible New Zealand citizens.
Sponsors must also satisfy various legal requirements, including sponsorship obligations imposed under Australian migration law.
Certain sponsorship limitations may apply where a person has previously sponsored another partner or has a significant criminal history.
Demonstrating a Genuine Relationship
One of the most important parts of every Partner Visa application is proving that the relationship is genuine and continuing.
The Department of Home Affairs generally considers four broad areas of evidence.
Financial Aspects
Evidence may include:
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared expenses
- Mortgage or lease documents
- Utility bills
- Insurance policies
- Financial commitments made together
Nature of the Household
Applicants may provide evidence showing how they live together, including:
- Shared accommodation
- Household responsibilities
- Correspondence addressed to both partners
- Rental agreements
- Property ownership
Social Recognition
The Department may consider how the relationship is viewed by family and friends.
Evidence can include:
- Photographs together
- Invitations
- Travel records
- Social media history
- Statements from family and friends
- Joint attendance at events
Commitment to Each Other
Applicants may also demonstrate their long-term commitment through evidence such as:
- Relationship history
- Future plans
- Communication records
- Joint travel
- Wills
- Superannuation beneficiary nominations
- Statements describing the relationship
Providing well-organised evidence across each of these areas helps present a complete picture of the relationship.
Character and Health Requirements
Applicants must generally satisfy Australia’s character and health requirements.
Depending on the circumstances, applicants may be required to:
- Complete health examinations.
- Provide police certificates from Australia and overseas.
- Disclose previous criminal convictions where applicable.
Failure to disclose relevant information can adversely affect an application.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on many factors, including:
- The completeness of the application.
- Individual circumstances.
- Security and character checks.
- Medical assessment timeframes.
- Departmental workloads.
Submitting a well-prepared application with comprehensive supporting evidence may help reduce unnecessary delays caused by requests for additional information.
Common Reasons Applications Experience Delays
Some of the most common issues include:
- Insufficient relationship evidence.
- Missing documents.
- Inconsistent information.
- Incomplete application forms.
- Delayed police or medical clearances.
- Changes in personal circumstances after lodgement.
Careful preparation before submission can help minimise these issues.
Why Professional Assistance Can Help
Partner Visa applications involve detailed legislation, policy, and evidentiary requirements. Every relationship is unique, and no two applications are exactly the same.
Professional guidance may assist applicants by:
- Assessing eligibility before lodgement.
- Identifying the most appropriate visa pathway.
- Preparing detailed supporting documentation.
- Organising evidence clearly.
- Responding to Department requests.
- Providing advice where applications involve complex circumstances.
Early advice can often identify issues before they become significant problems.
Begin Your Australian Journey Together
Whether you are newly engaged, recently married, or have been living together for many years, obtaining an Australian Partner Visa is an important milestone.
Preparing a complete, accurate, and well-supported application provides the strongest foundation for your future together in Australia.
If you would like tailored advice about your circumstances, contact OurPartnerVisa.com.au to arrange a consultation. We are committed to providing clear guidance, practical solutions, and professional support throughout every stage of your Partner Visa journey.