Love knows no border, and for many couples, the creation of life together in Australia begins with a partner visa. Whether you are getting married, in a real relationship, or planning to reunite with your partner, partner visa (subclass 820/801 or 309/100) provides a route to live in Australia for Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens of New Zealand.
Applying for a fellow visa can be a complex, long process, a real relationship, proof of legal documentation and attention to expansion. In this blog, we will guide you through the mandatory to apply for a partner visa australia, in which visa types, eligibility requirements, processing time and a registered migration agent can help you succeed.
Partner Visa Type in Australia
Australia provides two main categories of partner visa, it depends on that you are inside or outside Australia while applying:
- Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
The subclass 820 is a temporary visa.
Subclass 801 later (usually after 2 years) is a permanent visa.
This visa is already for applicants in Australia. This allows the partner to stay in the country while the application is processed and eventually for permanent residence.
- Offshore partner visa (subcontinent 309/100)
Subclass 309 is a temporary visa.
Subclass 100 is the permanent visa that follows.
This visa is for applicants outside Australia at the time of application and decision. This allows them to permanently join their partner in Australia after meeting the eligibility requirements.
Who can apply for a partner visa?
If you are you can be eligible for partner visa:
Married to, or
In a real relationship with (with similar sex joints)
An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
What is a real relationship?
A de facto relationship means you and your partner:
Have been living together for at least 12 months, or
Can provide compelling evidence of a genuine, committed relationship (even if under 12 months, such as having a child together).
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Partner Visa, you and your sponsor must meet several requirements, including:
- Genuine Relationship
You must prove that your relationship is real and continuing. Evidence may include:
Joint financial accounts
Shared living arrangements
Photos and travel records together
Communication logs (messages, emails)
Statutory declarations from friends/family
- Sponsorship
Your partner must agree to sponsor you and must:
Be over 18
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ become citizens
Not have previously sponsored more than two people on a partner visa
- Health and Character Checks
You must:
Meet Australia’s health standards (through medical checks)
Provide police clearance certificates
How the Application Process Works
Partner Visa application is a two step process:
Step 1: Temporary Visa (820 or 309)
Once given, it allows you to live, work and study in Australia waiting for a permanent phase.
Stage 2: Permanent Visa (801 or 100)
Typically assessed two years after your initial application.If your relationship is still real and running, you may be given a permanent residence.
Note: In some cases (eg, long term relationship or if you have a child), you may first be eligible for permanent visa. partner visa 100
How long does a fellow visa take?
Processing time can vary widely depending on the quality of the application, the change in the country’s country and the immigration policy. As 2025:
Substance 820: 6 to 18 months (temporary)
Subclass 801: 12 to 24 months (permanent, from date of eligibility)
Substance 309: 6 to 20 months
Substance 100: 12 to 24 months
The delay may occur if the documents are missing, not properly translated, or if additional check is required.
What is the cost of a fellow visa?
By 2025, the government application fee is almost:
AUD $8,50 (for the combined 820/801 or 309/100 application)
Additional costs include:
Medical exams
Police clearances
Translation of documents
Agent or lawyer fees (if applicable)
General causes of visa denial
Unfortunately, not all applications are successful. Common reasons for denying include:
Incomplete documentation
Evidence of evidence for a real relationship
False or misleading information
Sponsor ineligibility
Health or character issues
A refusal can be restored from delay, additional cost, or even re applying by heating up the importance of preparing a strong application from the beginning.
How can a registered migration agent help
Given the complexity and high stakes, many couples choose to work with a hit-regulated migration agent. An experienced agent can:
Evaluate your eligibility and visa route
Advise the strongest evidence for your case
Help you avoid common mistakes or missing documents
Lodge the application on your behalf
Communicate with the Department of Home Affairs
Look for agents who are registered with Omara (Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority). You can verify it on www.mara.gov.au
final thoughts
An Australian partner visa gives couples a powerful opportunity to build their lives simultaneously in a safe, stable country. But success depends on accurate documentation, strong relationship evidence and clear understanding of the process.
