Partner Visa Australia

Moving to Australia with your loved one? The Partner Visa Australia is your pathway to living, working, and building a life together Down Under. Whether engaged, married, or in a de facto relationship, this guide covers everything, from visa types, benefits, costs, eligibility, and processing to FAQs.

What Is the Partner Visa Australia?

The Partner Visa Australia enables spouses, de facto partners, or fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. It’s a two-stage process: you receive a temporary visa first, then permanent residence.

Often referred to as the Spouse Visa Australia, this pathway allows couples to stay together and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.

If you’re looking for expert help with your application, speaking to a partner visa agent in Melbourne can provide peace of mind and ensure your documents are in order.

Available Visa Pathways

• Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage Visa): Apply if engaged and offshore. Valid for 9 months, allowing time to marry and then apply onshore for Subclass 820/801.
• Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa): Apply from overseas if you’re already married or in a de facto relationship. You’ll get a temporary visa (309) and, after about two years, a permanent visa (100).
• Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa): Apply while in Australia. You’ll receive a temporary visa (820) and then, after a genuine relationship period of two years, a permanent visa (801).

Key Benefits

By getting the Partner Visa Australia, you will:

1. Live, work, and study in Australia.
2. Enroll in Medicare.
3. Add dependent children to your visa.
4. Travel freely on your temporary visa.
5. Access social security benefits after permanent residency.
6. Sponsor eligible family members later.
7. Become eligible for Australian citizenship.

These benefits are also part of the Spouse Visa Australia pathway.

Who Can Apply?

Primary applicants must be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship (usually with a 12-month minimum) with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Sponsors must be over 18, meet character standards, not have sponsored a partner in the last five years, and can only sponsor twice.

A trusted migration agent for partner visa can help clarify eligibility requirements and guide you on the best stream for your situation.

Eligibility Requirements

• Relationship evidence: marriage or registered de facto; joint financial, household, social, and commitment proof.
• Health and character checks: mandatory medical and police assessments.
• Additional criteria: no government debts, 18+ age requirement, and certain visa history stipulations may apply.

Consulting a partner visa migration agent is especially helpful when gathering relationship evidence and navigating health or character assessments.

Application Process & Timeline

1. Create an ImmiAccount and complete Form 47SP (applicant) plus Form 40SP (sponsor), then upload documents and pay fees.
2. Submit your temporary visa application:
   • Offshore candidates apply for Subclass 300 or 309.
   • Onshore applicants apply for Subclass 820 and automatically receive Bridging Visa A if their current visa lapses.
3. Temporary visa grant allows you to live or move to Australia legally.
4. Apply for a permanent visa approximately two years later:
   • Subclass 100 for offshore applicants.
   • Subclass 801 for onshore applicants.
   • Processing can range from 6 to over 39 months (for 90% of cases).
5. Permanent visa grant enables indefinite stay, domestic study fees, full work rights, and access to social benefits.

To stay ahead of processing timelines and avoid delays, consider scheduling a partner visa consultation with a registered agent.

Costs to Expect

• Main applicant: AUD 9,095
• Child 18+: AUD 4,550
• Child under 18: AUD 2,280
• Temporary visa fees (820 or 300) are required upfront; permanent stage is included.
• Additional costs: health exams, police checks, translations, and optional migration agent fees.

Using a migration agent partner visa service can help avoid costly mistakes and streamline the entire process.

FAQs for Partner Visa Australia

1. Which visa do I apply for?

• Married or de facto partners in Australia → Subclass 820/801
• Married or de facto partners overseas → Subclass 309/100
• Engaged and offshore → Subclass 300

2. Can I apply by paper?

Mostly no. Applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount. Paper forms are rare and by invitation only.

3. How long does it take?

Processing times vary: 25% in 6 months, 50% in 9 months, and up to 39 months for complete finalization.

4. Can I travel during processing?

Yes, if your Bridging Visa allows it. Multiple trips may require a Bridging Visa B.

5. What if my relationship breaks down or there is some kind of domestic violence?

Provisions protect temporary visa holders experiencing domestic issues, allowing them to progress toward permanent status.

6. Can I include children in my application?

Yes. You can include dependent children, though fees apply.

7. What if my partner dies?

Notify the Department via ImmiAccount and seek expert advice immediately.

8. Can the 2‑year waiting period be waived?

Yes, if you’ve been together for 3+ years, have children, or face domestic violence.

The Partner Visa Australia (including the Spouse Visa Australia and Subclass 820/801) offers a clear route for couples to live, work, and build a life together in Australia. 

Want help with your Partner Visa Australia?

We will guide you through every step: document submission, relationship proof, sponsorship, bridging visas, and permanent residence. Book an appointment today and bring your partner home.