How IC Australia Can Help
Get guidance on Partner Visa options, eligibility requirements and preparing your application.
Australia Partner Visa Requirements with IC Australia
Planning to join your partner in Australia? A Partner Visa for Australia allows eligible spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia.
IC Australia helps you understand Partner Visa pathways, eligibility requirements and the steps involved in preparing your application.
Not Sure Which Partner Visa Is Right for You?
Eligibility depends on your relationship, circumstances and where you apply. Our team can help you understand your options and identify the next steps.
What Is a Partner Visa?
An 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.
There are two main application pathways: onshore and offshore. Both involve a temporary or provisional visa followed by a permanent visa, provided the relevant requirements are met.
Applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and continuing, with a mutual commitment to a shared life. The Department of Home Affairs also considers whether partners live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis. Supporting evidence is required to demonstrate that the relationship meets these criteria.
Partner Visa Subclasses 820/801 vs 309/100
Australia offers two main Partner Visa pathways, depending on whether you apply from inside or outside Australia. Both pathways include temporary and permanent stages.
Onshore Partner Visa
Apply while you are in Australia.
- 820 — Temporary Partner Visa: Allows eligible partners to live in Australia while awaiting the permanent visa decision.
- 801 — Permanent Partner Visa: Allows eligible partners to live in Australia permanently after meeting the requirements.
Offshore Partner Visa
Apply while you are outside Australia.
- 309 — Provisional Partner Visa: Allows eligible partners to live in Australia while awaiting the permanent visa decision.
- 100 — Permanent Partner Visa: Allows eligible partners to live in Australia permanently after meeting the requirements.
You apply for the temporary and permanent Partner Visas together. The permanent stage is generally assessed after two years from the original application date, although some applicants may qualify for earlier assessment.
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa?
Both the applicant and their sponsoring partner must meet the relevant eligibility requirements. These include relationship, sponsorship, health and character criteria.
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants generally need to meet these requirements:
- Be married or in an eligible de facto relationship
- Show that the relationship is genuine and continuing
- Meet applicable health and character requirements
- Provide identity documents and relationship evidence
Sponsor Eligibility
Sponsors generally need to meet these requirements:
- Be an eligible Australian citizen, resident or New Zealander
- Meet applicable age and sponsorship requirements
- Satisfy relevant sponsorship and character checks
- Provide identity documents and sponsorship evidence
De facto partners generally need to show at least 12 months in a de facto relationship before applying, although exceptions may apply, including certain registered relationships.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Partner Visa?
Applicants must provide evidence that their relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department of Home Affairs considers several aspects of a relationship, including:
Financial Aspects
Joint accounts, shared bills and evidence of financial commitments.
Household Arrangements
Living arrangements, shared responsibilities and evidence of household commitments.
Social Aspects
Joint activities, shared travel and recognition by family or friends.
Mutual Commitment
Future plans, ongoing communication and evidence of long-term commitment.
What Can You Do on a Partner Visa?
Granted Partner Visas provide important rights while you live in Australia. The benefits available depend on the visa subclass and your circumstances.
Work
Work in Australia while holding an eligible temporary or permanent Partner Visa.
Study
Study in Australia while holding an eligible temporary or permanent Partner Visa.
Live Together
Live in Australia with your partner while your visa remains valid.
Gain PR
Gain permanent residency once your permanent Partner Visa is approved.
What Partner Visa Assistance Does IC Australia Offer?
IC Australia helps applicants understand Australian Partner Visa pathways, eligibility requirements and the application process.
Depending on your circumstances and the services arranged, assistance may include:
Visa pathway guidance: Explaining the differences between onshore and offshore Partner Visas.
Eligibility guidance: Reviewing relevant applicant, relationship and sponsorship requirements.
Document guidance: Identifying supporting documents and relationship evidence that may be required.
Application guidance: Explaining the application process and important submission steps.
Ongoing support: Answering questions and providing guidance during the application process.
How the Partner Visa Application Process Works
Applying for a Partner Visa involves choosing the correct pathway, preparing supporting evidence and submitting an application through ImmiAccount. Further information may be required during assessment.
If you receive a temporary or provisional Partner Visa, you may need to provide updated relationship evidence when eligible for the permanent stage. Keep your application details and supporting documents up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Partner Visas 820/801 and 309/100?
Subclasses 820 and 801 are the onshore pathway, requiring the initial application to be lodged in Australia. Subclasses 309 and 100 are the offshore pathway, requiring the initial application to be lodged outside Australia. Both pathways include temporary and permanent stages.
How long does an Australian Partner Visa take to process?
Processing times vary according to the subclass, application circumstances and Department of Home Affairs caseload. The permanent stage is generally assessed after the applicant becomes eligible, usually two years after the original application. Check the official processing time guide for current estimates.
Can I work on an Australian Partner Visa?
Yes. Granted temporary Partner Visas, including subclasses 820 and 309, generally provide work rights in Australia. Permanent Partner Visas also permit work. If you are still waiting for a decision, check the conditions of your current visa.
What evidence is needed to prove a genuine relationship?
Evidence may include joint financial documents, shared household arrangements, social recognition of the relationship and proof of ongoing commitment. The documents required depend on your circumstances and application stage.
Can same-sex partners apply for an Australian Partner Visa?
Yes. Same-sex spouses and de facto partners can apply if they meet the applicable Partner Visa eligibility, relationship and sponsorship requirements.
Can I apply for a Partner Visa if we are not married?
Yes. Eligible de facto partners can apply. Generally, you must demonstrate a de facto relationship of at least 12 months before applying, although exceptions may apply, including certain registered relationships.
How much does an Australian Partner Visa cost?
Australian Partner Visa application charges depend on your circumstances and the applicable Department of Home Affairs fees. Additional expenses may include health examinations, police certificates, translations and professional assistance. Check the Department’s current visa pricing information before applying.