The Australian Partner Visa Program allows couples to live together in Australia when one partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Before lodging an application, applicants must understand the visa types, the requirements, and the evidence needed to demonstrate a genuine relationship.

What Is a Partner Visa?

A Partner Visa allows a spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor to live in Australia.
The program has two pathways based on the applicant’s location at the time of application:

• Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) – lodged inside Australia.
  
• Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) – lodged outside Australia.
  

Both pathways follow a two-stage assessment: a temporary stage and a permanent stage.

The Two-Stage Partner Visa Pathway

Stage 1: Temporary Partner Visa

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309)

Applicants must be outside Australia at the time of lodgement.
The temporary visa allows the applicant to:

• Live, work, and study in Australia
  
• Access Medicare
  
• Travel in and out of Australia
  
• Attend AMEP English classes
  

The applicant may become eligible for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) after approximately 24 months.

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

Applicants must be in Australia when lodging the application.
The subclass 820 visa provides:

• The right to live, work, and study in Australia
  
• Access to Medicare and travel privileges
  
• The ability to include dependent children
  

Assessment for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) usually occurs after around 24 months.

Stage 2: Permanent Partner Visa

• Offshore (Subclass 100)
• Onshore (Subclass 801)

Both permanent visas allow the holder to:

• live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely
  
• sponsor eligible family members
  
• travel freely for five years
  
• apply for citizenship once eligible

What Counts as a Genuine Relationship?

The Department assesses whether the relationship is genuine and continuing.

Marriage Requirements

A married relationship may be recognised when:

• the couple is legally married
  
• the marriage is exclusive and ongoing
  
• the couple lives together or is only temporarily separated
  

De Facto Requirements

A de facto relationship may meet requirements when:

• the couple is committed to a shared life excluding all others
  
• the relationship is genuine and continuing
  
• they live together or are not separated on a permanent basis
  
• they are not related by family

Key Partner Visa Requirements

Before lodging the application, applicants must ensure they meet:

• Age Requirement: Both partners must be at least 18.
  
• Sponsorship: Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
  
• Health and Character: Health examinations and police checks are required.
  
• Genuine Relationship Evidence: Photos, joint bills, travel records, communications, and social evidence.
  
• No Government Debts: Applicants must not owe outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
  
• Location Rules: Must apply onshore or offshore depending on the visa type.
  
• Health Insurance: Private health insurance may be needed if not covered by Medicare.

Costs and Processing Times

The visa application charge covers both temporary and permanent stages.
Processing times depend on:

• completeness of the application
  
• strength and consistency of relationship evidence
  
• background and security checks
  
• case complexity
  

Providing clear and consistent evidence can reduce delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequent issues include:

• insufficient relationship evidence
  
• selecting the wrong visa stream (onshore/offshore)
  
• missing dependent children in the initial lodgement
  
• failing to update the Department about changes
  
• lodging without professional guidance

Why Choose Professional Help

Partner Visa applications are personal and evidence-heavy.
Migration Door Australia assists couples by:

• preparing compliant and structured applications
  
• organising evidence clearly
  
• reducing the risk of refusal and unnecessary delays

Take the Next Step Together

The Partner Visa pathway allows couples to build a permanent future in Australia. Whether married, de facto, or newly planning your life together, you can explore your eligibility and visa options with guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions