Partner Visas

Partner Visas play a vital role in helping couples and families reunite and build their lives together in Australia. These visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their foreign partners to live, work, and study in Australia.

The application process typically involves two stages. First, applicants apply for a temporary partner visa—either the Subclass 309 (offshore) or Subclass 820 (onshore). After fulfilling the necessary requirements and completing the waiting period, they can apply for a permanent partner visa—the Subclass 100 or Subclass 801.

A successful application requires detailed documentation that proves the authenticity of the relationship, such as evidence of shared finances, living arrangements, and social recognition of the partnership. Proper preparation and submission of this evidence are crucial for approval.

Schedule A Call

Email Us

Key Considerations for Partner Visas

Eligibility

To apply for a Partner Visa, the couple must be in a genuine and committed relationship. This applies to both married and de facto relationships. Applicants must provide solid evidence of their relationship, such as shared finances, joint living arrangements, and social acknowledgment of the partnership.

Sponsorship

The applicant must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Sponsors must meet specific financial and character requirements to support their partner.

Visa Processing

Partner visa applications are often complex and can take significant time to process. The timeline varies based on the chosen visa stream, the completeness of the application, and current processing demands.

Health and Character Checks

Both the applicant and the sponsor must pass health and character checks as part of the visa assessment process.

Work and Study Rights

Partner visa holders are granted full work and study rights in Australia while their application is being processed and after approval.

Permanent Residency

Granting of the Subclass 100 visa provides permanent residency, allowing the holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely with access to healthcare and other government benefits.

Including Family Members

Applicants can include their dependent children in the visa application, allowing the entire family to stay together in Australia.

Processing Times for Partner Visas
Processing times for Partner Visas can vary depending on the type of visa, the completeness of the application, and the level of demand. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on processing times, it’s recommended to check the Department of Home Affairs website.

Partner Visa Options In Australia

Australia offers several partner visa options for individuals seeking to join their spouse or de facto partner in the country. These visas allow partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live, work, and study in Australia.

Partner Visa Onshore – Subclass 820 & 801

The Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801) is designed for individuals in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows applicants to apply while they are physically in Australia.

The process begins with the Subclass 820 Visa, which is a temporary visa that permits the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while their permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is being processed.

After approximately two years from lodging the Subclass 820 application, eligible applicants may be granted the Subclass 801 Visa, which provides permanent residency in Australia. This allows the visa holder to stay indefinitely, with full access to healthcare, education, and other social benefits.

Partner Visa Offshore – Subclass 309 & 100

The Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100) is for individuals in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who are applying from outside Australia.

The process begins with the Subclass 309 Visa, a temporary visa that allows the applicant to enter and live in Australia with their partner while their permanent partner visa (Subclass 100) is being processed. This visa also grants the right to work and study in Australia.

After about two years from lodging the Subclass 309 application, eligible applicants may be granted the Subclass 100 Visa, providing them with permanent residency in Australia. This visa allows them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with access to healthcare and social services.

Prospective Marriage Visa – Subclass 300

The Prospective Marriage Visa, subclass 300, is for people who are engaged to be married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows the applicant to travel to Australia to marry their intended spouse.

Once granted, the visa is valid for nine months, during which the applicant must enter Australia and get married to their fiancé(e). After the marriage, the applicant can apply for an Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801), which provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

This visa allows the holder to live, work, and study in Australia during the nine-month period leading up to the marriage.

Apply for a Partner visa

Navigate the process of bringing your partner to Australia with this easy-to-follow guide on applying for a Partner Visa, helping you reunite and build a life together.

We take each step with you and provide help and advice throughout your migration journey.

Step 1
Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.
Step 2
From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.
Step 3
Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!

Not sure what visa you could be eligible for?

Australian visas can be confusing, especially if you might have more than one option. Use our Visa Finder to view your visa options.

Get in touch

Want to speak to someone about your case?

Not sure where to go from here? Speak to a registered migration agent about your immigration needs today.

Consult

Know what you need and want some pricing?

Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.

Get a quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of Partner Visas are available in Australia?

Australia offers several Partner Visa options, depending on your relationship status and whether you are applying from inside or outside the country:

Onshore Partner Visas (Apply inside Australia):

Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 820: This visa allows partners to stay in Australia temporarily while the permanent visa is processed.
Partner Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 801: After holding the Subclass 820 visa for about 2 years, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency.

Offshore Partner Visas (Apply outside Australia):

Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 309: This visa allows partners to enter and stay in Australia temporarily while waiting for the permanent visa.
Partner Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 100: This permanent visa can be granted about 2 years after applying for the Subclass 309 visa.

Prospective Marriage Visa:

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): For individuals engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows the applicant to enter Australia to marry their partner and later apply for a Partner Visa.

Who is eligible for a Partner Visa?

To be eligible for a Partner Visa, applicants must:

Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Be married or in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months (exceptions apply for registered relationships).
Provide evidence of a shared life, including financial, social, and household commitments.
Meet health and character requirements.
Have their partner willing to sponsor them for at least 2 years.

What evidence is required for a Partner Visa application?

Applicants must provide evidence to prove their relationship is genuine and ongoing, including:

Joint financial commitments (shared bills, bank accounts, property ownership).
Living arrangements (rental agreements, utility bills showing the same address).
Social proof of the relationship (photos together, joint invitations, social media evidence).
Commitment to each other (future plans, communication records).
For de facto couples, proof of living together for at least 12 months (unless in a registered relationship).

Subscribe for the latest immigration updates

Subscribe to keep current with the latest immigration changes affecting your situation and industry. Follow us on our social media channels so you don’t miss an update.

Visa Resources

Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and essential resources on Australia’s evolving visa programs. From skilled migration pathways to new visa regulations, K1 Migration provides clear, accurate, and actionable information to help individuals and businesses successfully navigate the complex immigration landscape.