Understanding the partner visa Australia process
There are three main partner-related pathways:
- Onshore Partner: subclass 820 (temporary) leading to 801 (permanent)
- Offshore Partner: subclass 309 (temporary) leading to 100 (permanent)
- Prospective Marriage: subclass 300, then a partner application after marriage
All partner visas assess whether your relationship is genuine and continuing. You submit an application via ImmiAccount, pay the government charge, complete health and police checks, and respond to any requests for more information. Permanent residence is usually assessed about two years from the initial lodgement date.
Important: Requirements vary with your circumstances. This page is general information, not legal advice. For tailored guidance, seek help early—especially if you have complex history, previous refusals, limited evidence, or time-sensitive travel.
Step-by-step: how the process works
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 1) Choose pathway | Confirm eligibility and decide between onshore (820/801), offshore (309/100) or Prospective Marriage (300). Check sponsor limits and de facto/marriage status. |
| 2) Create ImmiAccount | Set up your online account. Review document checklists for applicant and sponsor. |
| 3) Prepare evidence | Collect identity, relationship, sponsor, health and police documents. Draft clear relationship statements. |
| 4) Lodge 47SP & 40SP | Submit the applicant form (47SP) and sponsor form (40SP) online with supporting evidence, then pay the Visa Application Charge. |
| 5) Checks & requests | Undertake health examinations, obtain police clearances for all relevant countries and respond quickly to any s56 requests for more information. |
| 6) Temporary visa decision | If approved, receive 820 (onshore) or 309 (offshore). Onshore applicants usually hold a Bridging Visa A after lodgement until decision. |
| 7) Permanent stage | At around two years from initial lodgement, provide updated relationship evidence for 801 or 100. Some couples may be assessed sooner in eligible circumstances. |
Eligibility and sponsor rules
Who can apply?
- Applicant is the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Married or de facto relationship (de facto usually 12 months unless a relationship registration waives this in some states/territories)
- Genuine and continuing relationship with shared life to the exclusion of others
- Meet health and character requirements
Sponsor requirements
- Sponsor must be an eligible citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
- Limits apply to the number and timing of partner sponsorships
- Additional checks if sponsor has certain convictions or child-related offences
- Must agree to assist with accommodation and financial support
Relationship evidence that matters
Evidence should align with the four relationship aspects typically considered:
- Financial: shared accounts, transfers, bills, leases, assets, insurance beneficiaries
- Household: joint lease/mortgage, mail to same address, shared duties, utilities
- Social: photos across time, travel together, invitations, social media, joint memberships
- Commitment: relationship timeline, communications, plans, wills, long-term intentions
Also prepare identity documents, sponsor proof, police checks, health exams, statutory declarations and statements from friends/family about your relationship.
Partner visa costs and fees
Government charges
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) for partner visas is substantial (typically AUD 8,000+ for the main applicant), with extra charges for dependants and, in some cases, the permanent stage. Fees are indexed and can change—use the official estimator for an exact figure.
Other likely costs
- Health examinations
- Police certificates (Australia and overseas)
- Translations and certification
- Document collection (e.g., relationship registration)
- Professional fees (migration agent or lawyer) if you choose assistance
Processing times and how to avoid delays
Processing times vary with caseload, completeness and risk level. Many partner applications take several months to 2+ years to reach permanent stage. Decision-ready lodgement can reduce back-and-forth.
- Submit full, well-organised evidence at lodgement
- Provide police checks and health exams promptly
- Respond quickly to any Department requests
- Explain any gaps (e.g., cohabitation breaks) with clear supporting documents
Bridging visas, work and travel
Onshore partner applicants usually receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that takes effect when their current substantive visa expires. It typically allows work and study but no travel.
- Travel: apply for a Bridging Visa B before leaving Australia, otherwise the BVA will cease
- Work rights: many BVAs for partner applicants allow work; always check your grant letter
- Offshore applicants: no bridging visa; maintain valid status where you reside until a decision is made
Compare onshore vs offshore vs prospective marriage
| Pathway | Apply from | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| 820 ➝ 801 (Onshore) | In Australia | Bridging Visa A after lodgement; generally work rights; need BVB for travel; good if living together in Australia. |
| 309 ➝ 100 (Offshore) | Outside Australia | No bridging visa; can suit couples based overseas; travel flexibility until decision. |
| 300 (Prospective Marriage) | Outside Australia | For engaged couples; marry after grant then apply for partner visa; consider overall cost and timing. |
Sponsor checks and limitations
Partner sponsors must meet eligibility and character requirements. There are limits on how many times and how often someone can sponsor a partner. If the sponsor has certain convictions—especially involving children—additional scrutiny applies and sponsorship may be refused. Review these issues early to avoid wasted fees.
Partner visa FAQ
How do we prove a de facto relationship?
Show at least 12 months of de facto evidence before lodgement, or provide a state/territory relationship registration where accepted to waive the 12‑month requirement. Combine financial, household, social and commitment documents over time.
Do we need to be married?
No. You can apply as de facto partners if you meet the criteria. If you plan to marry but don’t yet meet de facto rules, you may consider a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) then apply for a partner visa after marriage.
Can I work while my onshore partner visa is processing?
Most onshore partner applicants receive a Bridging Visa A that typically allows work. Check your grant notice for conditions.
What if our relationship ends during processing?
Notify the Department immediately. Family violence provisions may apply in certain circumstances. Get confidential advice urgently.
Do children need separate applications?
Dependent children can often be included in the application or added later, with additional government charges. Provide custody/consent documents where relevant.
Get free help with the partner visa process
Have questions about eligibility, evidence, timing or costs? Use the form below. Our Australian team will outline options and, if you wish, connect you with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer near you.