Australia’s Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for couples who can demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship.
There are two main pathways:
- Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) — applied for while inside Australia
- Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) — applied for while outside Australia
Both options follow a two-stage process: a temporary visa is granted first, followed by permanent residency after further assessment.
Official visa information is provided by the Department of Home Affairs at:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner
Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa Explained
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
This option is for applicants who are inside Australia at the time of application and visa decision. The process involves:
- Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa)
- Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa)
Applicants usually receive a bridging visa, allowing them to stay lawfully in Australia while the application is processed.
Onshore visa details:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore-820-801
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
This option is for applicants outside Australia at the time of application and decision. It also follows a two-stage model:
- Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner Visa)
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa)
Offshore visa details:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-offshore-309-100
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa
You may qualify if:
- You are legally married to or in a de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing
- You live together or do not live permanently apart
- You meet health and character requirements
- Your sponsor meets eligibility requirements
The relationship must not be solely for immigration purposes.
Types of Relationships Accepted
Australia recognises the following partnerships:
- Married partners
- De facto partners (usually at least 12 months relationship unless registered)
- Same-sex partners
If in a de facto relationship, you must provide proof of cohabitation and shared life commitments.
Key Eligibility Requirements
For the Applicant
- Genuine relationship evidence
- Valid passport
- Health clearance
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of identity
- Relationship history documents
For the Sponsor
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Must meet sponsorship obligations
- Must not have sponsored too many previous partners
Sponsor eligibility requirements:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner/sponsor-requirements
Step-by-Step Partner Visa Application Process
Step 1: Gather Relationship Evidence
You must provide strong documentation proving your relationship is genuine. This includes evidence from four key areas:
- Financial aspects
- Nature of the household
- Social recognition
- Commitment to each other
Examples of accepted evidence:
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared lease or mortgage
- Photos together
- Travel records
- Communication logs
- Statements from friends and family
- Utility bills
Step 2: Create ImmiAccount
All partner visa applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount at:
https://online.immi.gov.au
Step 3: Lodge Application
After creating an account, the applicant completes the partner visa application and uploads all documents. Simultaneously, the sponsor submits a sponsorship form.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fees
Partner visa fees are among the highest in Australia due to extensive processing and assessment. The current fee can be checked using the official pricing estimator:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator
Step 5: Health and Character Checks
Applicants must undergo medical examinations and submit police certificates from all countries they have lived in for 12 months or more.
Step 6: Bridging Visa (Onshore Only)
Onshore applicants receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing them to stay lawfully in Australia while their application is processed.
Step 7: Temporary Visa Grant
If approved, the applicant receives either the 820 or 309 visa, which allows full work and study rights.
Step 8: Permanent Visa Assessment
Approximately two years after lodging, the applicant is assessed for the permanent stage (801 or 100) based on continued relationship evidence.
Processing Time Overview
Processing time varies based on complexity and application quality. Average estimates:
- Temporary partner stage: 12–24 months
- Permanent stage: Additional 12–24 months
Current processing times can be checked at:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times
Essential Documents for Partner Visa
- Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship
- Evidence of shared finances
- Household proof (lease, utilities, correspondence)
- Personal statements from both partners
- Form 888 declarations from witnesses
- Travel and communication records
- Identity documents
- Police certificates
Common Reasons for Partner Visa Refusal
- Insufficient relationship evidence
- Contradictory information
- Poorly structured application
- Inconsistent statements
- Failure to meet sponsor criteria
- Relationship deemed non-genuine
Tips for a Successful Partner Visa Application
- Provide detailed relationship timelines
- Submit organized and well-labelled evidence
- Use sworn declarations and statutory statements
- Include diverse proof across all relationship categories
- Keep records from the beginning of the relationship
- Ensure honesty and consistency
- Avoid last-minute rushed submissions
Differences Between Onshore and Offshore Applications
Onshore application benefits:
- Stay in Australia during processing
- Bridging visa rights
- Access to Medicare (if eligible)
Offshore application benefits:
- Potentially faster processing
- No requirement to remain in Australia during decision
Choosing the right pathway depends on travel plans, visa status, and personal circumstances.
After Your Partner Visa Is Granted
Visa holders can:
- Live and work in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare
- Travel freely
- Apply for permanent residency
- Apply for Australian citizenship after eligibility period
When to Apply for Permanent Stage
IRCC automatically notifies applicants when it is time to apply for the permanent visa stage. Updated documents proving the continuation of the relationship must be submitted.
Relationship Breakdown Considerations
If the relationship ends before permanent residency is granted, the visa may be cancelled unless special circumstances apply such as family violence or shared parental responsibilities.
Professional Assistance
Many applicants choose migration agents for assistance due to the complexity of the process. Registered migration agents can be verified at:
https://www.mara.gov.au
Final Thoughts
Australia’s Partner Visa process requires detailed preparation, strong evidence, and a clear demonstration of a genuine relationship. Whether applying onshore or offshore, success depends on transparency, consistency, and comprehensive documentation.
By following official guidelines and using resources from the Department of Home Affairs, couples can navigate the application process with confidence and increase their chances of building a life together in Australia.
Anjola Adebanjo