Partner Visa Australia is designed for people who wish to migrate to Australia to join their spouse or de facto partner. This visa subclass is intended for people who want to sponsor their spouse or de facto partner so they can reunite and maintain a genuine and ongoing relationship.
This visa is available to applicants who are sponsored by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Partner Visa process generally involves two stages: a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa, depending on the progress of the application.
Partner Visa holders can live, work, and study in Australia and may also become eligible for benefits such as Medicare and certain social benefits, including education-related assistance and other government support where eligible. For many applicants, this visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventually Australian citizenship.
Partner Visas can be applied for either onshore or offshore, allowing couples to build a future together in Australia.
Benefits of Partner Visa Australia
Right to Live, Study and Work in Australia
A Partner Visa allows eligible applicants to live in Australia with their partner while enjoying the freedom to work and study without restrictions. This provides couples with financial independence and the opportunity to establish a stable life together.
Living in Australia also offers access to excellent infrastructure, a world-class education system, quality healthcare, and a multicultural environment.
Access to Medicare and Other Social Benefits
Partner Visa holders may be eligible to access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which helps cover many essential medical services, hospital treatments, and healthcare consultations.
Depending on eligibility requirements, visa holders may also be able to access certain government support services, education-related benefits, and other social programs available in Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and Australian Citizenship
One of the major advantages of a Partner Visa is that it provides a pathway to permanent residency. Most Partner Visa applications involve a temporary visa stage followed by a permanent visa stage, usually after the Department of Home Affairs assesses that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Evidence such as shared financial responsibilities, household arrangements, social recognition of the relationship, and long-term commitment is important during the permanent visa assessment.
After obtaining permanent residency, eligible applicants may eventually apply for Australian citizenship, which provides additional rights and benefits, including the ability to apply for an Australian passport.
Opportunity for Family Reunification
Partner Visas allow couples to live together in Australia, which is particularly valuable for those in long-distance relationships or affected by travel restrictions and immigration barriers.
For families with children, this visa can provide long-term stability and access to education, healthcare, and other opportunities available in Australia.
Types of Partner Visa
Australia offers several Partner Visa options depending on whether the applicant is applying onshore or offshore and whether the relationship is a marriage, de facto partnership, or intended marriage.
Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa) – Onshore
The Subclass 820 visa allows applicants who are in Australia to remain temporarily while their permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) application is being processed.
Applicants must be married to or in a genuine de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor and meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa) – Onshore
The Subclass 801 visa grants permanent residency to eligible holders of the Subclass 820 visa.
Applicants must continue to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and ongoing throughout the assessment process.
Subclass 309 (Provisional Partner Visa) – Offshore
The Subclass 309 visa is a temporary visa for applicants who are outside Australia when they apply.
Applicants must be married to or in a genuine de facto relationship with an eligible Australian sponsor.
Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa) – Offshore
The Subclass 100 visa is the permanent stage of the offshore Partner Visa process.
It is generally granted after the applicant has held the Subclass 309 visa and has demonstrated that the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.
Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage Visa) – Offshore
The Subclass 300 visa is designed for the fiancé or prospective spouse of an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Applicants must marry their sponsor within the required period after arriving in Australia and may later become eligible for the Partner Visa pathway.
Partner Visa Australia Requirements
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
For de facto relationships, applicants generally need to demonstrate at least 12 months of living together unless an exemption applies.
Both partners must usually be at least 18 years old.
Sponsorship Requirements
The sponsoring partner must generally:
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet sponsorship eligibility requirements.
- Satisfy character requirements.
- Be willing to sponsor the applicant in accordance with Australian immigration requirements.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
This usually includes medical examinations and police clearance certificates from countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more during the relevant assessment period.
Document Checklist for Partner Visa Application
Commonly required documents include:
- Identity documents
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or relationship evidence
- Joint financial documents
- Property or tenancy records
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination reports
- Photographs
- Statutory declarations
- Evidence of cohabitation
- Social evidence of the relationship
Providing complete and accurate documentation is essential to avoid unnecessary delays.
Cost of Partner Visa Australia
The Partner Visa application charge varies depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.
For many applicants, the base application charge for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) is approximately AUD 9,095.
Additional costs may include:
- Medical examinations
- Police checks
- Document translations
- Document certification
Applicants transitioning from the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) to the Partner Visa pathway may need to pay an additional application charge where applicable.
Partner Visa Australia Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and the completeness of the application.
Typical processing ranges include:
- Subclass 820/801: approximately 12–24 months
- Subclass 309/100: approximately 18–30 months
- Subclass 300: approximately 12–15 months
Step-by-Step Application Process for Partner Visa
Applying for a Partner Visa can be a complex process that requires careful preparation and strong supporting evidence.
At Shanovia Immigration, our experienced migration professionals guide applicants through every stage of the application process.
Confirm Eligibility
We assess your relationship status, sponsorship eligibility, and visa requirements before preparing the application.
Gather Required Documents
We assist with collecting relationship evidence, identity documents, financial records, health assessments, and character documents.
Complete the Application Form
Our team ensures that all application forms are completed accurately and consistently.
Submit the Application
We prepare and lodge the application with the required supporting documents and correct government fees.
Prepare for the Interview
Where required, we help applicants prepare for interviews by reviewing relationship history and supporting evidence.
Wait for the Decision
We monitor the application progress and keep clients informed throughout the assessment process.
Why Choose Shanovia Immigration for Your Partner Visa?
Applying for a Partner Visa can be one of the most important and stressful immigration journeys for a couple.
At Shanovia Immigration, we are committed to providing professional guidance and personalised support throughout the process.
Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
Our experienced migration professionals stay updated with Australian immigration law and provide clear advice tailored to your circumstances.
Comprehensive Support Throughout the Process
We assist with relationship evidence, statutory declarations, application preparation, and ongoing communication with the Department of Home Affairs.
Accurate Document Preparation
We carefully review all supporting documents to ensure they meet the required standards and minimise the risk of delays or refusals.
Personalised Service
Every relationship is unique, and we provide tailored strategies for married couples, de facto partners, fiancés, and applicants transitioning between visa subclasses.
Proven Experience
Our team has experience handling a wide range of Partner Visa matters, including straightforward and complex applications.
Clear Communication and Peace of Mind
We believe in transparent communication and regular updates so that you remain informed and supported throughout your visa journey.
Conclusion
At Shanovia Immigration, we are dedicated to helping couples build their future together in Australia. Whether you are applying onshore or offshore, our experienced team is committed to making the Partner Visa process as smooth, accurate, and stress-free as possible.
Let Shanovia Immigration help you take the next step toward your future in Australia with confidence and professional support.
