Love knows no borders, but immigration laws definitely do. If you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you’re planning to build a life together in Australia, the partner visa Australia pathway is your golden ticket. But navigating the process can be overwhelming without the right guidance.
Whether you're already living in Australia or applying from overseas, here's everything you need to know about the partner visa process—from eligibility to timelines, costs, and what to expect along the way.
What is a Partner Visa?
A partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. There are two main subclasses under this category:
Subclass 820/801: For applicants applying onshore (inside Australia)
Subclass 309/100: For applicants applying offshore (outside Australia)
The process is typically a two-stage journey. You start with a temporary visa (subclass 820 or 309) and, after about two years, you become eligible for the permanent visa (subclass 801 or 100), provided the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a partner visa Australia, you need to prove that you’re either:
Legally married to your sponsor (under Australian law), or
In a de facto relationship for at least 12 months prior to applying (unless you’ve registered your relationship in certain Australian states or have compelling circumstances)
Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and they should not have sponsored a partner within the last five years.
What Evidence Do You Need?
This is where most couples feel overwhelmed. The Department of Home Affairs wants to see evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This includes documentation in four key areas:
Financial commitment – Joint accounts, shared bills, or proof of financial support
Social recognition – Photos together, joint invitations, travel together, or social media presence
Household arrangement – Shared rental agreements, household bills, or statements about your daily life together
Nature of the commitment – Personal statements, future plans, communication history
The more detailed and consistent your evidence, the better your chances of a smooth approval process.
What’s the Application Process Like?
Once you submit your application online and pay the visa fee (which is currently over AUD 8,000), you’ll receive a bridging visa if you’re applying from within Australia. This allows you to stay in the country lawfully while your application is processed.
Processing times vary, but it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months or more, depending on your individual circumstances and the quality of your documentation.
During this time, immigration may request further information, conduct interviews, or ask your sponsor to provide additional support. It’s a waiting game, but being proactive and responsive can speed things up.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
If you want to improve your chances of success with a partner visa Australia application, here are some practical tips:
Be consistent: Ensure all your documents tell the same story. Dates should match up, and statements from you and your partner should align.
Stay organized: Use folders to separate evidence into categories, and clearly label each item before uploading.
Keep updating: You can continue submitting evidence even after lodging the application. Think of this as an ongoing portfolio of your relationship.
Don’t rely only on photos: While pictures are helpful, they’re not enough on their own. Strong supporting documents carry more weight.
Consider using a registered migration agent: A professional can help you avoid common mistakes, structure your application properly, and provide peace of mind throughout the process.
What Happens After Approval?
Once your temporary visa is granted, you can live, work, and study in Australia. After two years, you’ll be invited to apply for the permanent stage (subclass 801 or 100). If your relationship has lasted over three years—or if you have children together—you might be eligible for the permanent visa sooner.
With the permanent partner visa Australia, you gain full access to Medicare, social services, and eventually, the ability to apply for citizenship.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a partner visa in Australia is more than just filling out a form. It’s about proving your relationship is real and built on a strong foundation. While it can be a long and emotional journey, many couples find that it’s worth every step to be able to live freely and legally with the one they love.
