Moving to Australia to settle with your partner is one of the most exciting journey, but navigating the entire Partner Visa application process can be quite overwhelming. The Partner Visa process involves significant costs, extensive documents and long waiting times. However, Australia’s Partner Visa provides you with an opportunity to eligible individuals to join your partner or spouse in the country. 

In this detailed guide, we have covered key information you need to know about Partner Visas in Australia: 

• Key features of Partner Visa 

• Benefits of Partner Visa   

• Types of Partner Visa 

• Evidence you need to apply for the Partner Visa 

• Tips to apply for a Partner Visa 

Stay tuned: Our detailed FAQs on the Partner Visa process will be published next week to answer the most common questions applicants have. 

Key features of Partner Visa 

• Relationship: You may be eligible for a Partner Visa if you are engaged or married to an Australian (or an eligible New Zealander) or you live in a de facto relationship. This includes same-sex couples. 

• Temporary and permanent Visa: The Partner Visa is a two-stage process. The first stage grants a temporary visa, while the second stage, usually granted after 2 years, allows the applicant to obtain permanent residency. 

• Spouse or de facto: Whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship, you can apply for the visa. The key requirement is that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. 

• Eligibility: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, and both parties must be over 18 years old. 

• Stay in Australia: The visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia during the temporary visa phase, and access public benefits when you are granted permanent residency. 

Benefits of Partner Visa  

Obtaining the Australian Partner Visa brings a wide range of benefits, including: 

• Permanent Residency: After meeting the conditions for a partner visa, you can eventually apply for permanent residency. As a permanent resident, you’ll be eligible for the same rights as Australian citizens (excluding voting rights and some social services). 

• Work rights: While on the temporary visa, you can work and support yourself in Australia.  

• Travel: The Partner Visa also allows you to travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid. Once permanent residency is granted, you can travel freely at all times. 

• Access to Medicare: Permanent residents have access to Australia’s public health insurance system, Medicare, which provides affordable healthcare services. 

• Pathway to Citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period as a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship. 

Types of Partner Visa 

• Onshore Visas:  

• Partner Visa Subclass 820/801 

• Subclass 820 – This visa is the first stage of your Partner Visa process, and your partner must be onshore. Once granted, it allows you to stay in Australia temporarily while your permanent residency application is processed and offers full living, working and studying rights in Australia. 

• Subclass 801 – This is the permanent partner visa. This visa is granted after 2 years if your relationship is still genuine and ongoing. Once Subclass 801 is granted, you’ll have permanent residency. 

• New Zealand Family Relationship Visa Subclass 461
  The Subclass 461 Visa is a permanent partner visa. You can apply for this visa if your spouse or de facto partner is a New Zealand citizen. They should also hold a valid Special Category Subclass 444 Visa or must be eligible to be granted this visa upon arrival in Australia.  

• Offshore Visas:  

• Partner Visa Subclass 309/100  

• Subclass 309– This visa is the first stage of your Partner Visa process, and your partner must be offshore. Once granted, it allows you to stay in Australia temporarily while your permanent residency application is processed and offers full living, working and studying rights in Australia. 

• Subclass 100 – This is the permanent partner visa. This visa is granted after 2 years if your relationship is still genuine and ongoing. Once Subclass 801 is granted, you’ll have permanent residency. 

• Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300 
  Subclass 300 Visa is applicable if you have met your partner in person at least once, both must be over 18 years old and be engaged to be married. Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealander. Once the visa is granted, your partner will have 9 months to move to Australia, plan and host your wedding and lodge the spousal visa.  

Evidence you need to apply for the Partner Visa 

• Financial evidence – Think of all the major ways that you and your partner support each other financially. Financial evidence looks different for each couple but has the same foundation that proves to the Department that the partners share key financial decisions and value. This includes but is not limited to:  

1. Big items that you own together – cars, real estate, insurance, credit card, etc.  
2. Shared joint accounts  
3. Sharing bills and expenses  

• Household evidence – This demonstrates your living arrangements and the nature of your household. Household evidence depicts to the Department that you are living together as partners either in a de-facto relationship or marriage. This includes but is not limited to:  

1. Written statements on how your household is run  
2. Joint lease or mortgage receipt  
3. Utility bills under both your names  
4. Mails addressed to both your names  

• Social evidence – This type of evidence shows how your relationship is recognised by friends, family, and the community. It helps demonstrate that you present yourselves as a genuine couple in public and social settings — a key part of how the Department assesses the authenticity of your relationship. 

This includes but in not limited to: 

1. Invitations to events addressed to both of you such as weddings and parties 
2. Photos together at social gatherings, holidays, or with family/friends 
3. Social media posts that reflect your solid relationship 
4. Joint memberships such as of gyms, clubs or community organisations 
5. Statutory declarations or written statements from friends and family confirming they know you as a genuine couple 

• Commitment evidence – Commitment evidence demonstrates the ongoing nature of your relationship — that both partners are emotionally invested and committed to a long-term future together. This evidence is particularly important in showing that your relationship isn’t short-term or superficial. This includes but is not limited to: 

1. Travel plans, itineraries, or bookings made together 
2. Future plans that reflect a strong relationship and long-term planning 
3. Evidence of regular communication during times apart on texts, call, email or chat 
4. Wills or superannuation nominations listing each other as beneficiaries 
5. Evidence of ongoing emotional support such as supporting each other through illness, family matters, or big life events 

Tips to apply for a Partner Visa 

• Complete all the required forms carefully and accurately – Mistakes or missing information on your Partner Visa application forms can cause significant delays or even rejection. Make sure that you take your time and double check all details before submitting your application.  

• Submit all your evidence at the same time (where applicable) – Lodging a complete application upfront shows the Department that your application is “decision-ready” and can help avoid delays in terms of document or evidence uploading.  

• Double-check the dates and timelines in your supporting documents – Your evidence should clearly reflect the progression and consistency of your relationship. Inconsistencies in dates across documents (e.g. lease agreements, travel records, or photos) can raise concerns and potentially complicate your Partner Visa application.  

• Write clear and compelling personal statements – Both partners should write individual statements detailing how the relationship began, how it has developed, and your future plans. These statements are key to demonstrating the genuineness of your relationship and play a vital role in your Partner Visa application.  

• Stay on top of all key deadlines during the application process – Missing deadlines for medical checks, police clearances, or document submissions can affect your application. We recommend that you set reminders and track all critical dates.  

• Notify the Department immediately if your circumstances change – Any change in your address, employment, relationship status, or personal situation should be reported immediately to avoid miscommunication or potential Partner Visa complications. 

• Aim to lodge a decision-ready application with all required documents – Providing full documentation from the start reduces back-and-forth with the Department and shows that your case is well-prepared from the get-go.  

• Consider getting professional advice from a registered migration agent – Partner Visa applications can be complex. An expert and registered migration agent can guide you through the process, help avoid common pitfalls, and give you peace of mind moving forward.  

Applying for an Australian Partner Visa is a significant step toward building your future with your partner in Australia. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, it is extremely important to understand the visa types, gather all the right evidence, and prepare a strong, decision-ready application. 

With the right support and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to joining your partner and starting a new chapter in Australia. If you help with your application, our team is here to provide:  

• Tailored advice based on your case 

• A path that helps you avoid costly mistakes 

• The right support throughout your PR journey