Partner Visa Australia — Complete Guide to Spousal and De Facto Visas
Bringing your partner to Australia, or staying in Australia with your partner? The Australian Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about partner visa options, eligibility, evidence requirements, and how VisaTasker can help.
Partner Visa Options at a Glance
Australia offers two main partner visa pathways, depending on where you are when you apply.
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
For applicants who are in Australia at the time of application. This is a two-stage visa: the temporary Subclass 820 is granted first, followed by the permanent Subclass 801 approximately two years later (or immediately if you qualify for early processing). You must be in Australia when you apply and when the Subclass 820 is granted.
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
For applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application. This is also a two-stage visa: the temporary Subclass 309 is granted first, followed by the permanent Subclass 100 approximately two years later. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the Subclass 309 is granted.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
For applicants who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and plan to marry in Australia. This visa allows you to enter Australia and marry your partner within nine months, after which you can apply for the onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801).
Who Is Eligible for a Partner Visa?
To be eligible for a partner visa, you must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsoring partner. This can be a married relationship (legal marriage recognised in Australia) or a de facto relationship (living together on a genuine domestic basis for at least 12 months, unless the relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory).
Your sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must be at least 18 years old and generally cannot have sponsored more than two partners in their lifetime.
Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
The partner visa application requires substantial evidence that your relationship is genuine. The Department of Home Affairs assesses evidence across four key categories.
Financial aspects: Joint bank accounts, shared expenses, property owned together, joint financial commitments, and evidence of financial support between partners.
Nature of the household: Evidence of living together, shared household responsibilities, joint ownership of household items, and correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address.
Social aspects: Recognition of the relationship by friends and family, joint social activities, photographs together over time, travel together, and statutory declarations from people who know your relationship.
Nature of commitment: The duration of the relationship, future plans together, awareness of each other’s personal circumstances, and willingness to care and provide emotional support for each other.
The Partner Visa Process
The partner visa process generally follows these stages.
Step 1 — Eligibility Assessment: Determine which partner visa pathway suits your situation (onshore or offshore) and confirm both partners meet the basic eligibility criteria.
Step 2 — Gather Evidence: Compile comprehensive evidence of your genuine relationship across all four categories. This is the most time-consuming part of the process and the area where professional assistance is most valuable.
Step 3 — Lodge Application: Submit the complete application with all supporting documents, statutory declarations, and forms to the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 4 — Temporary Visa Grant: If the application meets requirements, the temporary partner visa (Subclass 820 or 309) is granted, allowing you to live in Australia.
Step 5 — Permanent Visa Assessment: Approximately two years after the initial application, the Department assesses whether your relationship is still genuine and ongoing. If satisfied, the permanent visa (Subclass 801 or 100) is granted.
Partner Visa Costs
The partner visa is one of the most expensive Australian visas. The government application charge covers both the temporary and permanent stages. Additional costs may include health examinations, police clearances from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16, translation and certification of documents, professional migration agent fees, and any skills assessments if applicable.
Contact VisaTasker for a transparent breakdown of all expected costs for your specific situation.
Processing Times
Partner visa processing times have varied over the years and depend on the complexity of your case, the volume of applications being processed, and whether your application is complete. Currently, the temporary visa stage may take 12 to 24 months or longer, while the permanent visa stage is typically assessed around the two-year mark from your initial application date.
Common Challenges and How We Help
Insufficient evidence: Many partner visa applications are delayed or refused due to inadequate relationship evidence. VisaTasker helps you build a comprehensive evidence package that addresses all four assessment categories.
De facto relationship proof: Proving a de facto relationship can be more challenging than a married relationship. We help you document your living arrangements, shared finances, and commitment in ways that satisfy the Department’s requirements.
Complex circumstances: If you have a prior visa refusal, health issues, character concerns, or are applying under special provisions (such as family violence), our experienced agents can navigate these complexities on your behalf.
Communication with the Department: We manage all correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs, respond to requests for additional information promptly, and keep you informed of your application’s progress.
Why Choose VisaTasker for Your Partner Visa?
MARA Registered: All our migration agents are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority, ensuring you receive qualified and regulated advice.
Partner Visa Specialists: We have extensive experience with partner visa applications and understand what the Department looks for when assessing relationship genuineness.
Compassionate Service: We understand that partner visa applications are deeply personal. Our team provides supportive, empathetic guidance throughout the process.
Thorough Documentation: We leave nothing to chance, helping you compile the strongest possible application with comprehensive evidence across all assessment areas.
Book a Partner Visa Consultation
Every relationship is unique, and so is every partner visa application. Contact VisaTasker today for a confidential consultation to discuss your partner visa options and receive personalised advice on the best pathway for you and your partner.
Whether you’re applying from within Australia or overseas, our MARA-registered migration agents will guide you through the process with expertise and care. Call us or complete our online enquiry form to get started.
