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Partner Visa
Planning a future with your partner in Australia starts with choosing the right visa pathway. A partner visa can allow an eligible spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
There are many criteria that the applicant needs to meet to receive a partner visa. If you feel like you don’t meet one or more criteria, speak with our agent at Visa Associates. We help couples understand their visa options, prepare relationship evidence, and navigate the application process based on their individual circumstances.
We understand every case is different and will help you navigate through the complexities of the application. We specialise in Partner Visa applications and have a high success rate, so we will do our best to help you with your partner visa application.
Partner visa pathways generally involve a temporary or provisional stage followed by a permanent stage. Australia has different partner visa pathways depending on your relationship and whether you are in or outside Australia.
Subclass 820 and 801 are for eligible applicants applying in Australia.
Subclass 309 and 100 are for eligible applicants applying from outside Australia.
Subclass 300 is for eligible applicants who intend to marry their prospective spouse in Australia.
The evidence you provide should help demonstrate the nature and history of your relationship. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
Joint bank accounts, shared loans, mortgages, or regular financial commitments
Lease agreements, shared property ownership, utility bills, and other proof of living arrangements
Photos, messages, emails, letters, and other records showing your relationship over time
 Invitations, family events, social media interactions, and recognition of your relationship
Flight bookings, holidays, accommodation records, and trips taken together
Insurance policies, wills, beneficiary details, or other documents showing your commitment to each other
The documents required can vary depending on your visa pathway and personal circumstances. Our registered migration agent can help you understand which evidence is relevant to your application.
Partner Visa processing times generally range from 12 to 24 months, depending on the visa type, your circumstances, and the Department of Home Affairs’ assessment process. Several factors can affect how long your application takes:
A well-prepared application with the required documents can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Additional requests from the Department may extend the processing period, particularly when documents or evidence are missing.
Completing medical examinations and police checks promptly can help keep your application moving.
Visa Associates is a trusted immigration consultancy based in Melbourne, with more than 7 years of experience across Australian visa pathways. Here is our process:
We assess your relationship circumstances, discuss suitable visa pathways, and provide clear guidance on the application process and expectations.
We guide you through relationship evidence, sponsorship documents, statutory declarations, and required health and character documentation.
We prepare and review your application, coordinate supporting documents, and assist with lodgement and application reference details.
We monitor your application, assist with Department requests, and provide guidance through the permanent visa stage and beyond.
Planning to apply for a partner visa in Australia? Visa Associates can assess your circumstances, explain your available options, and guide you through the application process.
Call 0451 222 226 or email info@visaassociates.com.au to arrange a consultation with our MARA-registered agents and discuss your visa options.
An Australian partner visa takes between 12 and 24 months for the temporary stage, and a total of 3 to 4 years to reach permanent residency. It depends on the visa type, your circumstances, application completeness, and the Department of Home Affairs’ assessment process.
You generally need to be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and meet the relevant relationship, health, character, and sponsorship requirements.
Yes, you can work full-time and without restrictions on an Australian partner visa or while waiting for it to be processed (subject to the applicable visa conditions).
You generally become eligible for the permanent stage two years from the date you lodged your combined partner visa application. Some applicants are assessed sooner, including those in a long-term relationship at the time of applying.
If you and your partner separate during the partner visa process, you should notify the Department of Home Affairs promptly. Your application may be affected, although specific exceptions can apply in certain circumstances.
Failing to provide updated information about a relationship change may affect your visa application and future immigration matters. Visa Associates can provide appropriate advice about your options.
Yes, you may be able to apply for an Australian Partner Visa while living separately from your partner, provided your relationship is genuine and continuing.
You should provide evidence explaining why you live apart and demonstrating your ongoing commitment to each other. The circumstances of each relationship are considered as part of the visa assessment.
Yes, eligible dependent children may be included as secondary applicants in an Australian partner visa application, provided they meet the relevant legal and visa requirements.
The requirements can vary depending on the child’s circumstances and the partner visa pathway.
The main difference between Subclass 309 and Subclass 820 is where you are when you apply. Subclass 309 is the offshore Partner Visa pathway, while Subclass 820 is the onshore Partner Visa pathway for eligible applicants applying in Australia.