For the life you want to share
Partner & Family Visas. Your future, together.
Build your plans around the people who matter. Understand the partner visa pathways, the evidence you need and the next step that fits your family.
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A future worth planning for
Your story is personal. Your plan should be too.
No two relationships follow the same timeline. You may be living together in Australia, building a life across countries or planning to marry.
The partner pathways have different starting points. The onshore and offshore pathways each combine a temporary and permanent visa application, with separate decisions on the stages. The Prospective Marriage visa is a separate pathway for eligible couples planning to marry.
We start with your circumstances, then connect the requirements to a practical plan. You will understand the evidence to prepare, the dates that matter and where your family fits.
Different starting points. Shared possibilities.
Find the pathway that fits your story.
Your location, relationship and current visa help shape the starting point. A marriage or engagement alone does not establish visa eligibility.
Partner visa (Temporary)
(subclass 820)
Partner visa (Permanent)
(subclass 801)
For eligible spouses and de facto partners applying while in Australia. Plan the temporary and permanent stages together.
- Apply
- In Australia
- Application
- Both stages together
- Progression
- Separate stage decisions
Partner (Provisional) visa
(subclass 309)
Partner (Migrant) visa
(subclass 100)
For eligible spouses and de facto partners applying from outside Australia, with a provisional stage before permanent residence.
- Apply
- Outside Australia
- Application
- Both stages together
- Progression
- Separate stage decisions
Prospective Marriage visa
(subclass 300)
For eligible prospective spouses applying from outside Australia, who plan to come to Australia to marry.
- Apply
- Outside Australia
- Stay
- 9 to 15 months from grant
- Next step
- Separate partner application
Partner pathways are open to qualifying same-sex and different-sex couples. Permanent residence is subject to a separate assessment; it is not automatic after a period of time.
Start with the right questions
A shared future. A clear starting point.
We look at your circumstances together, including anything that may affect a valid application or the timing of your next step.
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Your relationship
For a partner pathway, you generally need a genuine, continuing married or de facto relationship. The 300 has its own requirements for prospective spouses.
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Your sponsor
Your partner or prospective spouse must have an eligible Australian or New Zealand status. Previous sponsorships and relevant character matters also need checking.
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Your location and current visa
The application location differs between pathways. Current visa conditions, expiry dates and past decisions can affect your options.
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Your family and circumstances
Dependent children may be considered where eligible. Identity, relationship, health and character evidence need to be planned for the people involved.
More than a collection of documents
Your life together. The evidence behind it.
A strong explanation connects the records to your actual relationship. We help you organise what you have, identify gaps and explain the context.
Your evidence can look different if you have lived apart, shared a home with family or managed finances separately. We work with your circumstances.
Talk through your evidenceParts of your relationship to explain clearly.
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Finances
How you share costs, resources and financial responsibilities.
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Your household
Your living arrangements and how everyday responsibilities work.
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Social recognition
How others know you as a couple and the life you share.
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Commitment
Your relationship history, connection and plans for the future.
A plan you can follow
From your situation to a practical plan.
We explain what to prepare and what happens next, so you can make informed decisions at each stage.
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Understand where you stand
Review the relationship, sponsor, current visas and family circumstances. Identify the pathway and any issues to address.
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Build the evidence
Create a timeline and document plan. Bring your relationship evidence, identity records and required checks together.
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Prepare and lodge
Complete the agreed application and sponsorship work. Check that information is accurate, consistent and supported.
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Keep the next stage in view
Respond to requests and report changes. For partner pathways, prepare for permanent-stage assessment when eligible.
Your situation. Our support.
A plan built around the life you share.
You may be applying for the first time, preparing for the permanent stage or bringing documents together across countries. We help you understand what matters and what to do next.
- Review the pathway, your current visa and sponsorship history.
- Build a relationship timeline and a practical evidence checklist.
- Prepare and manage the application work agreed with you.
- Explain scope, fees and responsibilities before you proceed.
The questions on your mind
Let's make things clearer.
A few answers to help you find your footing. We can look at the details when we understand your situation.
Do we need to be married?
The partner pathways can also be available to qualifying de facto couples. The de facto relationship usually needs to have existed for at least 12 months before applying, with exceptions. The 300 is for eligible prospective spouses planning to marry.
What is the difference between applying onshore and offshore?
You must be in Australia to apply for the 820 and 801 pathway, and outside Australia to apply for the 309 and 100 pathway. Your current visa, conditions and relationship circumstances also matter when deciding which application is possible.
Do we lodge the permanent stage later?
For the partner pathways, you apply for the temporary and permanent visas together. You later provide updated information for permanent-stage assessment, usually after two years from the combined application date. Exceptions may allow earlier consideration.
Can our children be included?
Dependent children may be included if they meet the applicable requirements. Age, dependency, custody or consent and the stage of the partner application can affect the process. We check each child's circumstances.
Can I work or travel while I wait?
Your rights depend on the visa you currently hold. The granted 820 and 309 allow work, study and travel. Before grant, check your existing visa or bridging visa conditions rather than assuming that lodging changes those rights.
How long will it take and what will it cost?
Use the official processing guide and current fee information for the relevant visa. Processing times are guides, and charges depend on your circumstances. We explain our professional fees before you proceed.
What if my sponsor has sponsored someone before?
Earlier sponsorships or having been sponsored can affect eligibility. The sponsorship limits and any available exceptions need to be considered against the dates and history of the people involved.
What if our relationship ends or there is family violence?
There are exceptions that may allow a partner application to continue in particular circumstances. You do not have to remain in an unsafe relationship to protect your visa plans. Seek advice about your changed circumstances.
Your next step starts with you
Your future together starts with a conversation.
Tell us where you and your family are now, and what you are planning. We will help you understand your options and the next step worth taking.