Partner Visa Australia 2026: Steps, Cost & Processing Time
Last Updated: 22 April 2026
Partner Visa Australia – Quick Answer
If your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to live in Australia through a partner visa.
Most applicants receive a temporary visa first, followed by permanent residency after around 2 years if the relationship continues.
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Typical timeframe: around 8 to 20 months for the first stage
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Costs: government application fee + health, police, and document expenses
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Work rights: yes, after the temporary visa is granted
Approval depends on whether you can prove a genuine and ongoing relationship with strong, consistent evidence.
Overview
A partner visa Australia allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. If you want to understand the eligibility requirements in detail, see our partner visa Australia requirements guide.
Partner visas are relationship-based and are designed for couples in a genuine and continuing relationship. In most cases, the process involves a temporary stage followed by permanent residence if eligibility continues.
This guide explains:
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Types of partner visa Australia
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Key differences between onshore and offshore applications
Types of Partner Visa Australia
There are three primary partner visa pathways, depending on where the applicant is located and the nature of the relationship. For a detailed breakdown of this pathway, see our complete Subclass 820 and 801 partner visa guide.
The onshore partner visa pathway applies to applicants who are in Australia at the time of application.
Applicants lodge a combined application. If eligible, the Subclass 820 is granted first. The Subclass 801 is assessed at a later stage once the relationship continues to meet legislative requirements.
Onshore applicants are generally granted a bridging visa while awaiting a decision.
The offshore partner visa pathway applies to applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application.
As with the onshore pathway, the application is lodged together and assessed in stages.
Applicants are usually required to be outside Australia at the time of the initial visa decision.
The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa allows a fiancé of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to enter Australia to marry.
Following marriage, the applicant may apply for an onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801).
Partner Visa Document Checklist
Preparing documents is one of the most critical parts of a partner visa application. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application based on the quality and consistency of your evidence.
You must prepare identity documents, relationship evidence, sponsor documents, and health and character checks before lodging your application.
For a complete breakdown of all required documents and examples of evidence, see the partner visa document checklist.
Partner Visa Australia Requirements
The Department of Home Affairs doesn't just take your word for it, they want evidence that your relationship is real.
They look at four areas:
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Financial — do you share a bank account, split bills, or own something together?
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Household — do you live together? Who does the cooking, cleaning, groceries?
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Social — do your friends and family know you as a couple? Can they write a statement confirming it?
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Commitment — how long have you been together? What are your plans as a couple?
You need evidence across all four — not just one or two. The stronger and more consistent your evidence, the better your chances.
For a complete breakdown of eligibility requirements, supporting documents, and how your situation is assessed, see our partner visa Australia requirements guide
Partner Visa Application Process
While the process differs slightly between onshore and offshore applications, it generally involves:
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Lodging a combined application for temporary and permanent stages
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Assessment of sponsorship eligibility
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Assessment of relationship evidence
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Grant of a temporary partner visa (if approved)
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Subsequent assessment for permanent residence
Onshore applicants may be granted a bridging visa to remain in Australia lawfully while the application is processed.
Partner Visa Australia Cost
Government charges apply to all partner visa Australia applications. Fees are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change.
In addition to the visa application charge, applicants may incur costs for:
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Health examinations
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Police clearances
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Document translations
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Skills assessments (where relevant for dependent applicants)
Government visa application charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants should review the official fees and charges page and use the Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm current costs prior to lodgement.
For a full breakdown of government fees, additional costs, and total expected expenses, see our detailed guide on partner visa Australia cost.
Partner Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.
Typical ranges:
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Subclass 820 (temporary): 8 to 18 months
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Subclass 801 (permanent): assessed around 2 years after 820
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Subclass 309 (temporary): 12 to 20 months
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Subclass 100 (permanent): 6 to 12 months after eligibility
For a full breakdown of timelines, read our partner visa processing timeline guide.
Processing time depends on:
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Completeness of application
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Strength of relationship evidence
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Health and character checks
Partner Visa Recent Update – April 2026
Recent updates highlight stricter processing expectations for Partner visa applications.
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Applications should be decision-ready at lodgement
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You may only receive one opportunity to provide additional documents
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Follow-up requests are not routinely issued
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All documents must be submitted via ImmiAccount
Read more: Major Partner Visa Update (2026)
Onshore vs Offshore – Key Differences
You can also compare both pathways in our partner visa comparison guide.
Can a Partner Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?
Yes.
Both pathways (820/801 and 309/100) lead to permanent residence if eligibility continues at the second stage.
The permanent partner visa grants indefinite stay and may create a pathway to Australian citizenship, subject to meeting residence requirements.
Common Reasons Partner Visas Are Refused
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Insufficient relationship evidence
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Inconsistent or conflicting information
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Sponsor not eligible
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Health or character issues
Providing clear and well-structured documentation is critical to avoid refusal.
And if your application is refused, see what to do next in our partner visa refusal guide.
Am I Eligible for a Partner Visa?
Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. If that's the case, you may be eligible, whether you're married or in a de facto relationship.
One thing to check: if you're in a de facto relationship, you must have lived together for at least 12 months before you apply. The exception is if your relationship is registered under a state or territory law, in that case, the 12-month rule doesn't apply.
Not sure if you qualify? Talk to a RACC migration agent.
How to Apply for a Partner Visa Australia
Applying for a partner visa Australia involves several steps, including choosing the correct visa pathway, preparing documents, and lodging your application online.
The process differs depending on whether you apply onshore (Subclass 820/801) or offshore (Subclass 309/100).
To understand each step in detail, including how to prepare documents and avoid delays, read our full guide: How to apply for partner visa Australia
Common Questions
Do we need to be married to apply?
No. De facto partners may be eligible if they meet relationship requirements.
Can same-sex couples apply?
Yes. Australian migration law recognises same-sex relationships.
Can dependent children be included?
Dependent children may be included in the application, subject to eligibility criteria.
Can I apply while on a visitor visa?
Eligibility depends on visa conditions and individual circumstances. Professional advice may be required where visa conditions restrict further applications.
Can I work on a partner visa?
Yes. Temporary partner visa holders have work rights.
Need assistance with a partner visa Australia application?
RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your eligibility, explain the appropriate partner visa pathway, and assist with preparing an application that meets Australian Government requirements.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
Why RACC?
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20+ years of experience
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Prepare for your application to the Immigration
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Preparation of Police Check
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Arrange for new Insurance
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Advice on Medical Checkup
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Don't let small careless mistake resulting in a Visa rejection
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You can also apply from outside Australia
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Our Team speak multiple languages
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