Partner Visa
Partner Visa Australia – Your 2025 Guide to Living with Your Loved One
Are you in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen? The partner visa is your official pathway to live, work, and eventually gain permanent residency in Australia alongside your loved one.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Australian partner visa—eligibility, types, how to apply, costs, and what to expect during the process.
What Is a Partner Visa?
A partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The visa is issued in two stages:
Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – allows you to live and work in Australia while your permanent visa is processed.
Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – allows you to stay permanently in Australia once granted.
For those applying offshore, the equivalent visas are:
Subclass 309 (Temporary)
Subclass 100 (Permanent)
Types of Partner Visas in Australia
1. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 & 801)
Apply while you are in Australia.
You must hold a valid visa at the time of application.
Allows you to stay in Australia while awaiting a decision.
2. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclasses 309 & 100)
Apply while outside Australia.
Must be outside the country at the time of visa grant.
Ideal for couples not yet living in Australia together.
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa?
To be eligible for a partner visa Australia, you must:
Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner (married or de facto)
Be sponsored by your partner
Be 18 years or older
Meet health and character requirements
Provide evidence of your relationship (joint financials, living arrangements, social proof, commitment)
What Counts as a De Facto Relationship?
To qualify under a de facto relationship, you usually must:
Have lived together for at least 12 months
Be committed exclusively to each other
Prove shared finances, responsibilities, and social recognition of your relationship
Note: Some exceptions apply (e.g., relationship registration or compelling circumstances).
How to Apply for a Partner Visa in Australia
Gather evidence of your relationship:
Joint bank accounts, bills, lease agreements
Photos, messages, travel records
Statutory declarations from family/friends
Create an ImmiAccount
Submit your application online, including both temporary and permanent visa forms
Pay the visa application fee (from AUD $8,850 as of 2025)
Complete health and character checks
Wait for processing:
Temporary visa: ~21–28 months
Permanent visa: granted 2 years after applying (in most cases)
Partner Visa Checklist
Valid passport
Relationship evidence
Identity documents
Police checks
Medical exam
Sponsorship form from your partner
Visa application fee
Can I Work While on a Partner Visa?
Yes. Once granted the subclass 820 (temporary) visa, you can:
Work full-time
Study without restrictions
Enroll in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
What Happens After the Temporary Visa?
You will be assessed for the permanent visa (801) approximately 2 years after your initial application.
You must still be in a genuine relationship at the time of permanent visa assessment.
Once granted, the permanent partner visa lets you stay in Australia indefinitely.
Can I Include Children?
Yes, you can include dependent children in your application. They will receive the same visa status as the primary applicant.
Benefits of a Partner Visa Australia
Live and work freely in Australia
Access to Medicare
Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
Ability to include dependent children
Travel rights during visa validity
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship
Failing to disclose past visa history or legal issues
Not meeting de facto requirements
Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Final Thoughts
The partner visa is one of the most popular visa categories in Australia but also one of the most detailed and scrutinized. Preparing a strong, well-documented application is crucial to avoid delays and refusals.
Whether you're already married or in a committed de facto relationship, the partner visa Australia opens the door to building your future together in one of the world’s most desirable countries.
