Couple holding documents and discussing, symbolizing a genuine relationship for Australian Partner Visa application

Partner Visa

 You can apply for a Partner Visa Australia if you have a genuine and close relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a qualified New Zealand citizen. This visa enables the couple to reside together in Australia as the applicant changes from a temporary partner visa to a permanent partner visa.

At Classic Migration, we have registered migration agents who assist couples in preparing good partner visa applications. We also take you through the requirements, documents, and the application process to enable you to have better chances of success.

Need Help With Your Australian Partner Visa?

Speak with a registered Canberra migration agent today and get expert guidance on your Partner Visa application.

Types of Partner Visas: 820, 801, 309, 100

There are two major partner visa routes available in Australia: onshore and offshore. The route you take will depend on where you are when you submit your application, i.e., whether in Australia or outside Australia.

There are typically two stages in the process in both pathways. The first is that you are given a temporary partner visa, and this gives you the chance to live with your partner in Australia. After some time, you can be qualified to have a permanent partner visa, where you are allowed to permanently stay in Australia.

Partner Visa 820 (Onshore Temporary)

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a temporary visa of those who are already in Australia and in a real relationship with their partner.

This visa allows you to:

  • Reside in Australia with your partner.
  • Work and study in Australia
  • Access Medicare (if eligible)

Partner Visa 801 (Permanent – Onshore)

The second step in the onshore partner visa process is the Partner Visa 801, which results in permanent residence in Australia. In the majority of situations, approximately 2 years following the issuance of the Partner Visa 820, the applicants can be evaluated for the 801 partner visa. At this point, you might have to give new information to demonstrate that your relationship is still true and active.

If the Partner Visa 801 is granted, you will be able to reside in Australia permanently with your partner as well as work or study without any limitations.

Partner Visa 309 (Temporary – Offshore)

309 Partner Visa is a temporary visa that is applied for by individuals who are outside of Australia and are in a true relationship with an Australian partner.

This visa allows you to:

  • Go to Australia and move in with your partner.
  • Work and study in Australia
  • Inbound and outbound travel in Australia.

Partner Visa 100 (Permanent – Offshore)

The Partner Visa 100 is the permanent phase of the partner visa offshore program. It is given following the temporary Partner Visa 309 after the relationship has been determined to be genuine and continuing.

The applicants can be evaluated to receive the Partner Visa 100 after passing the requirements and having the Partner Visa 309. With this visa, you can permanently settle in Australia with your partner and enjoy most of the benefits and rights of permanent residents, assuming that you are approved.

Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visas

The primary distinction between offshore and onshore partner visas is the location at which the applicant is at the time of application. Some apply when they are already in Australia, whereas others apply outside Australia.

Onshore Partner Visa (820/801)

  • Made when the applicant is in Australia.
  • A decision can be made after the applicant has a bridging visa that allows her to remain in Australia.
  • Granted permanent Partner Visa 801.

Offshore Partner Visa (309/100)

  • Made when the applicant is not in Australia.
  • The visa will allow the applicant to enter Australia.
  • Applicant to the permanent Partner Visa 100.

Both visa options may be used to achieve permanent residence, provided the relationship is maintained and all the visa requirements are fulfilled.

Partner Visa Application Process & Checklist

The application of the Partner Visa Australia consists of a number of steps. Before the process, you should also get your documents ready and give solid evidence of your relationship. The availability of the correct information and documents could facilitate the application process.

Typical steps include:

  • Ensure that you are eligible for the visa.
  • Register a web-based application with the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Provide identity and relationship documents.
  • Offer police clearance and health checks.
  • Wait until the application is evaluated and reply in case additional information is demanded.

Partner visa document checklist includes: 

  • Some of the common documents needed are:
  • Identity and passport documents.
  • Marriage certificate or evidence of a de facto relationship.
  • Joint financial documents
  • Evidence of living together
  • Travel records and photos together.
  • Friends/family Form 888 partner visa statements.
  • Statutory declaration partner visa documents.
  • Partner visa relationship statement.

All applications vary, and it is therefore important to prepare the right partner visa checklist before you can submit your application.

Partner Visa Pathways at a Glance: Comparison Table

There are three partner visa pathways in Australia. The appropriate one will be determined by the applicant's location and the nature of the relationship with the partner. Some couples apply for their partner visa while they are already in Australia, and others apply from outside the country. It also includes a couple's visa for couples who are engaged and planning to marry in Australia.

Feature

Onshore Partner Visa (820 & 801)

Offshore Partner Visa (309 & 100)

Prospective Marriage Visa (300)

Where to Apply

Inside Australia

Outside Australia

Outside Australia

Relationship Status

Married or De Facto (12+ months)

Married or De Facto (12+ months)

Engaged (to marry in Australia)

Stage 1 Visa

Temporary Visa (Subclass 820)

Temporary Visa (Subclass 309)

Temporary Visa (Subclass 300)

Stage 2 Visa

Permanent Visa (Subclass 801)

Permanent Visa (Subclass 100)

Apply for 820/801 after marriage

Key Condition

Must hold a substantive visa when applying

Must be outside Australia for the grant

Must marry & apply for 820 before visa 300 expires

Best For

Couples already living together in Australia

Couples living overseas together

Engaged partners planning to marry in Australia

Partner Visa Requirements in Australia

In order to apply for a Partner Visa Australia, the applicant and the sponsor should fulfill some requirements. These are necessary to demonstrate that the relationship is real and that both partners satisfy the visa requirements.

The following requirements are typical of the applicants:

  • Have an actual and continuing relationship.
  • Be married or in a de facto relationship.
  • Have a qualified sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Give a good demonstration of the relationship.

The sponsors are also subjected to partner visa sponsor requirements, which can be characterized as checks and some legal obligations in the process of sponsoring a partner.

Processing Time for Partner Visa Australia

The processing time of a Partner Visa Australia can vary in duration based on the kind of visa and the completeness and strength of your application.

In general:

  • Partner Visa 820 (Onshore -Temporary): 12-24 months.
  • Partner Visa 801 (Onshore -Permanent): normally reviewed after approximately two years of the 820 visa.
  • Partner Visa 309 (Offshore -Temporary): approximately 12-20 months.
  • Partner Visa 100 (Offshore -Permanent): It is an extension of the temporary 309 visa step.

The processing time may vary depending on the number of applications and the availability of all the necessary documents.

Partner Visa Fees & Costs

The government of Australia sets the partner visa fee, which may vary over time. At the moment, the primary applicant fee begins at approximately AUD 9,095 to $9,365. This fee is usually inclusive of the temporary and permanent phases of the visa.

Other expenses can be:

  • Medical examinations
  • Police checks
  • Document translation
  • Professional migration guidance.

A partner visa migration agent can also assist in making sure that your application is complete and correct so that you are not at risk of delays.

Why Choose Classic Migration for Your Partner Visa

The process of partner visa application may be complex, and most applications are postponed or rejected due to the lack of documents or insufficient evidence. Our highly trained migration agents in Canberra at Classic Migration will assist you in the whole process and make your application more solid. We can help you with:

  • Determining your eligibility to the partner visa.
  • Making a full and proper application.
  • Arranging all supporting documentation.
  • Developing clear relationship statements.
  • Application procedures: how to file an application.

We are determined to simplify the process and make it worry-free, besides providing your application with the best opportunity of being approved.

Statutory Declaration & Relationship Documents

One of the major components of a partner visa application is to prove that your relationship is real. The Department of Home Affairs requires that your relationship is genuine and current. The right documents would make your application more convincing.

Common evidence includes:

  • Shared finances indicated by joint bank accounts.
  • Lease or joint property ownership.
  • Travel records together
  • Messages and photos that display your life as a couple.
  • Social media proof of your relationship.
  • Statutory declaration partner visa statements of the couple.
  • Friend or relative declarations on Form 888.

A good relationship statement must describe how your relationship began, the way it has evolved, and what you intend to do together.

Partner Visa Australia FAQ (820, 801, 309, 100)

How can Classic Migration help with my partner visa?

Classic Migration would assist you in the whole process of partner visa. We assist in determining your eligibility, preparing your documents, writing relationship statements, and filing your application in the right way to increase your chances of success.

Why hire a migration agent in Canberra?

A Canberra migration agent has undergone local and national visa procedures. They can assist you in making no errors, filing a good application and they can save time on your behalf by doing the complicated requirements.

How long does a partner visa application take?

The time taken to process the visa is dependent on the type of visa and the completeness of your application. Onshore temporary visas (820) typically require 12-24 months, offshore temporary visas (309) approximately 12-20 months and permanent visas come after temporary period.

What documents are required for a partner visa?

You must have papers to demonstrate who you are and who you are related to. Some of the common documents are passports, marriage or de facto evidence, joint financial evidence, evidence of cohabitation, photographs, statutory declarations, Form 888 by friends or family, and a relationship statement.

What is the Australia Fiancé Visa (Subclass 300) and who can apply?

The Australia Fiancé Visa (Subclass 300) allows your fiancé(e) to enter Australia to marry their Australian citizen or permanent resident partner within 9 months of visa grant. Eligible applicants must be engaged, at least 18 years old, meet health and character requirements, and intend to marry in Australia during this period.

What is a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)?

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) lets you come to Australia to marry your fiancé(e) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

With our Prospective Marriage Visa Service in Canberra, we make the whole process easy and stress-free. From helping you prepare your application to guiding you every step of the way, we’re here so you can focus on the exciting part—planning your wedding and life together

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