About Partner Visa Australia

The partner visa allows the married or de facto partner of an Australian permanent resident, citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa is meant to support genuine and continuing relationships and is assessed under Australian migration law by the Department of Home Affairs.

The Partner Visa has two stages. Applicants are initially considered for a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820 when onshore or Subclass 309 if applied from outside Australia). If you continue to meet the criteria, you will be eligible for consideration of a Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801 or Subclass 100). Each stage requires the relationship to be real and genuine.

At migrateVerse, we help applicants by offering legal and clear advice as per the official requirements of Department of Home Affairs. Our migration consultants assist applicants in navigating the eligibility, relationship criteria, and documentation requirements involved with submitting a Partner Visa application. 

What does the Partner Visa Australia offer? 

Partner visa permits eligible partners to live, work, and study in Australia lawfully. Here’s what you will enjoy: 

• Live in Australia with your partner: The visa allows applicants to live in Australia whilst their relationship is considered under migration law.
• Full work rights: Holders can work in Australia without restrictions, supporting financial independence during visa processing.
• Study rights in Australia: Applicants are allowed to undertake study in Australia, subject to enrolment conditions and personal conditions.
• Access to Medicare: Those who are eligible applicants can apply for Medicare after they have applied for a Partner Visa, under the DHA regulations.
• Pathway to permanent residency: Successful applicants can move from a Temporary to a Permanent Partner Visa when/if conditions are still being met.

Different Subclasses of Partner Visas Available in Australia 

Partner Visas are given through temporary and permanent stages, which depend on whether the application is submitted inside or outside Australia.

1. Onshore Partner Visas (Subclass 820 & 801)

Subclass 820 (Temporary Onshore)

The Subclass 820 visa lets applicants who are staying in Australia remain lawfully while the Department of Home Affairs evaluates their partner relationship for eligibility for the permanent Partner Visa stage.

• Applicants should be in Australia at the time of application.
• First stage of the onshore Partner Visa pathway.
• Allows work, study, and Medicare access, subject to eligibility.

Subclass 801 (Permanent Onshore)

The Subclass 801 visa, which is the final step in the onshore Partner Visa procedure, is awarded once the Department of Home Affairs certifies that the relationship is still legitimate, continuing, and compliant with Australian immigration law.

• Granted after holding a Subclass 820.
• Relationships must continue to be genuine and continuing.
• Provides permanent residency in Australia.

2. Offshore Partner Visas (Subclass 309 & 100)

Subclass 309 (Temporary Offshore) 

While the Department of Home Affairs decides whether an application is eligible for a permanent Partner Visa, the Subclass 309 visa permits non-Australians to visit and reside in Australia.

• Applicants must be outside Australia when the application is submitted.
• First stage of the offshore Partner Visa pathway. 
• Permits work and study in Australia. 

Subclass 100 (Permanent Offshore) 

The Subclass 100 visa is the permanent level of the offshore Partner Visa pathway, permitted once the Department of Home Affairs confirms the partner relationship continues to meet visa requirements.

• Grants permanent residency to eligible visa holders after assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Provides full work and study rights in Australia with access to Medicare benefits.
• Allows long-term travel flexibility and eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship when requirements are met.

Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa Australia: Eligibility Check 

All offshore and onshore applicants are subject to an eligibility assessed Australian migration law with relationship and legal criteria.

1. Onshore Partner Visa Eligibility (Subclass 820 / 801)

• Applicant Location:  Applicant will need to be in Australia at the time of application for a Partner Visa and have an active substantive or eligible bridging visa.
• Relationship Status: Applicant needs to be either married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Genuine & Continuing Relationship: This relationship must be genuine and exclusive, meeting DHA-criteria at the time of application.
• Sponsor Eligibility: The sponsoring partner will be required to meet sponsorship criteria, such as character checks and previous sponsorship restrictions.
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must be of sound health and provide police checks or clearances as applicable for the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Offshore Partner Visa Eligibility (Subclass 309 / 100)

• Applicant Location: This applicant needs to be outside Australia when the offshore Partner Visa application is submitted and when the decision of the temporary visa is made.
• Relationship Status: Applicant must be legally married or in a de facto relationship with an eligible Australian sponsor.
• Genuine Relationship Evidence: The relationship must be proven as genuine and continuing through evidence assessed under Australian migration regulations.
• Sponsor Eligibility: The sponsor is required to be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand Citizen and meet sponsorship requirements.
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicant must meet the health and character requirement by Australian immigration law.

Evidence Required for Partner Visa 

Partner Visa applications require clear evidence that the relationship meets Department of Home Affairs definitions and is genuine, ongoing, and exclusive.

Married Relationship

Marriage to be valid under Australian law, and the relationship genuine, continuing, and not solely for the purpose of a visa.

De Facto Relationship

Generally, partners need to show at least 12 months of cohabitation, with limited exemptions under Australian migration laws.

Genuine And Continuing Requirement

The Department of Home Affairs tests the genuineness, continuity and mutual commitment at both application and decision stages.

Exclusive Relationship

Both partners must be committed to each other exclusively and not legally married or in a de facto relationship with anyone else.

Evidence Across Relationship Aspects

Applicants must also submit relevant evidence in respect of financial, household, social, and commitment aspects, such as those prescribed under Australian migration law.

Partner Visa Fees & Processing Time: You Should Know 

Subclasses	Visa Type	Fees	Stay Duration	Processing Time
Subclass 820	Temporary (Onshore)	From AU$ 9,365.00 for most applicants. From AU$ 1,560.00 for Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders	Temporarily until your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) application is finalised or you withdraw your application.	Processing times vary, but you can check out the visa processing time guide tool
Subclass 801	Permanent (Onshore)	Already paid at the time when you made your applications for the temporary and permanent Partner visas.	Permanent	Processing times vary, but you can check out the visa processing time guide tool
Subclass 309	Temporary (Offshore)	From AU$ 9,365.00, as per the official website	Temporarily until your permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) application is finalised or you withdraw your application.	Processing times vary, but you can check out the visa processing time guide tool
Subclass 100	Permanent (Offshore)	Already paid at the time when you made your applications for the temporary and permanent Partner visas.	Permanent	Processing times vary, but you can check out the visa processing time guide tool

• Use Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate visa fees. Always verify details on the official site before making any payments

How migrateVerse Handle Your Partner Visa Application?  

Partner visa application involves detailed legal preparation, precise evidence, and compliance with Australian migration law at all turns. Here at migrateVerse, we try our best to make things work for our clients: 

1️⃣ Eligibility & Relationship Assessment

We evaluate your relationship, visa criteria, and sponsor eligibility in accordance with the Department of Home Affairs guidelines.

2️⃣ Relationship Evidence Guidance

We show you how to collect relationship proof in a range of categories so it is aligned with Department of Home Affairs assessment guidelines.

3️⃣ Document Preparation & Review

We review all documents carefully to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance before visa submission.

4️⃣ Visa Application Submission 

We submit your Partner Visa application correctly through ImmiAccount with all required declarations completed.

5️⃣ Health & Character Support

We help you through medical and police clearance examinations as directed by Home Affairs.

6️⃣ Application Monitoring & Follow-Up

We keep an eye on your application and attend to any Department of Home Affairs queries within time limits.

7️⃣ Visa Outcome & Next-Stage Guidance

We explain visa conditions and advise on permanent stage requirements after a decision is made.

Common Reasons Partner Visa Applications Get Refused 

Partner Visa refusals generally happen where applications fail to satisfy the relationship or legal requirements found within the pages of Australian migration law.

• Insufficient Relationship Evidence: Lack of proof that includes financial, home, social, and commitment aspects in the relationship.
• Inconsistent or Contradictory Information: Inconsistent information found in forms, statements, or papers raises doubts about the legitimacy of the relationship.
• No Genuine Relationship: The Department is not satisfied that the relationship is genuine and continuing or was entered into to share life.
• Sponsor Ineligibility Issues: Sponsor does not meet eligibility requirements or has sponsorship limitations under Australian migration regulations.
• Not Meeting Health or Character Standards: Applicant does not meet health or character requirements as prescribed by DHA.

Why choose migrateVerse for Partner Visa Australia? 

Partner Visa applications are difficult; expert help ensures your application is complete, compliant, and meets Department of Home Affairs standards.

• We find gaps in financial, social, and household evidence to strengthen your visa application.
• We advise on the suitable visa pathway, onshore or offshore, based on your location and relationship.
• We help you through medicals, police checks, and all legal compliance steps.
• We follow up with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf, keeping you informed throughout.
• We help prepare statutory declarations, affidavits, and supporting documents specific to your relationship type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)