Australia Partner Visa 2026: Ultimate Guide
Updated Fees, Requirements & Refusal Avoidance
Bringing your loved one to Australia is a life-changing and beautiful goal. But navigating the Australia Partner Visa process in 2026 can be complex. The Department of Home Affairs places high emphasis on proving that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, and minor mistakes can result in delays or refusals that separate couples for months or years.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — clearly, simply, and with accurate details from official Australian government sources.
Whether you’re already in Australia or applying from overseas, this article helps you understand your options, costs, timelines, requirements, risks, and how to maximise your chances of success.
Partner Visa Options in Australia
There are two main partner visa pathways depending on where your partner (the visa applicant) is at the time you apply.
Onshore Partner Visa (Inside Australia)
Temporary partner visa: Subclass 820
Leads to permanent residency: Subclass 801
If the applicant is already in Australia, you can apply for both visas together online. When Subclass 820 is granted, they can stay, work, and study while waiting for the final result.
Key advantage:
You stay in Australia while waiting. You may be granted a bridging visa that allows you to work and continue living in Australia lawfully.
Offshore Partner Visa (Outside Australia)
Temporary partner visa: Subclass 309
Leads to permanent residency: Subclass 100
This option is for couples who are applying from outside Australia. Once Subclass 309 is granted, you can enter Australia, and the permanent stage Subclass 100 will follow.
Important: Offshore applicants generally cannot enter Australia until the temporary visa is granted, unless they hold another valid visa.
Partner Visa Cost in 2026 (Accurate & Official)
Partner visas are among Australia’s most expensive visa applications — and fees must be paid in full when you lodge. They are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
Base Visa Application Charges
| Visa | Main Applicant |
Each Additional Applicant 18+ |
Each Additional Applicant <18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 820/801 (onshore) or 309/100 (offshore) |
A$9,365 | A$4,685 | A$2,345 |
✔ No extra government charge when your permanent stage (801/100) is assessed — it’s included in the initial fee.
Note: These are the official Department of Home Affairs charges as of the 2025/26 program year and may increase on 1 July each year.
2026 Partner Visa Processing Times
Processing times are estimates and change based on workload, quality of your application, and completeness of evidence. The latest figures suggest:
| Visa Stage | 50% Processed | 90% Processed |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 820 (Temporary onshore) | ~17 months | ~24 months |
| Subclass 309 (Temporary offshore) | ~16 months | ~23 months |
| Subclass 801 (Permanent) | ~7 months | ~13 months |
| Subclass 100 (Permanent) | ~10 months | ~21 months |
Important: Timeframes start once the application is decision ready and can vary if more information is requested.
Who Qualifies for an Australian Partner Visa?
You must prove a genuine, ongoing relationship that meets one of the following:
Eligible Relationship Types
✔ Married couples — legal marriage recognised under Australian law
✔ De facto couples — committed relationship, usually lived together for 12+ months (in most cases)
Exceptions to the 12-month rule may apply if:
You have a registered relationship in Australia
There are compelling or compassionate circumstances
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor (your Australian partner) must be:
An Australian citizen,
An Australian permanent resident, or
An Eligible New Zealand citizen
With good character and no sponsorship bans.
Both applicant and sponsor must meet health and character standards — including police checks and medical exams.
What Evidence Do You Need?
The Department of Home Affairs assesses your relationship across multiple areas. The more consistent, detailed, and organised your documents, the better your chances.
Core Evidence Pillars
Financial aspects – joint bank accounts, bills, loans
Nature of household – shared lease, utilities, living together
Social aspects – photos, travel records, social interactions
Commitment to each other – plans, future intentions, statements from friends/family
This is sometimes called the “four-pillar evidence” approach — and missing or weak evidence here is the most common reason for delays or refusal.
Why DIY Partner Visa Applications Often Fail
Many couples try to save money by applying without professional help — but this is extremely risky.
Common Pitfalls
✔ Incomplete or weak relationship evidence
✔ Mistakes or omissions in forms
✔ Not addressing red flags (e.g., short relationship history)
✔ Misunderstanding sponsorship eligibility
When applications are incomplete or unclear, officers may refuse them — and visa fees won’t be refunded.
How to Increase Your Approval Chances
Here’s what successful couples tend to do:
✔ Prepare evidence following the four pillars
✔ Write thoughtful partner relationship statements
✔ Ensure all forms are fully completed and consistent
✔ Address any potential issues before submission
✔ Use a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer
Even simple mistakes can lead to months of delay or a refusal, which costs thousands and emotional hardship.
Love Month 2026 — Special Offer for Couples
To help couples take the first step this love season, Think Visa is running our Love Month Campaign 2026 throughout February.
What’s included:
💗 Reduced Consultation Fee
💗 Up to A$500 off professional service fees when you submit your application enquiry in February.
💗 Personalized partner visa strategy from experts
This special is designed for couples who know they want help and want to avoid costly delays and mistakes.
👉 Learn more here:https://www.thinkvisa.com.au/love-month-campaign-2026
Final Thoughts — Start Right, Stay Together
Applying for a partner visa is more than forms and fees — it’s about ensuring your future together. Australia’s immigration system looks for genuine, well-documented cases, and not meeting evidence expectations can lead to long waits or refusal.
Whether you’re just starting or stuck part-way through the process, now is the time to act with clarity and confidence.
Ready to Make It Happen?
Submit a direct enquiry to Think Visa today.
Our team can help you:
✔ Confirm your eligibility
✔ Prepare a strong evidence pack
✔ Save time and stress
✔ Lock in Love Month savings
Enquire now and bring your love closer.
