Overview
The Partner visa lets the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. Onshore applicants use subclasses 820 (temporary) then 801 (permanent); offshore applicants use 309 (temporary) then 100 (permanent). The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is for fiancés intending to marry.
Partner visas turn on evidence of a genuine relationship. The application is two-stage — a temporary visa, then a permanent decision around two years later. Strong, well-organised financial, social and household evidence is what makes the difference. We help you build and present it correctly the first time.
Who is eligible
- Be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen
- Have a genuine and continuing relationship (de facto generally 12 months unless registered/exempt)
- Be sponsored by your partner (sponsorship limits and approval apply)
- Meet health and character requirements
Costs
The base application charge is A$9,095 . Indicative Partner visa charge; a reduced charge can apply where the applicant holds an eligible Prospective Marriage (300) visa. Fees are indexed each year — see the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
Around 75% of applications are finalised within 12 months, and 90% within 19 months. Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Confirm the relationship basis. Married, de facto, or intending to marry (subclass 300).
- Prepare relationship evidence. Financial, social, household and commitment evidence is central to a strong application.
- Lodge the combined application. Temporary and permanent stages are lodged together; the permanent stage is decided later.
- Second-stage assessment. Around two years after lodgement, the permanent (801/100) stage is assessed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 820/801 and 309/100?
820/801 are for applicants in Australia (onshore); 309/100 are for applicants outside Australia (offshore). Both are two-stage: a temporary visa first, then permanent.
Do de facto couples need to have lived together for 12 months?
Generally yes, a de facto relationship of at least 12 months is expected, unless the relationship is registered or other compelling circumstances apply.
Can I work while my partner visa is being processed?
Your work rights depend on the stage you're at. When you first lodge the temporary partner visa onshore, you go on a bridging visa, and your work rights match those of the visa you held when you applied. Once the temporary partner visa is granted you have full work rights, and you keep those work rights while the permanent partner visa is being decided onshore.