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Partner Visas

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Partner Visas: Build Your Future Together in Australia

For international students and professionals who have found their partners in Australia, a Partner Visa provides a secure pathway to build a permanent life together. If you are in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, your partner can sponsor you for residency. The application process is unique because it is a combined two-stage process. You apply for both the temporary and permanent visas simultaneously, paying a single upfront application fee.

The Onshore Pathway (Subclass 820/801)

Designed for couples applying while the applicant is legally inside Australia. This route grants an immediate Bridging Visa with full work and study rights while the application is processed.

The Offshore Pathway (Subclass 309/100)

Designed for couples applying while the applicant is outside Australia.

After approximately two years from your initial application date, the Department of Home Affairs will review your case to ensure the relationship is still ongoing and genuine before granting unconditional permanent residency (Subclass 801 or 100).

 

FAQs

1. Do we have to be married to apply for an Australian Partner Visa?
No. You do not need to be married to apply. Australia fully recognizes de facto relationships for both same sex and opposite-sex couples. To qualify as a de facto couple, you generally must provide evidence that you have been living together for at least 12 months prior to lodging your application.
2. Does my partner have to meet a minimum sponsor income threshold?
Yes. Sponsors are subject to mandatory assessment, which includes meeting specific income requirements. The sponsor must provide formal tax documentation, such as their Notice of Assessment (NOA), to prove they meet the minimum income floor and can financially support the visa applicant.

Partner Visas

Partner visas allow a person to live in Australia based on their relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (the sponsor). The application process is typically granted in two stages: a temporary visa (Subclass 820 Onshore or Subclass 309 Offshore) is granted first, followed by the permanent visa (Subclass 801 Onshore or Subclass 100 Offshore) two years after the initial application, provided the relationship is ongoing and genuine. Evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship is paramount.

Two-Stage Grant
Initially, a temporary visa is granted. The permanent visa is assessed and granted approximately two years after the initial application date.
Onshore/Offshore Options
The visa can be applied for while the applicant is in Australia (820/801) or outside Australia (309/100).
De Facto or Marriage
The relationship can be based on a legally valid marriage or a de facto (common-law) relationship, typically requiring 12 months of cohabitation prior to application.
Exceptions for PR
Permanent residency may be granted immediately in cases where there is a long-term relationship and/or dependent children, or if the relationship has ceased due to family violence.
What evidence is required for a de facto relationship?
You need to provide evidence across four key pillars: financial aspects, household nature, social aspects (recognition by others), and commitment to a long-term relationship.
Can I work on the temporary partner visa?
Yes. Once the temporary visa (Subclass 820 or 309) is granted, the applicant receives full work rights in Australia.
How long does the entire Partner visa process take?
Processing times vary significantly but can often take 2 to 3 years to receive the permanent visa grant after the initial application is lodged.
What is a registered relationship?
In some Australian states, registering your de facto relationship legally removes the requirement to prove the full 12 months of cohabitation prior to lodging the application.

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