The Australian Partner Visa allows you to bring your spouse or de facto partner to live permanently in Australia. Whether you're married or in a de facto relationship, understanding the process, requirements, and timeline is crucial for a successful application.
Which Partner Visa Should You Apply For?
Offshore (Subclass 309/100)
Apply when your partner is outside Australia.
- Stage 1: Subclass 309 (Temporary)
- Stage 2: Subclass 100 (Permanent)
- Can travel to Australia after Stage 1 granted
Onshore (Subclass 820/801)
Apply when your partner is inside Australia on a valid visa.
- Stage 1: Subclass 820 (Temporary)
- Stage 2: Subclass 801 (Permanent)
- Can work and study in Australia while waiting
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Partner Visa, you must meet these fundamental requirements:
Core Requirements
- Genuine Relationship: You must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your Australian partner
- Married or De Facto: Either legally married OR in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months (with some exceptions)
- Sponsor Status: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Health & Character: Meet health and character requirements (police checks, medical exams)
Proving Your Relationship
The most critical aspect of your Partner Visa application is demonstrating that your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department assesses this across four key areas:
1. Financial Aspects
Evidence of shared financial commitments and support:
- Joint bank accounts or credit cards
- Joint ownership of property or assets
- Joint loans or liabilities
- Bills in both names (utilities, internet, insurance)
- Evidence of financial support between partners
2. Household (Nature of the Household)
Evidence of living together and sharing household responsibilities:
- Residential lease or mortgage in joint names
- Mail addressed to both at the same address
- Photos of your home together
- Shared household duties and responsibilities
- Joint purchases of household items
3. Social Aspects
Evidence of being recognized as a couple by others:
- Statutory declarations from family and friends
- Joint invitations to events
- Photos together at family gatherings and social events
- Social media posts showing your relationship
- Travel together (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
4. Commitment (Nature of Commitment)
Evidence of your long-term commitment to each other:
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Engagement photos or announcement
- Joint future plans (property purchase, children)
- Knowledge of each other's background and family
- Duration and development of the relationship
- Communication records (especially if long-distance)
Quality Over Quantity
It's not about submitting hundreds of documents. Focus on providing strong, diverse evidence across all four areas. Each piece should clearly demonstrate an aspect of your genuine relationship.
Processing Times & Timeline
Partner visas are among the longest processing visas. Indicative processing times (these move constantly; check current global processing times on the Department website):
Offshore (309/100)
Onshore (820/801)
Costs and Fees
Government Visa Application Charge
Figures current as at July 2026. The primary applicant charge is the main Visa Application Charge; additional applicant amounts are a guide only. Visa charges are indexed and change periodically, so always confirm current figures on the Department of Home Affairs pricing page before you lodge.
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About the Author
Matilda - MARN 0958254
With 16+ years of experience in Australian migration law, Matilda has helped thousands of couples navigate the Partner Visa process.