Australia’s partner visas are mainly divided into temporary and permanent visas, allowing the spouses or partners (married) or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia based on their cohabitation relationship.

The eligibility for a partner visa depends on several factors, primarily related to the nature of your relationship.

This document checklist is relevant to the Australian partner visa, which can ultimately lead to permanent residency (hereinafter referred to as the partner visa).

Differences between onshore and offshore partner visas

There are two options for applying for a partner or spouse visa, either onshore or offshore:

Onshore options for partner or spouse visa:

  • 820 (Temporary) Visa (Stage 1); and
  • 801 (Permanent) Visa (Stage 2).

On the other hand, offshore options for partner or spouse visa are:

  • 309 (Temporary) Visa (Stage 1); and
  • 100 (Permanent) Visa (Stage 2).

Both applications can be submitted simultaneously in terms of the application process.

Usually, the temporary visa will be approved first, and the applicant will be eligible for the corresponding permanent visa two years after submitting the initial application.

However, if a couple is in a long-term relationship, the visa application for both stages can be processed concurrently. A long-term relationship is defined as a couple (partners) who have:

  • Been cohabiting together for over two years and have a child (excluding stepchildren); or
  • Been together for more than three years.

Regardless of the category of partner visa you apply for, the required documents and materials are roughly the same.

Partner Visa Required Documents: Relationship Evidence

A partner visa requires a series of documents, many of which can serve as evidence of your relationship.

The table below lists the types of materials required and the documents you may need to prepare in advance:

Document Type
Example
Suggested Document
Financial Aspects of the RelationshipJoint ownership of real estate or other major assets
  • property
  • Home Loan Documents
  • vehicle purchase agreement
joint and several liabilities
  • Letter certifying loan co-signers
  • Proof of joint credit card
Coordinate financial resources
  • shared bank account
  • will
  • Pension documents showing beneficiaries
share household expenses
  • shared bank account
  • joint utility bill
  • Proof of bank transfer for household items
family natureshare responsibility for the care of any children
  • child’s birth certificate
living arrangements
  • shared tenancy agreement
share responsibility for household chores
  • Statutory declaration certifying division of household chores
social aspects of relationshipsWhat friends and family think about the nature of your relationship
  • Sign Form 888
Do you present yourself as being in a relationship
  • Photos of couples attending events
  • joint event invitation
joint social activities
  • Air tickets
  • Accommodation reservation confirmation
  • Photos from events and occasions such as anniversaries
  • United Club Membership
the nature of mutual commitmentduration of relationship
  • Communications during the relationship (e.g. screenshots of text messages, emails, etc.)
time you lived together
  • joint tenancy agreement
  • Mail sent to you at the same location and within the same time frame
Level of emotional support and companionship
  • Evidence of contact during separation, such as phone bills or emails
Evidence of long-term commitment
  • Evidence of declaring a relationship with a government agency (e.g. Centrelink, Australian Taxation Office or de facto registration)
  • Statutory declaration setting out future intent

If you need assistance with your partner visa application or have any other immigration-related questions, our experienced team is here to help. Please feel free to contact us.