A partner visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
There are 2 stages in the partner visa process. A provisional partner visa is granted first, then usually after 24 months a permanent partner visa is granted.
You apply for the provisional and the permanent partner visas together.
Partner Visa Options
Thinking of applying for a Partner Visa? This comprehensive guide is for you.
1
Partner visa subclasses 820/801 (apply in Australia)
The Partner (Subclass 820 and 801) visa is a two-stage visa process for persons who are already in Australia and are seeking to stay in Australia on the basis of being in a relationship with an eligible partner (sponsor).
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 8,085 for most applicants. Different charges may apply if applicant held or previously held other visa types
From AUD 1,350 for Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders.
You pay for the temporary and the permanent visa at the same time.
There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time for 820
- 75% of applications: 19 months
- 90% of applications: 25 months
Processing time for 801
- 75% of applications: 11 months
- 90% of applications: 18 months
- You must be in Australia to lodge a valid application for this visa.
- You must apply for the 820 and 801 visa together.
- You must be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand.
- Your relationship must be proven to be an exclusive, committed, genuine and continuing relationship.
- Your relationship must be able to prove, cumulatively, that you and your partner meet the following four factors:
- Joint financial aspects of the relationship.
- Joint nature of the household arrangement.
- The social aspects of the relationship.
- The nature of the couple's commitment to one another.
- For couples who are in a de facto relationship the law stipulates that the length of the relationship must be at least of 12 months duration. However, there are exceptions to this requirement prescribed in relevant legislation including when the relationship has been registered under a law of a State or Territory.
- You must meet health and character requirements.
- You will be granted the 820 (temporary) visa first. Until your 801 (permanent) visa is granted, the 820 visa will allow you to:
- live and work in Australia
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
- enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
- For the 801 visa to be granted, usually 2 years must have passed since the application for 820/801 was made and you must continue to be sponsored by your sponsoring partner.
2
Partner visa subclasses 309/100 (apply overseas)
The Partner (Subclass 309 and 100) visa is a two-stage visa process for persons who are overseas and are seeking entry to Australia on the basis of being in a relationship with an eligible partner (sponsor).
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 8,085.
You pay for the temporary and the permanent visa at the same time.
There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time for 309
- 75% of applications: 12 months
- 90% of applications: 18 months
Processing time for 801
- 75% of applications: 12 months
- 90% of applications: 24 months
- You must be outside Australia to lodge a valid application for this visa.
- You must apply for the 309 and 100 visa together.
- You must be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand.
- Your relationship must be proven to be an exclusive, committed, genuine and continuing relationship.
- Your relationship must be able to prove, cumulatively, that you and your partner meet the following four factors:
- Joint financial aspects of the relationship.
- Joint nature of the household arrangement.
- The social aspects of the relationship.
- The nature of the couple's commitment to one another.
- For couples who are in a de facto relationship the law stipulates that the length of the relationship must be at least of 12 months duration. However, there are exceptions to this requirement prescribed in relevant legislation including when the relationship has been registered under a law of a State or Territory.
- You must meet health and character requirements.
- You will be granted the 309 (temporary) visa first. Until your 100 (permanent) visa is granted, the 309 visa will allow you to:
- live and work in Australia
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
- enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
- For the 100 visa to be granted, usually 2 years must have passed since the application for 309/100 was made and you must continue to be sponsored by your sponsoring partner.
3
Prospective marriage visa subclass 300 (apply overseas)
The Prospective marriage (Subclass 300) visa, also known as fiancé visa, is a temporary visa for persons who are overseas and are seeking entry to Australia to marry their prospective spouse and with a view to remaining in the country permanently.
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 8,085.
There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time for 300
- 75% of applications: 9 months
- 90% of applications: 12 months
Travel & Stay (months)
Stay in Australia for up to 9 months from date of grant of visa.
- You must be outside Australia to lodge a valid application for this visa.
- This a provisional visa and will allow you to enter and remain in Australia for 9 months to marry your fiancé.
- You and your fiancé must have a genuine intention to marry within the 9 months validity period of the visa.
- You must have met in person and are known to one another.
- You must genuinely intend to live together as spouses.
- You must meet health and character requirements.
- If you wish to settle permanently in Australia, you will need to apply for an onshore Partner Visa (820/801):
- after you are married, and
- before your Prospective Marriage visa ends
- You will pay less for the Partner visa if you apply for it while your Prospective Marriage visa is still valid.
Need help with your partner visa application?
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Methodology
How it works
Here’s how we'll work with you:
1
Initial consultation & documents review
We ask you to send us some background information. An experienced consultant is assigned to your case who sets up an initial online call to go over your specific migration goals and challenges.
2
In depth research & Advice
Your personal consultant then researches all possible options for you and prepares a detailed plan of action and milestones for your successful migration.
3
Application prep & submission
Once you approve the plan, your personal consultant takes over. Your application is prepared, all relevant documents are compiled and lodged focusing on timely and error free submissions.
4
Ongoing updates & communication
Our team continually monitors the progress of your application every step of the process. Any updates are promptly communicated to you to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Testimonials
Accreditations & Memberships
Good luck to you with the partner visa application as well as with your journey to becoming a permanent resident and citizen of Australia.
Still need more help? Contact our Partner Visa Specialists who will guide you step by step in preparing and lodging your partner visa application.