Partner Visas in Australia — Unite with Your Loved One and Build Your Life Together
Australia's Partner Visa program allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live, work, and study in Australia. Whether you’re married, engaged, or in a committed relationship, the Partner Visa offers pathways to permanent residency and family unity.
Categories Under the Partner Visa Program
| Visa Subclass |
Description |
Visa Type |
| Subclass 820 / 801 |
Onshore Partner Visa: Temporary (820) followed by Permanent (801) |
Temporary → Permanent |
| Subclass 309 / 100 |
Offshore Partner Visa: Temporary (309) followed by Permanent (100) |
Temporary → Permanent |
| Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) |
For fiancés to enter Australia and marry their partner |
Temporary (9 months) |
Eligibility Criteria for Partner Visas
- The applicant must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Relationship must be genuine and continuing. For de facto partners, proof of at least 12 months cohabitation is usually required (exceptions apply).
- Both partners must be 18 years or older (some exceptions for minors).
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Financial and social commitments to each other should be demonstrated through evidence such as joint finances, living arrangements, social activities, etc.
Occupations & Skills
- There are no occupation or skill requirements for Partner Visas.
- Visa grants work and study rights irrespective of profession or qualifications.
Conditions of the Partner Visa
- Temporary Partner visas (Subclass 820/309) allow full work and study rights in Australia.
- Visa holders can travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
- Permanent Partner visas (Subclass 801/100) grant indefinite stay with full rights.
- Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members once permanent residency is granted.
Visa Application Charges (VAC)
| Visa Type |
Primary Applicant |
Additional Applicant (18+) |
Child Applicant (Under 18) |
| Subclass 820 / 801 |
AUD 8,085 |
AUD 4,045 |
AUD 2,025 |
| Subclass 309 / 100 |
AUD 8,085 |
AUD 4,045 |
AUD 2,025 |
| Subclass 300 |
AUD 1,755 |
N/A |
N/A |
Fees are subject to change and do not include costs for health checks, police certificates, or biometrics.
Processing Times (Indicative)
| Visa Type |
Temporary Visa Processing |
Permanent Visa Processing |
| Subclass 820 |
12–24 months |
Subclass 801 (usually 2 years after 820 grant) |
| Subclass 309 |
8–14 months |
Subclass 100 (usually 2 years after 309 grant) |
| Subclass 300 |
9 months |
N/A |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Gather Evidence of Relationship — Prepare documents such as joint bank accounts, bills, photos, correspondence, statutory declarations, etc.
- Lodge Temporary Partner Visa Application
- Onshore applicants apply for Subclass 820
- Offshore applicants apply for Subclass 309
- Fiancé applicants apply for Subclass 300
- Health and Character Checks — Undertake medical examinations and police clearances as required.
- Await Temporary Visa Grant — Temporary Partner Visa grants full work and study rights.
- Apply/Wait for Permanent Partner Visa — After approximately 2 years from the initial application, apply or wait for grant of Subclass 801 or 100 permanent visa.
- Visa Grant and Family Reunion — Permanent visa holders can sponsor children or other family members under eligible categories.
Benefits of Partner Visas
- Live, work, and study freely in Australia
- Access to Medicare and other social services
- Travel freely to and from Australia while on temporary visa
- Pathway to Australian permanent residency and citizenship
- Sponsor eligible family members once permanent residency is granted
- Family unity and security
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Temporary Partner Visa (820 or 309) is a stepping stone to permanent residency.
- Permanent Partner Visa (801 or 100) is generally granted 2 years after initial application, subject to relationship continuing and no adverse factors.
- Permanent Partner visa grants indefinite stay and full social benefits.
- After 1 year of holding permanent residency, eligible applicants can apply for Australian citizenship.
