If you're in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and want to live together in Australia, the Partner Visa Australia is your pathway to achieving that. Applying for a partner visa can be an emotional and administrative journey, but with the right information and preparation, the process can be smooth and successful.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to apply for Partner Visa Australia, covering everything from types of visas, eligibility, and documents required to processing times and expert tips.

What Is the Partner Visa Australia?

The Australian Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor to live in Australia. It is designed to reunite couples who are in committed relationships, giving them the opportunity to build a life together permanently.

There are two main pathways based on where the applicant is at the time of application:

• Onshore Application (Subclass 820/801) – If you're already in Australia.

• Offshore Application (Subclass 309/100) – If you're applying from outside Australia.

Both streams begin with a temporary visa, followed by a permanent partner visa granted after two years (if the relationship remains genuine and ongoing).

Types of Partner Visas

Let’s briefly explore the types of partner visas available:

1. Subclass 820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa

• 820 Visa: Temporary partner visa that lets you stay in Australia while awaiting the permanent decision.

• 801 Visa: Permanent residency granted two years after the initial application.

2. Subclass 309/100 – Offshore Partner Visa

• 309 Visa: Temporary visa granted to applicants outside Australia.

• 100 Visa: Permanent partner visa granted approximately two years later.

Who Can Apply for Partner Visa Australia?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be in a genuine spousal or de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor.

• Be over 18 years old.

• Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Provide strong evidence of a genuine relationship.

If applying as a de facto couple, you must prove you've lived together for at least 12 months, unless your relationship is registered.

Documents Required to Apply for Partner Visa

Proper documentation is key to a successful application. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:

Personal Documents

• Passport bio page

• Birth certificate

• National ID (if applicable)

Relationship Evidence

• Joint bank account statements

• Lease agreements or mortgage documents

• Utility bills in both names

• Photos over time and during major events

• Evidence of communication (texts, emails, calls)

• Travel itineraries together

Form Requirements

• Form 888 – Statutory declarations from two Australian witnesses

• Personal statements detailing the history and nature of the relationship

Health and Character Documents

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical examination results

How to Apply for Partner Visa in Australia

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply for Partner Visa Australia:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents to support your relationship claim. Organize them into categories such as financial, social, emotional, and household evidence.

Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount

Register for an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. This is where you’ll lodge and track your application.

Step 3: Submit the Application Online

Lodge your application for the temporary and permanent visas (e.g., 820/801 or 309/100) in one combined submission.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

As of 2025, the partner visa application fee starts at AUD 8,850. Additional charges may apply for secondary applicants.

Step 5: Undergo Health and Police Checks

Complete your health check with a registered clinic and obtain police clearance certificates for all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Grant

Temporary visas are granted first. After two years, you’ll be invited to submit updated relationship evidence for the permanent stage.

Partner Visa Processing Times in 2025

Processing times can vary depending on demand and the completeness of your application. Here are estimated timelines:

• Subclass 820 (Temporary): 10 to 20 months

• Subclass 801 (Permanent): Usually 2 years from the original lodgment date

• Subclass 309 (Temporary): 10 to 15 months

• Subclass 100 (Permanent): 2 years after 309 grant

Using a migration agent can help avoid delays and ensure all documents are submitted correctly.

Can You Work While Waiting for a Partner Visa?

Yes! If you’ve applied onshore, you’ll typically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) after your current visa expires. This visa allows:

• Full work rights

• Access to Medicare

• The ability to stay lawfully in Australia while your application is processed

You can also apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if you need to travel overseas temporarily.

Benefits of Partner Visa Australia

Holding a partner visa comes with many benefits, including:

• Live and work in Australia permanently

• Access to healthcare and other public services

• Ability to sponsor family members

• Pathway to Australian citizenship

• Legal recognition of your relationship

After obtaining the permanent visa, you may apply for citizenship once you meet the residency requirements (generally four years in Australia, including one year as a permanent resident).

Why Use a Migration Agent?

Although you can apply for a partner visa yourself, many applicants choose to use a registered migration agent for peace of mind.

A trusted agent like Nexus Migration can:

• Ensure your application meets all legal and documentation requirements

• Help structure your relationship evidence correctly

• Minimise risk of delays or refusal

• Provide support throughout the entire visa journey

Having expert advice can make a big difference—especially when dealing with an emotionally important visa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent evidence

• Not translating foreign documents

• Delaying police checks or health exams

• Failing to update the Department if your circumstances change

Carefully reviewing your application and documents before submission can prevent unnecessary setbacks.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Partner Visa in Australia is a major step for couples wanting to build a life together down under. While the process requires patience and attention to detail, the reward is permanent residency and a future with your partner in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

Take your time to gather strong evidence, follow the process carefully, and don’t hesitate to get expert help. Whether you’re applying from inside or outside Australia, the partner visa pathway is your official route to starting a permanent life together.