Australia’s partner visa is one of the most popular visa currents for couples wishing to live together in Australia. Whether you are getting married, in a real relationship, or associated with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the partner visa australia offers a permanent residence and eventually, a route for Australian citizenship.
This blog post will run you through key details: Partner visa, eligibility criteria, application process, cost and types of tips to improve your opportunities for a successful application.
What is a Partner Visa?
The partner visa allows an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or the husband of a New Zealand citizen to stay temporarily or permanently in Australia.
Depending on your location at the time of application, partner visas have two main categories:
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) – Apply when you are in Australia.
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) – Apply when you are outside Australia.
Each path consists of two stages: a temporary visa first, followed by a permanent visa.
Types of Partner Visas
1. Substance 820 /801 (Onshore)
You should be in Australia when you apply.
Subclass 820 is the temporary stage.
The subclass 801 is the permanent phase, which is applied to later (usually 2 years after).
2. Substance 309 /100 (offshore)
You should be outside Australia when you apply and give 309 visas.
Subclass 309 is the temporary visa.
The subclass 100 is a permanent visa.
3. Future Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
For those couples who are engaged, they are not yet married.
Apply from offshore.
Once married in Australia, you can get an infection on an onshore partner visa (820/801).
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for a fellow visa, you need:
Stay in a real and constant relationship with his sponsor (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or character New Zealand citizen).
Be either:
Married, or
In a de facto relationship (usually for at least 12 months), or
Engaged (for Subclass 300).
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet health and character requirements.
Be sponsored by your partner, who must also pass character checks.
In fact for couples, some discounts apply to a 12 month rule, such as registering their relations with the Australian state or region. general skilled migration visa
Key Evidence Requirements
The Department of Home Affairs requires extensive proof that your relationship is genuine and continuing. You must submit evidence under four key categories:
Financial – Joint Bank Accounts, Shared Bills, Financial Assistance.
Social – together photos, social programs, joint travel, announcements from friends and family.
Domestic – living system, joint lease, utility bill, work.
Commitment – Future plans, communication, will or insurance naming each other.
Personal statements of both partners and clearly improve your opportunities.
The Application Process
Gather Your Documents
Collect identity documents, relationship evidence, police checks, health exams, and more.
Lodge the Application Online
Applications are submitted through the ImiaCount portal on the website of home affairs.
Pay visa fee
By 2025, the partner visa application fee is $ 8,850 AUD. It covers both stages (temporary and permanent). Additional cost may apply to health check up, translation and police certificate.
Bridging Visa (for onshore applicants)
If your current visa is about to end, you may be provided with a bridging visa A (BVA) to live legally in Australia, while your application is processed.
Wait for Processing
Processing times vary. On average:
Subclass 820: 12–24 months.
Substance 801: 6-12 months after becoming a character.
Offering Visa: Equal or slightly longer deadline.
What Can You Do on a Partner Visa?
With the temporary partner visa, you can:
I live and work in Australia.
Study (without government support).
Access Medicare, Australia’s public health system.
Travel in and out of Australia freely (unless conditions apply on bridging visas).
Once you receive the permanent visa, you gain more security, including:
Access to social security payments.
Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
Common mistakes to escape
Inadequate relationship evidence: Provide proof in all four relationship categories.
Inconsistent statements: Make sure that you and your partner’s statements align and are honest.
Deadline missing:
Not consulting migration agents: When you can apply yourself, experienced migration agents can help prevent expensive errors.
Can you speed up the process?
There is no official “fast-track” for partner visa, but you can avoid delay:
To submit a complete and accurate application.
Including well organized documents with clear labels.
Immediately respond to requests for more information.
Getting police and health checks done early.
final thoughts
Applying for a fellow visa in Australia is a major step in any relationship, emotional, economic and legally. This is just more than paperwork; This is about proving your shared life together. While the process can be complex and time consuming, being informed and well prepared makes all differences.
