Partner Visa

The Partner Visa allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. It offers both temporary and permanent residency pathways, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Key Partner Visa Types

1. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

• Subclass 309: A temporary visa allowing applicants to live in Australia while their permanent visa is processed.
• Subclass 100: A permanent visa granted after meeting eligibility requirements, usually two years after the 309 visa is issued.
• Application is made while the applicant is outside Australia.

2. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

• Subclass 820: A temporary visa for applicants who are already in Australia while waiting for permanent residency.
• Subclass 801: A permanent visa granted after meeting eligibility requirements, typically two years after the 820 visa is issued.
• Application is made while the applicant is inside Australia.

3. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

• For individuals engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Allows the applicant to travel to Australia, marry their partner within 9 months, and then apply for a Partner Visa.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Relationship Criteria

   • Must be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
   • De facto relationships must have existed for at least 12 months unless exempt (e.g., registered relationships in certain states).
   • The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

2. Sponsor Requirements

   • The sponsoring partner must:
     • Be at least 18 years old.
     • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
     • Not have a significant criminal history or have sponsored more than two previous partner visa applicants.

3. Health and Character Requirements

   • Both the applicant and sponsor must meet health and character standards, including police checks.

4. Financial and Social Evidence

   • Provide evidence of shared finances, joint responsibilities, cohabitation, and public acknowledgment of the relationship.

Application Process

1. Lodge the Application

   • Submit the partner visa application online through ImmiAccount, including all necessary documents (relationship evidence, identity documents, and health/character checks).

2. Grant of Temporary Visa

   • If successful, the applicant is granted a temporary visa (subclass 309 or 820), allowing them to live in Australia.

3. Transition to Permanent Visa

   • After two years (from the initial application date), applicants may be assessed for the permanent visa (subclass 100 or 801).
   • Relationship updates and additional documents may be required during this process.

Costs and Processing Times

Benefits of a Partner Visa

• Allows applicants to live, work, and study in Australia.
• Access to Medicare (for onshore applicants).
• Includes dependent children in the application.
• Provides a pathway to Australian citizenship for permanent visa holders.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Provide clear and compelling evidence of the relationship, such as:
  • Joint bank accounts, leases, or utility bills.
  • Photos of shared life events and social outings.
  • Statements from friends or family about the relationship.
• Keep communication records, particularly for long-distance relationships.
• Ensure timely submission of documents and updates.