Partner Visa Experts – Secure Application Assistance At migrateVerse
Applying for a Partner Visa Australia is a major legal step that helps qualified couples to live together in Australia. The application procedure requires strict eligibility criteria, thorough relationship documentation, and compliance with Australian immigration law.
Quick Snapshot
Visa Name
Partner Visa
Subclasses
820, 801, 309 & 100
Relationship Types
Married & de-facto
Eligible Sponsor
PR Citizen, Eligible NZ Citizen
Family Inclusion
Yes
Work Rights
Full work rights (after submission)
*Processing times vary and are controlled by the Department of Home Affairs.
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).
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 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.
- 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 Under Partner Visas
Partner Visas are given through temporary and permanent stages, which depend on whether the application is submitted inside or outside Australia.
Onshore Partner Visas
Subclass 820 Temporary
Lets applicants who are staying in Australia remain lawfully while the DHA evaluates their partner relationship.
- Applicants should be in Australia at the time of application.
- First stage of the onshore Partner Visa pathway.
- Allows work, study, and Medicare access.
Subclass 801 Permanent
Awarded once the DHA certifies that the relationship is still legitimate, continuing, and compliant.
- Granted after holding a Subclass 820.
- Relationships must continue to be genuine and continuing.
- Provides permanent residency in Australia.
Offshore Partner Visas
Subclass 309 Temporary
While the DHA decides whether an application is eligible for a permanent Visa, it permits non-Australians to visit and reside.
- 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
The permanent level permitted once the DHA confirms the partner relationship continues to meet requirements.
- Grants permanent residency.
- Provides full work and study rights with Medicare access.
- Allows long-term travel flexibility & citizenship pathways.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Check
All offshore and onshore applicants are subject to an eligibility assessed Australian migration law with relationship and legal criteria.
Onshore Partner Visa Eligibility (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, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Genuine & Continuing: 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.
- Health and Character: Applicants must be of sound health and provide police checks or clearances.
Offshore Partner Visa Eligibility (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 & Continuing: The relationship must be proven as genuine and continuing through evidence assessed under regulations.
- Sponsor Eligibility: The sponsor is required to be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ Citizen.
- Health and Character: 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
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.
Aspects Evidence
Applicants must also submit relevant evidence in respect of financial, household, social, and commitment aspects.
Partner Visa Fees & Processing Time
You Should Know processing times & costs associated.
| Subclass | 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 holders. | Temporarily until your permanent (subclass 801) application is finalised. | 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 & permanent. | 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 (subclass 100) application is finalised. | Processing times vary. |
| Subclass 100 | Permanent (Offshore) | Already paid at the time when you made your applications for the temporary & permanent. | Permanent | Processing times vary. |
Use Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate visa fees. Always verify details on the official site before making any payments.
How migrateVerse Handle Your 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:
Eligibility & Relationship Assessment
We evaluate your relationship, visa criteria, and sponsor eligibility in accordance with DHA guidelines.
Relationship Evidence Guidance
We show you how to collect relationship proof in a range of categories so it is aligned with assessment guidelines.
Document Preparation & Review
We review all documents carefully to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance before visa submission.
Visa Application Submission
We submit your Partner Visa application correctly through ImmiAccount with all required declarations completed.
Health & Character Support
We help you through medical and police clearance examinations as directed by Home Affairs.
Application Monitoring & Follow-Up
We keep an eye on your application and attend to any DHA queries within time limits.
Visa Outcome & Next-Stage Guidance
We explain visa conditions and advise on permanent stage requirements after a decision is made.
Common Reasons for Refusal
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 Information: Inconsistent information found in forms, statements, or papers raises doubts about legitimacy.
- 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.
- Health or Character Standards: Applicant does not meet health or character requirements as prescribed by DHA.
Why choose migrateVerse?
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
⚠️ NOTE
Department of Home Affairs is the source of all the information shown here. This information should only be used as broad guidance because immigration laws and personal conditions differ. We don't promise or assert that anything will be granted. Before moving on, applicants should independently verify the information. If you need assistance, our team is here to help.