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Partner Visas in Australia — your complete guide

Reunite with your partner or spouse and build your life together in Australia.

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What are Partner Visas?

Partner visas let the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. They are evidence-intensive and usually involve a two-stage (temporary then permanent) process.

Partner applications are decided largely on the strength of your relationship evidence — assessed across the financial, household, social and commitment aspects of your relationship. Whether you apply onshore or offshore depends on where you are, and that choice affects your work rights and timing.

Partner Visas we cover

  • Partner visa (subclasses 820/801) — applying onshore
  • Partner visa (subclasses 309/100) — applying offshore
  • Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
  • Married and de facto relationship evidence
  • Sponsorship eligibility and obligations

Popular Partner Visas subclasses

Explore the individual visas in this category for detailed eligibility, costs and how to apply:

Not sure which one fits? Tell us your situation and we'll match you with agents who handle exactly your pathway.

Who can apply

Couples where one partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. A registered agent can help you assemble relationship evidence and present a strong, well-documented application.

Choosing the right Partner Visas

If you are in Australia, the onshore 820/801 usually gives you work rights and a bridging visa while it is decided; if you are overseas, the offshore 309/100 applies. If you are engaged but not yet married and want to marry in Australia, the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is the first step. Getting the pathway right at the start matters.

How Immigration Expert works

1

Tell us your situation

Answer a few quick questions about your visa goal, location and circumstances.

2

We match you

We connect you with up to 3 OMARA-registered agents who handle Partner Visas and serve your state.

3

Agents contact you

Compare their advice and choose who to work with. Free and no-obligation.

Do you need a registered migration agent?

You are not required to use a registered migration agent, but Partner Visas are detail-heavy and the rules change often. A small mistake — the wrong subclass, a missing document, a late response or an unevidenced claim — can mean delay or refusal, and a refusal can affect future applications. A registered migration agent confirms your eligibility before you spend money, recommends the right pathway, prepares your evidence and manages the process with the Department of Home Affairs. Through Immigration Expert you can be matched with up to three OMARA-registered agents who handle Partner Visas every day, compare their advice and choose who to work with — free and with no obligation.

Partner Visas — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between onshore and offshore partner visas?

The 820/801 are lodged while you are in Australia; the 309/100 are lodged while you are outside Australia. Your location and circumstances determine which applies.

Do we have to be married for a partner visa?

No. De facto partners can apply if they can demonstrate a genuine, continuing relationship, usually with at least 12 months of cohabitation or registration of the relationship.

How long does a partner visa take?

Processing times vary considerably. Strong, well-organised relationship evidence helps avoid delays — an agent can guide what to include.

Can I work while my partner visa is processed?

Onshore partner applicants generally have work rights on a bridging visa while the application is decided. Offshore applicants are usually outside Australia until the temporary visa is granted.

Get your free Partner Visas assessment

Tell us about your situation and we'll connect you with up to 3 OMARA-registered migration agents who specialise in Partner Visas and serve your state. Free and no-obligation.

ImmigrationExpert

We connect people seeking Australian visas with OMARA-registered migration agents and Australian legal practitioners. We are a matching service and do not provide immigration or legal advice.

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