The Australian Partner visa is one of the most popular pathways to permanent residency, allowing Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their spouse or de facto partner. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the application process, evidence requirements, costs, and timelines.
Understanding Partner Visa Subclasses
Partner visas are divided into onshore and offshore categories:
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
- Subclass 820: Temporary partner visa (first stage)
- Subclass 801: Permanent partner visa (second stage)
- Applicant must be in Australia when lodging and when the decision is made
- Bridging visa granted automatically if current visa expires during processing
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
- Subclass 309: Temporary partner visa (first stage)
- Subclass 100: Permanent partner visa (second stage)
- Applicant must be outside Australia when lodging and when the decision is made
- Can travel to Australia once subclass 309 is granted
Eligibility Requirements
For the Sponsor (Australian Partner)
- Must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Can only sponsor two partners in a lifetime (with limited exceptions)
- Must not have sponsored another partner in the past 5 years
- Must meet character requirements
For the Applicant (Partner)
- Must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with the sponsor
- Must be married to the sponsor, OR
- Must be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months (or have registered the relationship with a state/territory authority)
- Must meet health and character requirements
- Must not have a "no further stay" condition on their current visa (for onshore applicants)
The Two-Stage Assessment Process
Most Partner visa applications are assessed in two stages:
Stage 1: Temporary Visa (820/309)
- Assessed shortly after lodgement (typically 12–24 months)
- Focuses on whether the relationship is genuine and continuing
- Grants temporary residence with full work rights
Stage 2: Permanent Visa (801/100)
- Assessed approximately 2 years after the temporary visa is granted
- Confirms the relationship is still genuine and continuing
- Grants permanent residence and pathway to citizenship
Exception: Couples who have been together for 3+ years (or 2+ years with dependent children) may be granted permanent residence immediately.
Evidence Requirements: The Four Key Aspects
The Department of Home Affairs assesses relationships across four categories. You must provide evidence for each:
1. Financial Aspects
- Joint bank accounts and transaction history
- Joint ownership or lease of property
- Joint loans, credit cards, or mortgages
- Shared bills (electricity, gas, internet, phone)
- Joint insurance policies (health, car, home, life)
- Evidence of financial support or interdependence
2. Nature of the Household
- Proof of living at the same address (lease agreements, utility bills, mail)
- Joint responsibility for household tasks and expenses
- Shared ownership of household items and furniture
- Photos of your home showing joint living arrangements
3. Social Aspects
- Photos together at family events, holidays, celebrations
- Joint travel bookings and itineraries
- Social media posts showing your relationship
- Invitations and correspondence addressed to both partners
- Statutory declarations (Form 888) from friends and family
- Evidence of joint social activities and friendships
4. Nature of Commitment
- Personal statements from both partners explaining:
- How you met and your relationship history
- Your future plans together
- How you support each other emotionally and practically
- Evidence of long-term commitment (wills, beneficiary nominations)
- Communication records if you've spent time apart
Application Costs
- Main applicant: AUD 8,850 (2024–25 fee, subject to annual indexation)
- Adult secondary applicant: AUD 4,425
- Child secondary applicant: AUD 2,215
- Additional costs: health examinations (AUD 300–500 per person), police certificates, certified translations, migration agent fees (optional)
Processing Times
| Visa Type | 75% of applications processed within | 90% of applications processed within |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 820 (onshore temporary) | 24 months | 29 months |
| Subclass 309 (offshore temporary) | 24 months | 32 months |
| Subclass 801 (onshore permanent) | 9 months | 15 months |
| Subclass 100 (offshore permanent) | 9 months | 15 months |
Processing times are indicative and subject to change. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current estimates.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Evidence
- Start collecting documents early, ideally covering the entire relationship period
- Organise evidence chronologically and by category
- Obtain certified translations for non-English documents
Step 2: Complete Health Examinations
- Book health examinations with a panel physician
- Examinations are valid for 12 months
- Include all family members (even if not migrating)
Step 3: Obtain Police Certificates
- Required from every country where you've lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Police certificates are typically valid for 12 months
- Processing times vary by country (can take weeks or months)
Step 4: Prepare Statutory Declarations (Form 888)
- Obtain at least 2 declarations from friends or family who know your relationship well
- Declarants should be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Declarations must be witnessed by an authorised person (Justice of the Peace, solicitor, etc.)
Step 5: Lodge the Application
- Apply online via ImmiAccount
- Pay the visa application charge
- Upload all supporting documents
- Receive acknowledgement and bridging visa (if applicable)
Step 6: Wait for Decision
- The Department may request additional information
- Respond promptly to any requests
- Notify the Department of any changes (address, relationship status, etc.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient evidence: Provide comprehensive documentation across all four relationship aspects
- Poor quality scans: Ensure documents are clear and legible
- Missing translations: All non-English documents must be translated by NAATI-accredited translators
- Inconsistent information: Ensure dates and details match across all forms and statements
- Failing to update the Department: Notify changes in circumstances immediately
- Weak personal statements: Take time to write detailed, genuine accounts of your relationship
- Inadequate Form 888s: Choose declarants who can provide specific examples and details
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early: Begin gathering evidence from the start of your relationship
- Be thorough: More evidence is better than less—show the full picture of your life together
- Tell your story: Personal statements should be heartfelt and detailed
- Stay organised: Use folders and labels to categorise your evidence
- Seek professional help: Consider engaging a MARA-registered migration agent for complex cases
- Maintain your relationship: Continue building your life together throughout the process
What Happens After the Visa Is Granted?
Temporary Visa (820/309)
- Full work and study rights in Australia
- Access to Medicare (health insurance)
- Can travel in and out of Australia (check travel facility conditions)
- Must maintain genuine relationship until permanent stage
Permanent Visa (801/100)
- Indefinite stay in Australia
- Sponsor family members for visas
- Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements (typically 4 years)
- Full access to social security benefits (subject to waiting periods)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my Partner visa is being processed?
Yes, if you're onshore and hold a bridging visa with work rights. Offshore applicants must wait until their subclass 309 visa is granted.
What if my relationship breaks down during the process?
You must notify the Department immediately. Your visa may be refused or cancelled, though exceptions exist for domestic violence situations.
Can I include my children in the application?
Yes, dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. They must meet health and character requirements.
Do I need a migration agent?
No, but a MARA-registered agent can help ensure your application is complete, well-organised, and persuasive, especially for complex situations.
The Partner visa journey requires patience, thorough preparation, and genuine commitment. With the right evidence and careful planning, you can successfully reunite with your loved one in Australia and build your future together.