For many couples, building a life together in Australia is one of the most important decisions they will make. Whether you met while travelling, studying, working, or through family connections, Australia’s Partner Visa program allows couples to live together and build their future in the same country. 

However, applying for a partner visa can feel overwhelming. The process is detailed, the evidence requirements can be extensive, and the timelines may stretch over several years. For many applicants, the application is not just a legal process—it represents their relationship, their future plans, and their ability to remain together in Australia. Because of this, it is essential to understand the requirements and approach the application carefully. 

Australia’s partner visa framework involves several different visa subclasses and pathways depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia at the time of application. Applicants must also provide substantial evidence showing that their relationship is genuine, continuing, and meets the requirements set by immigration law. 

In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything couples need to know about partner visas in Australia, including: 

• The different partner visa types and pathways 
• Who can apply and who can sponsor a partner 
• The evidence required to demonstrate a genuine relationship 
• The two-stage visa process from temporary to permanent residency 
• Common mistakes that can delay or jeopardise an application 

By understanding how the partner visa process works and what evidence immigration authorities expect, couples can approach their application with greater clarity and confidence. 

What Is a Partner Visa in Australia? 

A partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. 

The visa is designed to reunite couples who are in a genuine and committed relationship and who wish to build their life together in Australia. It provides a pathway for the partner of an Australian resident to eventually obtain permanent residency, and in many cases later become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. 

Who a Partner Visa Is For 

Partner visas are available to individuals who are in a genuine relationship with an eligible sponsor. This relationship may take different forms, including: 

Married couples

Applicants who are legally married to their Australian partner may apply for a partner visa if the marriage is recognised under Australian law. 

De facto partners

Couples who are not married may still qualify if they are in a genuine de facto relationship. In most cases, de facto couples must show they have been in a committed relationship for at least 12 months, although this requirement may be waived in certain circumstances such as when the relationship has been formally registered. 

Regardless of whether the relationship is a marriage or de facto partnership, applicants must demonstrate that their relationship meets immigration requirements. 

Who Can Sponsor a Partner 

In order for a partner visa application to be lodged, the Australian partner must act as the sponsor. Sponsors must generally be one of the following: 

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident
• An eligible New Zealand citizen

The sponsor plays an important role in the application. They must provide their own documentation, complete sponsorship forms, and confirm that they support the visa application. 

The Core Requirement: A Genuine and Ongoing Relationship 

The most important element of any partner visa application is proving that the relationship is genuine and continuing. 

Immigration authorities assess whether the relationship reflects a real and committed partnership rather than one entered into solely for migration purposes. To do this, they examine evidence across several aspects of the couple’s life together, including: 

• Financial arrangements 
• Shared household and living arrangements 
• Social recognition of the relationship 
• Long-term commitment to each other 

Applicants must provide documents and statements showing that their relationship is real, ongoing, and mutually exclusive. 

Because the assessment focuses heavily on evidence, preparing a partner visa application often requires careful documentation and organisation to ensure the relationship is clearly demonstrated. 

Types of Partner Visas in Australia 

Australia offers several partner visa pathways depending on your relationship status and where the visa applicant is located at the time of application. While the requirements around proving a genuine relationship are broadly similar across all partner visas, the application process, location requirements, and timelines can differ significantly. 

Most partner visas follow a two-stage process, where applicants are first granted a temporary visa and later assessed for permanent residency once the relationship has continued over time. 

The three main partner visa pathways are: 

• Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) 

• Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100) 

• Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) 

Choosing the right visa pathway depends on several factors, including whether the applicant is currently in Australia, whether the couple is married or de facto, and whether they plan to marry in Australia. 

Understanding the differences between these visas is an important first step in planning your partner visa strategy. 

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) 

The Onshore Partner Visa allows the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to apply for a visa while already in Australia.

This pathway consists of two visa stages: 

Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa

The first stage is the temporary visa, which allows the applicant to remain in Australia while their relationship continues to be assessed. 

Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa

After a waiting period (usually around two years from the date the application was lodged), the applicant may become eligible for the permanent partner visa, provided the relationship is still genuine and ongoing. 

Bridging Visa Explained (In Simple Terms) 

When someone applies for the Subclass 820/801 partner visa while in Australia, they are usually granted a Bridging Visa A.

A bridging visa allows the applicant to remain lawfully in Australia while their partner visa application is being processed.

In many cases, the bridging visa will become active once the applicant’s current visa expires. This typically allows the applicant to: 

• Stay in Australia while the partner visa is processed
• Work in Australia
• Access Medicare 

However, a Bridging Visa A generally does not allow international travel, unless a separate Bridging Visa B is granted. 

Who Benefits Most from Applying Onshore 

Applying for an onshore partner visa can be beneficial for couples who are already living together in Australia and want to remain together during the processing period. 

This pathway may suit: 

• Couples already living together in Australia 
• Applicants who hold another temporary visa (such as a student or work visa) 
• Couples who want the applicant to remain in Australia during processing 

However, applicants must hold an eligible visa at the time of application, and some visa conditions can affect eligibility. Seeking advice before lodging an application is often recommended. 

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100) 

The Offshore Partner Visa is designed for applicants who are outside Australia at the time the visa application is lodged.

Like the onshore partner visa, this pathway also follows a two-stage process:

Subclass 309 – Temporary Partner Visa

The first stage allows the applicant to enter and live in Australia temporarily while their relationship continues. 

Subclass 100 – Permanent Partner Visa

After a period of time (usually around two years from the original application date), applicants may become eligible for permanent residency if the relationship is still genuine and ongoing. 

Travel and Location Considerations 

Unlike the onshore pathway, applicants applying for the Subclass 309 visa must generally be outside Australia when they lodge the application and when the temporary visa is granted.

However, once the Subclass 309 visa is granted, the applicant can: 

• Travel to Australia 
• Live and work in Australia 
• Travel freely in and out of the country 

Applicants may also be inside or outside Australia when the permanent Subclass 100 visa is granted.

When Applying Offshore May Be Strategically Better 

In some situations, applying for the offshore partner visa may be the more practical option. For example: 

• The applicant is currently living overseas 
• The applicant cannot apply onshore due to visa restrictions 
• The couple wants the applicant to maintain travel flexibility during processing 
• The applicant cannot remain lawfully in Australia long enough to apply onshore 

For couples considering this pathway, it is important to understand the full process and documentation requirements. 

You can read more in our detailed guide.

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) 

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is designed for engaged couples who plan to marry in Australia.

This visa allows the fiancé or fiancée of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to travel to Australia in order to marry their partner.

Key Requirement: Marry Within 9 Months 

Once the visa is granted, the applicant must marry their Australian partner.

During this period, the visa holder can: 

• Enter Australia 
• Live in Australia with their partner 
• Work and study (subject to visa conditions) 

Transitioning to a Partner Visa 

After the couple marries, the applicant must apply for the Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) in order to remain in Australia permanently.

This means the prospective marriage visa is essentially a first step that leads into the partner visa process.

When the Prospective Marriage Visa May Not Be Suitable 

While the Subclass 300 visa can be useful for couples who want to marry in Australia, it is not always the best option. 

For example, it may not be appropriate if: 

• The couple is already married
• The couple already meets the requirements for a de facto partner visa
• The applicant is already in Australia and eligible to apply onshore

Because the Subclass 300 visa adds an extra stage to the process, couples who are already married or in a qualifying de facto relationship may find it more efficient to apply directly for a partner visa. 

Relationship Types That Can Qualify

Australian partner visas are available to couples in several types of genuine relationships. Immigration law recognises that relationships come in many forms and across many cultures.

However, regardless of the relationship type, the core requirement is always the same: the couple must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine, ongoing, and mutually exclusive, and that they intend to build a life together.

Below are the most common relationship types that can qualify for a partner visa.

Married Couples

Couples who are legally married may be eligible for a partner visa if the marriage is recognised under Australian law and the relationship is genuine.

Legal Marriage Recognition in Australia

For a marriage to be recognised for migration purposes, it must generally:

• Be legally valid in the country where the marriage took place
• Be recognised under Australian law
• Not involve prohibited relationships (such as close relatives)
• Meet minimum age requirements

Immigration authorities may request a marriage certificate and sometimes additional documentation to verify the validity of the marriage.

Overseas Marriages

Many couples marry outside Australia before applying for a partner visa. In most cases, overseas marriages are recognised provided they were legally conducted under the laws of that country.

However, applicants may need to provide:

• An official marriage certificate
• A certified translation if the document is not in English
• Additional evidence confirming the marriage ceremony took place

Why a Marriage Certificate Alone Is Not Enough

One of the most common misconceptions about partner visas is that being married automatically qualifies a couple for the visa.

In reality, a marriage certificate is only one piece of evidence.

Immigration authorities will still assess whether the relationship is:

• Genuine
• Continuing
• Mutually exclusive
• Similar to a married couple in practice

This means couples must still provide comprehensive relationship evidence, such as shared finances, living arrangements, and social recognition.

De Facto Relationships

Couples who are not married may still qualify for a partner visa if they are in a genuine de facto relationship.

A de facto relationship generally means two people who:

• Are in a committed relationship similar to marriage
• Live together as a couple
• Share a life together on a genuine and ongoing basis

The 12-Month Cohabitation Rule

In most cases, de facto couples must demonstrate that they have lived together for at least 12 months before lodging a partner visa application.

Evidence typically includes documents showing shared living arrangements such as:

• Joint leases or property ownership
• Utility bills addressed to both partners
• Shared insurance policies
• Mail sent to the same address

If couples have lived together in multiple locations, documentation from each location may be helpful.

Relationship Registration Exceptions

In some Australian states and territories, couples can formally register their relationship.

If a relationship is registered under relevant state or territory law, the 12-month cohabitation requirement may be waived, meaning couples may be able to apply sooner.

Relationship registration can be particularly useful for couples who:

• Have not yet lived together for 12 months
• Have experienced visa or travel restrictions
• Want formal recognition of their relationship

Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Relationships

Australian partner visas recognise both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships equally.

Australia has strong legal protections for same-sex couples, and the assessment criteria are the same regardless of gender.

Arranged and Cultural Marriages

Australia’s migration system recognises that relationships develop in different ways across cultures, including arranged marriages.

Arranged Marriages Are Recognised

An arranged marriage can absolutely qualify for a partner visa if the relationship is genuine and entered into voluntarily.

Immigration authorities understand that many cultures involve family participation in relationship arrangements.

What matters most is that the couple themselves genuinely intend to share a life together.

Importance of Consent and Authenticity

The Department of Home Affairs will carefully assess whether the relationship was entered into with the free and full consent of both partners.

Evidence showing the development of the relationship after the introduction or marriage can be particularly important. This may include:

• Time spent together
• Communication history
• Visits and travel
• Evidence of emotional commitment

How Immigration Assesses These Relationships

When assessing arranged marriages, Immigration generally looks at the same core factors used for all partner visas, including:

• The shared household
• Financial arrangements
• Social recognition
• The nature of the couple’s commitment

The key question remains whether the couple has built a genuine and ongoing relationship.

Cultural Sensitivity and Support from AVIE

Partner visa applications involving cultural or arranged marriages can sometimes require additional explanation and supporting documentation to ensure Immigration clearly understands the context of the relationship.

At AVIE, we work closely with couples to present their story in a culturally respectful and accurate way, ensuring the relationship is clearly understood by decision-makers.

Our goal is to help applicants feel confident that their relationship is represented authentically and effectively throughout the visa process.

Evidence Required for a Partner Visa

One of the most important parts of a partner visa application is demonstrating that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Immigration authorities assess partner visa applications using a framework commonly referred to as the four pillars of relationship evidence.

Applicants must provide evidence across all four areas to show that their relationship is similar to that of a committed couple building a shared life together.

Strong applications usually include a wide range of documents collected over time, rather than relying on only a few recent items.

The Four Pillars of Relationship Evidence

Shared Household

This pillar focuses on whether the couple lives together and shares domestic responsibilities.

Evidence may include:

• Joint lease agreements or property ownership documents
• Utility bills showing both names at the same address
• Mail addressed to each partner at the shared residence
• Household insurance policies listing both partners
• Delivery receipts or online purchases sent to the shared address
• Statements describing how household responsibilities are shared

If couples have lived together in multiple homes, documentation from each location can strengthen the application.

Financial Aspects

Immigration also assesses whether the couple has combined or shared financial responsibilities.

Evidence can include:

• Joint bank accounts
• Shared savings accounts
• Evidence of shared expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, or subscriptions
• Joint ownership of assets such as vehicles or property
• Shared loans or financial commitments
• Money transfers between partners where finances are shared
• Joint tax arrangements, where applicable

Not every couple fully merges their finances, but applicants should still demonstrate financial interdependence or support.

Social Recognition

This pillar examines whether the relationship is recognised by friends, family, and the wider community.

Examples of evidence include:

• Statutory declarations from friends and family confirming the relationship
• Photos together over time, including with family or at events
• Invitations addressed to both partners
• Travel records or holiday bookings
• Social media posts acknowledging the relationship
• Evidence of attending events together (weddings, celebrations, holidays)

The goal is to show that the relationship is known and acknowledged by others.

Nature of Commitment

This pillar focuses on the long-term intentions and emotional commitment between partners.

Evidence may include:

• Communication records (messages, emails, call logs) when partners have been apart
• Travel records showing visits to each other
• Evidence of future plans, such as moving plans or shared goals
• Wills naming the partner as a beneficiary
• Evidence of long-term financial planning together
• Birth certificates of children, if applicable
• School or medical records listing both parents

Immigration officers will look at whether the relationship demonstrates a genuine commitment to a shared future.

Relationship Statements (Personal Statements)

In addition to documentary evidence, both partners must provide personal relationship statements as part of the partner visa application.

These statements allow the couple to explain their relationship in their own words.

What Immigration Expects

Immigration expects the statements to provide a clear and honest overview of the relationship, explaining how it developed and how the couple lives their life together.

These statements help decision-makers understand the relationship beyond the documents provided.

What Couples Should Include

Strong relationship statements often include:

How you met
Explain when and where you first met and how the relationship began.

Relationship milestones
Describe important moments such as becoming a couple, meeting family members, travelling together, or getting engaged or married.

Living arrangements
Explain where the couple has lived together and how household responsibilities are shared.

Future plans
Discuss long-term goals, such as where you plan to live, career plans, family goals, or shared financial planning.

The statements should align with the evidence provided and tell a clear, consistent story.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes applicants make when preparing relationship statements include:

• Providing very short or vague statements
• Simply repeating information already shown in documents
• Submitting statements that contradict the evidence
• Writing overly formal statements that do not reflect the couple’s real story

Clear, genuine, and detailed statements often help Immigration better understand the depth and authenticity of the relationship.

The Partner Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Applying for an Australian partner visa can feel overwhelming, particularly because the process involves multiple stages, significant documentation, and long processing times. Understanding how the process works can help couples prepare effectively and avoid common mistakes.

Below is a simplified overview of the typical partner visa application process.

1. Check Eligibility

Before applying, couples should confirm that they meet the basic eligibility requirements. This includes:

• Being married or in a qualifying de facto relationship
• Demonstrating the relationship is genuine and ongoing
• Having an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Meeting health and character requirements

Each couple’s situation is different, so eligibility can depend on individual circumstances such as visa status, relationship history, and previous visa applications.

2. Prepare Relationship Evidence

Evidence is one of the most important parts of the application. Couples must gather documents that demonstrate their relationship across the four pillars of evidence:

• Shared household
• Financial arrangements
• Social recognition
• Nature of commitment

This often involves collecting documents from different periods of the relationship, not just recent evidence.

Preparing a strong evidence package before lodging the application is often referred to as “front-loading” the application and can help avoid delays later.

3. Lodge the Application via ImmiAccount

Partner visa applications are typically submitted online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal.

At this stage, applicants will:

• Submit their visa application
• Upload relationship evidence and personal statements
• Pay the government application fee
• Begin the process of uploading required documents such as police clearances and identification

The sponsoring partner must also complete and submit a separate sponsorship application.

4. Bridging Visa (For Onshore Applications)

If the applicant lodges an onshore partner visa, they are usually granted a Bridging Visa A.

A bridging visa allows the applicant to remain lawfully in Australia while the application is being processed.

Once active, the bridging visa generally allows the applicant to:

• Stay in Australia
• Work
• Access Medicare

However, travel outside Australia typically requires applying for a Bridging Visa B.

5. Temporary Partner Visa Decision

Most partner visas are granted in two stages.

The first stage is the temporary partner visa:

• Subclass 820 (onshore)
• Subclass 309 (offshore)

Once granted, the applicant can usually live and work in Australia while waiting for the permanent stage of the visa.

6. Permanent Partner Visa Eligibility

After a period of time—usually around two years from the original application date—the applicant becomes eligible for assessment for the permanent partner visa:

• Subclass 801 (onshore)
• Subclass 100 (offshore)

At this stage, Immigration will reassess whether the relationship is still genuine and ongoing before granting permanent residency.

Partner Visa Overview

Typical processing time:
Most partner visa applications take approximately 12–24+ months, though timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of the case and application volume.

Processing Times & Common Delays

Partner visa processing times can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances, application quality, and the Department of Home Affairs’ workload.

Typical Timeframes

While each case is different, many partner visa applications fall within a 12 to 24+ month timeframe from lodgement to a decision on the temporary visa stage.

Permanent stage processing occurs later, usually around two years after the original application date.

Because partner visas are one of the most commonly applied for visas in Australia, processing queues can become lengthy.

Why Delays Happen

Several factors can slow down the processing of a partner visa application.

Weak Relationship Evidence

Applications with limited documentation or unclear evidence may require further information requests from Immigration, which can delay processing.

Inconsistencies in Information

If information provided by the applicant and sponsor does not align—for example, differing timelines or conflicting details—Immigration may need to investigate further.

Missing Documents

Applications sometimes stall when required documents are not uploaded, such as:

• Police clearances
• Identity documents
• Relationship statements
• Sponsorship forms

Why “Front-Loading” Evidence Matters

A common strategy recommended by migration professionals is front-loading the application, which means submitting a complete and well-organised evidence package at the time of lodgement.

Front-loaded applications help:

• Reduce requests for additional information
• Provide clearer evidence to case officers
• Improve the efficiency of the assessment process

While front-loading does not guarantee faster processing, it can help ensure the application moves through the system more smoothly.

Common Partner Visa FAQs

Do We Have to Be Married?

No. Couples can qualify for a partner visa if they are either married or in a genuine de facto relationship.

De facto couples usually need to demonstrate that they have lived together for at least 12 months, unless their relationship is formally registered or special circumstances apply.

Can We Apply While on a Tourist or Student Visa?

In many cases, yes. Some applicants lodge partner visa applications while holding a tourist visa, student visa, or other temporary visa.

However, visa conditions can sometimes affect eligibility. For example, certain visas include a “no further stay” condition, which may prevent lodging another visa application while in Australia.

It is important to review visa conditions or speak with a professional before applying.

Can I Work While Waiting?

If you apply for an onshore partner visa, your Bridging Visa A will usually allow you to work once it becomes active.

If you applied offshore and are waiting outside Australia, work rights will depend on the visa you hold at that time.

What If We Break Up?

If the relationship ends before the permanent partner visa is granted, the visa application may no longer meet the requirements.

However, there are limited exceptions, including situations involving:

• Family violence
• The sponsor passing away
• Children from the relationship

Each situation is assessed individually so please speak with your immigration agent immediateky.

Can I Include Children?

Yes. Many partner visa applicants include dependent children in their application.

Children may also be added later in certain circumstances if they were not included at the time of the original application.

Is it normal not to hear from Immi after submitting your health exam?

Yes, this is very common. Once health examinations are completed and submitted, applicants may not receive further updates for some time.

Immigration generally contacts applicants only if additional information is required or when a decision is being made.

What percentage of partner visas get approved?

Partner visa approval rates are generally relatively high when strong evidence is provided.

However, applications can be refused if Immigration is not satisfied that the relationship is genuine or if required eligibility criteria are not met.

Carefully preparing the application and supporting documentation can significantly improve the chances of success.

Why are the wait times for partner visas so long at the moment?

Processing times can be affected by several factors, including:

• High application volumes
• Detailed evidence assessment requirements
• Security, health, and character checks
• Administrative workloads within the Department of Home Affairs

Because partner visas involve complex relationship assessments, they can take longer than some other visa types.

How can I speed up the process of my partner visa being approved?

While applicants cannot directly control processing times, they can improve the efficiency of their application by:

• Providing complete and well-organised evidence
• Uploading all required documents early
• Responding quickly to any requests from Immigration

Submitting a strong, well-prepared application from the start is often the most effective strategy.

Will I receive a bridging visa while my partner visa is being processed?

Applicants who apply for an onshore partner visa are usually granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows them to remain in Australia while their application is processed.

Applicants who apply offshore do not receive a bridging visa because they are outside Australia at the time of application.

Do you need to live together to apply for a partner visa?

Living together is generally expected for de facto relationships, and couples usually need to demonstrate 12 months of cohabitation.

However, there can be exceptions in certain circumstances, such as:

• Relationship registration
• Cultural considerations
• Situations where living together was not possible due to work, travel, or visa restrictions

Each case is assessed based on the overall evidence of the relationship.

How AVIE Can Help With Your Partner Visa

Applying for a partner visa is not just a legal process—it is often an emotional journey for couples who want to build their future together in Australia.

Many applicants feel overwhelmed by the evidence requirements, long processing times, and uncertainty about whether they are preparing the application correctly.

At AVIE, our goal is to guide couples through this process with clarity, transparency, and experience.

We regularly assist with a wide range of partner visa situations, including:

• Complex applications involving previous visas or immigration history
• Cross-cultural relationships where additional explanation may be helpful
• Long-distance couples navigating international travel and separation
• Couples who want to ensure their application is thoroughly prepared from the beginning

Our team understands how important these applications are, and we work closely with clients to ensure their relationship is clearly and accurately presented to Immigration.

If you would like personalised advice about your situation, you can:

Book a consultation with our team.

Or take our quick assessment to see which partner visa option may be right for you.

Taking the first step toward your partner visa journey can provide clarity and peace of mind for you and your partner.