Partner Visa For Australia
TL;DR
- A Partner Visa for Australia lets spouses, de facto partners, and fiancés of Australian citizens or PRs live in Australia.
- Main options: Subclass 820/801 (onshore), 309/100 (offshore), and 300 Prospective Marriage Visa.
- You must prove a genuine and continuing relationship with strong evidence (finances, living together, social ties).
- De facto couples usually need 12 months together; exceptions apply for registered or compelling cases.
- A One Australia Education Group helps with visa guidance, documentation, and English test prep for your Partner Visa for Australia journey.
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Why a Partner Visa for Australia Is a Popular Pathway
The Partner Visa for Australia is one of the most sought‑after migration routes for spouses, de facto partners, and fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. With Australia’s strong economy, high quality of life, and family‑friendly policies, many couples choose this visa pathway to build a long‑term future together in the country.
A Partner Visa for Australia allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while your relationship is assessed, with a clear pathway from a temporary visa to permanent residency in most cases. Whether you are already in Australia or applying from overseas, understanding the Partner Visa for Australia process can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.
What Is a Partner Visa for Australia?
A Partner Visa for Australia is a family‑stream visa that lets your partner sponsor you to live in Australia based on a genuine, ongoing relationship. The visa is designed for:
- Married spouses
- De facto partners (including same‑sex couples)
- Fiancés planning to marry an Australian partner
The Australian Department of Home Affairs offers different Partner Visa for Australia subclasses depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the country, and whether your relationship is already formalised through marriage or still developing as a de facto partnership.
The key idea behind the Partner Visa for Australia is to ensure that only real, committed relationships are granted residency, which is why the evidence requirements are quite detailed.
Main Types of Partner Visa for Australia
1. Onshore Partner Visa for Australia (Applying in Australia)
If you are already in Australia on a valid visa, you can apply for an onshore Partner Visa for Australia. This route is commonly used by couples already living together in Australia.
- Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa (Onshore)
This is the first step in the Partner Visa for Australia process if you apply while in Australia. The Subclass 820 visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent visa application is being assessed. It is a temporary visa, usually valid for about two years, during which your relationship is monitored and evaluated. - Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa (Onshore)
After holding the Subclass 820 for a certain period (typically two years) and proving that your relationship remains genuine and ongoing, you may be granted the Subclass 801 visa. This is the permanent Partner Visa for Australia, giving you full residency rights, including access to Medicare, the ability to work without restrictions, and a pathway to Australian citizenship in the future.
Together, the Subclass 820 and 801 form the onshore Partner Visa for Australia pathway.
2. Offshore Partner Visa for Australia (Applying Outside Australia)
If you are outside Australia, you can apply for an offshore Partner Visa for Australia. This route is ideal for couples who are not yet living together in Australia but wish to reunite.
- Subclass 309 – Provisional Partner Visa (Offshore)
The Subclass 309 visa is the first stage of the offshore Partner Visa for Australia. It allows you to travel to Australia and live with your partner while your permanent visa is being processed. Like the Subclass 820, it is a temporary visa with conditions tied to your relationship status. - Subclass 100 – Migrant Partner Visa (Offshore)
After meeting the required criteria and proving that your relationship is still genuine, you may be granted the Subclass 100 visa. This is the permanent Partner Visa for Australia for offshore applicants, giving you the same long‑term benefits as the Subclass 801.
The Subclass 309 and 100 combination is the standard offshore Partner Visa for Australia pathway.
3. Prospective Marriage (Fiancé) Visa – Subclass 300
If you are engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident but not yet married, you may be eligible for the Prospective Marriage (Fiancé) Visa – Subclass 300. This visa allows you to travel to Australia to marry your partner within nine months of the visa being granted.
Once you are married, you can then apply for a Partner Visa for Australia (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) to stay in Australia permanently. The Subclass 300 is a special type of Partner Visa for Australia tailored to engaged couples.
Core Eligibility for a Partner Visa for Australia
To qualify for a Partner Visa for Australia, you must meet several key requirements. The Department of Home Affairs focuses on the genuine and continuing nature of your relationship, as well as the sponsor’s eligibility.
1. Genuine and Continuing Relationship
The most important requirement for a Partner Visa for Australia is proving that your relationship is:
- Real and not entered into for migration purposes
- Ongoing and likely to continue
- Exclusive (you are not in another committed relationship)
You can be married or in a de facto relationship. For de facto Partner Visa for Australia applications, couples are generally expected to have lived together for at least 12 months, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as having children together or significant financial interdependence.
2. Sponsorship by an Australian Partner
Your Australian partner must be eligible to sponsor you for a Partner Visa for Australia. This means they must be:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor must also meet character and health requirements and be willing to provide detailed information about the relationship.
3. Evidence of Your Relationship
The Partner Visa for Australia process is heavily evidence‑based. You will need to provide strong documentation to prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Common types of evidence include:
- Joint bank accounts, shared bills, and financial commitments
- Proof of living together (leases, utility bills, council rates)
- Photographs and social media activity showing your relationship
- Letters from family and friends confirming your relationship
- Travel records showing time spent together
The more comprehensive and consistent your evidence, the stronger your Partner Visa for Australia application will be.
How the Partner Visa for Australia Process Works
The Partner Visa for Australia process typically follows a clear pathway from a temporary visa to permanent residency.
Step 1: Apply for the Temporary Partner Visa
Depending on your situation, you will apply for either:
- Subclass 820 (onshore) or
- Subclass 309 (offshore)
This is the first stage of the Partner Visa for Australia journey. During this phase, you must continue to live with your partner and maintain a genuine relationship.
Step 2: Live in Australia on the Temporary Visa
Once your temporary Partner Visa for Australia is granted, you can live in Australia with your partner. You are allowed to work and study without restrictions, which makes this period ideal for settling into life in Australia.
Step 3: Apply for the Permanent Partner Visa
After a certain period (usually two years), you can apply for the permanent stage of the Partner Visa for Australia:
- Subclass 801 (onshore) or
- Subclass 100 (offshore)
At this stage, the Department of Home Affairs will reassess your relationship to ensure it remains genuine and ongoing. If approved, you will be granted permanent residency, which opens the door to long‑term stability in Australia.
Why Choose A One Australia Education Group for Your Partner Visa for Australia Journey?
A One Australia Education Group is a trusted name in Australian migration and education services, helping thousands of students and families navigate complex visa processes. While the Partner Visa for Australia is a family‑stream visa, A One Australia Education Group can still play a crucial role in your journey by:
- Providing expert guidance on visa requirements and documentation
- Helping you prepare strong evidence for your Partner Visa for Australia application
- Offering support with English language preparation (PTE, IELTS, etc.) if needed for migration or study purposes
By partnering with A One Australia Education Group, you can ensure that your Partner Visa for Australia application is well‑prepared, reducing the risk of delays or refusals.
Tips for a Successful Partner Visa for Australia Application
To increase your chances of success with a Partner Visa for Australia, consider the following tips:
- Start gathering evidence early: Collect joint financial records, photos, and letters from family and friends as soon as possible.
- Be honest and consistent: Ensure that all information in your application matches your evidence and previous statements.
- Seek professional advice: A migration agent or education consultant can help you navigate the Partner Visa for Australia process and avoid common pitfalls.
- Plan for the long term: Remember that the Partner Visa for Australia is a pathway to permanent residency, so focus on building a stable, genuine relationship.
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa for Australia is a powerful pathway for couples who want to build a life together in Australia. Whether you are applying onshore or offshore, as a spouse, de facto partner, or fiancé, understanding the process and requirements is essential.
By preparing strong evidence, choosing the right visa subclass, and seeking expert support from organisations like A One Australia Education Group, you can increase your chances of a successful Partner Visa for Australia application and start your new life in Australia with confidence.
If you are considering a Partner Visa for Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs website for official details and to begin your application.
FAQs
1. What is the 12‑month requirement for de facto partners?
For a Partner Visa for Australia as a de facto couple, you are generally expected to have lived together in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months before applying. This rule can be waived if your relationship is officially registered in an Australian state or territory, or if you can show strong compassionate or compelling circumstances, such as having children together or significant financial interdependence.
2. Can I stay in Australia while my Partner Visa for Australia is processed?
Yes, if you apply for an onshore Partner Visa for Australia (Subclass 820) while holding a valid substantive visa, you are usually granted a Bridging Visa. This lets you remain in Australia, work, and study legally while your application is under assessment.
3. What are the key evidence requirements for a Partner Visa for Australia?
You must show financial, social, and household interdependence, such as joint bank accounts, shared bills, and co‑signed leases. You also need proof of a genuine commitment to a shared life, including photos, travel records, and statements from family and friends.
4. What is a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)?
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is a type of Partner Visa for Australia that allows you to enter Australia to marry your Australian partner within 9 months. You must have met in person as adults, and the applicant must be outside Australia when lodging the application.
5. What are common reasons for refusal of a Partner Visa for Australia?
The most frequent reason for refusal is failing to convince the Department of Home Affairs that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Incomplete or inconsistent evidence, lack of shared financial or household ties, or doubts about the sponsor’s eligibility can also lead to rejection. If refused, the decision letter will state whether you can apply for a review with the Administrative Review Tribunal.
