Partner Visa
Partner Visa – Live in Australia with Your Loved One
Types of Partner Visas
1.Onshore Partner Visas (Apply from within Australia)
Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa
- Allows partners to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for permanent residency.
- Applicants must be in Australia at the time of application.
- Permanent-stage assessment is generally available two years after the original combined 820/801 application, subject to eligibility and exceptions.
- Work and study rights included.
Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa
- Granted to applicants who have held the temporary Subclass 820 visa and maintained a genuine relationship.
- Provides permanent residency, access to Medicare, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
2. Offshore Partner Visas (Apply from outside Australia)
Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa
- Temporary visa for partners outside Australia while their permanent visa is processed.
- Grants work, study, and living rights in Australia.
- Leads to the Subclass 100 permanent visa.
Subclass 100 – Partner (Permanent) Visa
- Permanent-stage assessment is generally available two years after the original combined 309/100 application, subject to eligibility and exceptions.
- Provides permanent residency, full work and study rights, access to Medicare, and eligibility for citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
- Genuine Relationship: Must be married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Evidence of Relationship: Proof of emotional support, financial interdependence, and social recognition of the relationship.
- Health and Character Requirements: Applicants and family members must meet Australia’s standards.
- Sponsorship: Your partner must be eligible and willing to sponsor you.
- Residency Requirements: Onshore applicants must be in Australia; offshore applicants must be outside Australia at application.
Application Process
Applying for a Partner Visa involves a structured process to ensure accuracy and completeness:
Gather Supporting Documents
- Collect evidence demonstrating the genuineness of your relationship and compliance with health and character requirements.
- Include:
- Financial records showing shared responsibilities
- Joint property/lease agreements
- Social proof, such as photos, correspondence, or travel evidence
Lodge Your Application
- Submit your application online via the Department of Home Affairs portal.
- Ensure all forms and supporting documents are accurate and complete.
Await Processing
- Processing times vary. Check the Home Affairs processing-time guide for current estimates. These estimates are not guaranteed decision dates. The two-year permanent-stage eligibility point is separate from the time Home Affairs takes to assess the application.
- You apply for the temporary and permanent Partner visas together: subclasses 820/801 when applying in Australia, or subclasses 309/100 when applying outside Australia.
Generally, you become eligible for assessment of the permanent stage two years after lodging the original combined application—not two years after the temporary visa is granted. You must still meet the permanent visa requirements and provide updated evidence.
Exceptions can apply, including for some long-term relationships. Reaching the two-year point does not guarantee a decision or approval. Read the Home Affairs Partner visa FAQ.
Receive Your Visa Outcome
- If approved: Temporary or permanent visa granted with rights and conditions.
- If refused: Detailed reasons provided, including options for review if applicable.
Cost
Government application charges depend on your circumstances and can change. Check the current Home Affairs visa pricing information before lodging. Additional charges may apply for family members, and health examinations, police certificates, translations and professional fees are separate.
Benefits of Partner Visas
- Live, Work, and Study in Australia – Full rights depending on visa type.
- Healthcare Access – Permanent visas grant access to Medicare.
- Pathway to Citizenship – Permanent visa holders may apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
- Family Reunion – Dependent family members may join you in Australia.
Why Choose A2MS?
Navigating the Partner Visa process can be complex and time-consuming. Our migration agency provides professional guidance every step of the way:
- Founder-Led Migration Advice – Tailored advice for your unique situation.
- Document Preparation – Assistance in compiling and organizing your evidence.
- Application Lodgement – Ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
- Ongoing Support – Monitoring progress and providing updates throughout the process.
- Peace of Mind – Minimize stress and reduce the risk of delays or refusals.
Start Your Journey Today
Reunite with your partner in Australia with confidence. Contact us today to assess your eligibility and begin your Partner Visa application with expert support every step of the way.
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- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Visa and Migration
- Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa
- Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa
- Subclass 100 – Partner (Permanent) Visa
Schedule Meeting
Let’s Discuss the Details.
Schedule a consultation with A2MS to discuss your relationship circumstances, likely documentation requirements and the next steps that may be relevant to your partner visa matter.
Partner visa evidence and visa-location checklist
Partner migration usually involves a temporary and permanent stage: onshore subclass 820/801 or offshore subclass 309/100, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and location at relevant points. Assess the sponsoring partner’s eligibility, marriage or de facto relationship, and evidence of shared finances, household, social recognition and long-term commitment. Family violence provisions and other exceptions can be complex and deserve individual advice.
Applying for a Partner visa is not automatically an exemption from an existing visa condition. Current visa status, any condition 8503/8534/8535 or other restrictions, and lawful residence should be checked before applying onshore.
Common questions
Is a marriage certificate enough for a Partner visa?
Not by itself. Decision-makers commonly consider genuine, continuing relationship evidence across financial, household, social and commitment aspects, with exceptions and specific circumstances taken into account.
Can I apply while visiting Australia?
It depends on the visitor’s current visa conditions, eligibility, time and location requirements. A visitor visa does not guarantee an onshore partner application is available.
How long does a Partner visa take?
Processing varies by case and stream. Consult the current official processing-time guide rather than relying on a fixed published estimate.
Useful guides and official checks
Discuss your circumstances with Sunil Choudhary
Founder & Principal Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2418425
Adelaide office: G01, 450 Pulteney Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Free introductory calls are not a substitute for a full legal assessment.
General information only, reviewed 28 October 2026. Migration law, government nominations and fees can change. A2MS does not guarantee employment, invitation, nomination, permanent residence or visa grant. For up-to-date eligibility, check Home Affairs and the relevant state authority.
