Migrating to Australia to be with your partner is a dream for many. The Australian Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. However, applying for this visa requires a clear understanding of the legal criteria, documentation, and timelines.

In this guide, we break down the key Learn about Partner Visa Requirements in Australia , essential considerations, and application tips to help you make a smooth transition to life in Australia.

What Is a Partner Visa?

The Australian Partner Visa allows someone in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or resident to enter and stay in Australia. It consists of two main stages:

• Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – Allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent visa is processed.

• Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – Grants permanent residency after two years, subject to ongoing relationship verification.

If you're applying from outside Australia, you’ll apply for Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent).

Key Requirements for a Partner Visa

To be eligible for a Partner Visa, you must meet a range of criteria. Here are the most important requirements to keep in mind:

1. Genuine and Ongoing Relationship

This is the most critical factor in your application. You must prove that your relationship is:

• Genuine and continuing

• Mutually committed to a shared life

• Exclusive (i.e., not in another relationship)

• Not for immigration purposes only

The Department of Home Affairs assesses your relationship based on:

• Joint financial responsibilities

• Social recognition of the relationship

• Shared household arrangements

• The length and nature of the relationship

2. Sponsorship by an Eligible Partner

Your partner must be:

• An Australian citizen

• An Australian permanent resident, or

• An eligible New Zealand citizen

They must also agree to sponsor you and meet character and financial obligations.

3. Proof of Relationship Duration

If you're applying as a de facto partner, your relationship must have existed for at least 12 months before the application unless you have registered your relationship in an Australian state or territory.

Essential Documents Needed

To strengthen your application, include the following documents:

• Identity documents (passports, birth certificates)

• Relationship evidence (photos, joint bank accounts, utility bills)

• Statements from friends and family (Form 888)

• Communication history (texts, emails, travel records)

• Marriage certificate (if married)

• Police checks from all countries lived in for 12+ months

Make sure all documents are translated into English if needed and certified correctly.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather All Documentation

Ensure you have all required documents to prove identity, relationship status, and sponsorship.

Step 2: Apply Online via ImmiAccount

You must lodge the visa online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount. This is where you'll upload all documents, complete forms, and track your application.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The Partner Visa cost is approximately AUD 8,850 as of 2025, but this may change. Additional charges apply for dependents.

Step 4: Health and Character Checks

You’ll need to undergo a health examination and provide police clearance certificates from all countries you’ve lived in.

Step 5: Temporary Visa Approval (Subclass 820 or 309)

Once granted, you can live and work in Australia while the permanent visa is assessed.

Step 6: Permanent Visa Decision (Subclass 801 or 100)

Typically processed two years after lodging the initial application—unless you’ve been in a long-term relationship, in which case you may get both visas simultaneously.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications

• Not providing sufficient relationship evidence

• Inconsistent information across documents

• Failing to declare previous relationships or children

• Not keeping records updated during the waiting period

Hiring a registered migration agent can help you avoid these errors and strengthen your application.

How Long Does a Partner Visa Take?

The processing times for Partner Visas vary:

Make sure to check the latest updates on the Home Affairs website.

Can You Include Family Members?

Yes, you can include dependent children in your application. They must meet age and dependency criteria and will be assessed as part of your application.

Can You Work While on a Partner Visa?

Once the subclass 820 or 309 visa is granted, you have full work rights in Australia. You can also access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

Can You Travel During the Process?

If you're applying onshore, you’ll need to apply for a bridging visa with travel rights (BVB). Offshore applicants (subclass 309) can enter Australia once their temporary visa is granted.

What If the Relationship Ends?

If your relationship ends before the permanent visa is granted, your visa may be refused or cancelled. However, there are exceptions for cases involving:

• Domestic violence

• Custody of children

• Death of the sponsoring partner

Seek legal or migration advice if you're in this situation.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Keep consistent evidence over time (bills, joint travel, social posts)

• Write detailed relationship statements (covering how you met, daily life, future plans)

• Submit Form 888 with statutory declarations from Australian friends or family

• Keep all communication records during the waiting period

• Notify the department of changes (address, name, contact)

Conclusion

The Australian Partner Visa offers a beautiful opportunity to start a life with your loved one Down Under. While the process can be long and sometimes overwhelming, understanding the partner visa requirements and being prepared can significantly increase your chances of success.

From proving your relationship to submitting the right paperwork, every step counts. Whether you're applying for a partner visa subclass 820 or from overseas via partner visa subclass 309, staying organized and truthful in your application is essential.

To ensure everything goes smoothly, consider consulting a registered migration agent who can guide you through this emotional and legal journey with professional advice.