Partner Visas — Live in Australia with Your Partner

Australia’s Partner Visa program enables spouses, de facto partners, and engaged couples of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia together. Whether you’re planning to join your partner in Australia now or in the future, there are visa options designed to support your situation.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a Partner Visa, you must be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your relationship can be:

Married, or

De facto, including same-sex partnerships — typically with at least 12 months together before applying (unless you qualify for an exemption).

 

Visa Pathways

Easymigrate can help you determine the best pathway for your circumstances:

1. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

If you’re not yet married but plan to marry your Australian partner, this visa allows you to enter Australia, marry within the visa period, and then apply for a Partner Visa.

2. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801)

Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa): Allows you to live in Australia while your permanent visa is processed — you must be in Australia when you apply.

Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa): Grants permanent residency, usually after holding the temporary visa for a period.

3. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100)

If you’re outside Australia when applying, you can apply offshore and live in Australia once the visa is granted.

 

How It Works

Step-by-Step Application Process (General):

> Create an ImmiAccount (Department of Home Affairs).

> Main applicant lodges their partner visa application.

> Sponsor lodges a sponsorship form using the applicant’s reference number.

> Pay the required government fees.

> Attach all supporting documents and submit.

> Monitor the application through your ImmiAccount.

Depending on whether you apply from inside or outside Australia, you may be granted a bridging visa while the application is being processed.

 

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a partner visa, you must demonstrate that your relationship is:

• Genuine and continuing
• Committed to a shared life together
• Either legally married or in a de facto partnership
• (If de facto) generally together for at least 12 months before applying

Easymigrate can help you evidence this with the right documentation.

 

What You Need to Provide

Your application must include a range of documents such as:

• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
• Evidence of your relationship (shared bills, photos, travel, joint accounts, etc.)
• Police clearances
• If applicable, evidence of previous marriages or separations

Our team can prepare a complete document checklist personalised for your case.

 

Why Use Easymigrate

Partner visa applications are complex and detail-sensitive — mistakes can lead to delays or refusals. Easymigrate offers:

• Expert assessment of your eligibility
• Help preparing and organising application documents
• Guidance on visa strategy and timing
• Ongoing support throughout the process

Ready to Apply?

Whether you’re already in Australia or overseas, our experienced migration consultants can guide you through the partner visa process with clarity and confidence. Contact Easymigrate today for a personalised eligibility assessment and application support.

Partner Visa FAQ

1. What is a Partner Visa?

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. Most applicants are first granted a temporary visa before progressing to permanent residency.

2. What is the difference between Subclass 820/801 and 309/100?

Subclass 820/801 – For applicants applying inside Australia (onshore).

Subclass 309/100 – For applicants applying outside Australia (offshore).

Both streams involve a temporary stage followed by a permanent stage, provided the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

3. How long does a Partner Visa take to process?

Processing times vary depending on the visa stream and the completeness of your application. Temporary partner visas can take many months to process, and permanent visas are usually assessed around two years after the initial application.

Easymigrate helps ensure your application is decision-ready to minimise delays.

4. How much does a Partner Visa cost?

The Australian Government charges a significant visa application fee, which covers both the temporary and permanent stages. Additional costs may include health checks, police clearances, and document translations.

We provide clear guidance on all expected costs during your consultation.

5. Do we need to be married to apply?

No. You can apply as either:

A married couple, or

A de facto couple (generally together for at least 12 months unless an exemption applies).

Same-sex couples are fully eligible under Australian migration law.

6. What evidence is required to prove our relationship?

You must show your relationship is genuine and continuing. This typically includes evidence across four key areas:

Financial aspects (joint bank accounts, shared expenses)

Nature of the household (living arrangements)

Social recognition (photos, statements from friends/family)

Commitment to each other (future plans, communication history)

Easymigrate prepares a structured evidence strategy to present your relationship clearly and professionally.

7. Can I work while my Partner Visa is being processed?

If you apply onshore, you may be granted a Bridging Visa that allows you to remain in Australia while your application is assessed. Many bridging visas include work rights.

We advise you on your specific visa conditions before lodging.

8. What happens if my visa is refused?

A refusal can be stressful and costly. In some cases, review rights may be available. However, the best strategy is to prepare a strong, well-documented application from the beginning.

Easymigrate focuses on thorough preparation to reduce the risk of refusal.

9. Can I include my children in my Partner Visa application?

Yes. Dependent children can usually be included in your application, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

We will assess your family situation and advise on the correct approach.

10. Do I need to use a migration consultant?

You are not legally required to use a migration consultant. However, Partner Visa applications are complex and highly evidence-based. Incorrect or incomplete applications often lead to delays or refusals.

Working with Easymigrate ensures your application is properly structured, compliant, and strategically prepared.

 

Ready to Start Your Partner Visa Application?

Easymigrate provides personalised visa assessments and full application support.
Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and begin your journey to living in Australia with your partner.