Reuniting with your partner or spouse in Australia is a dream many couples share. The Australian Government offers clear visa pathways that allow partners and fiancé(e)s of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia.
This comprehensive guide covers the five key visa subclasses:
- Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa – onshore)
- Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa – onshore)
- Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner Visa – offshore)
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa – offshore)
- Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage Visa)
Each visa type serves a unique purpose and is tailored to different relationship stages and applicant locations.
Subclass 820 and 801: Onshore Partner Visas
Subclass 820: Temporary Partner Visa (Onshore)
This visa is for individuals who are already in Australia and are in a married or de facto relationship with an eligible Australian partner. It allows the applicant to stay in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs processes their permanent visa application.
Key features:
- Live, work, and study in Australia
- Access to Medicare
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Valid until the permanent Subclass 801 is granted
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be in Australia at the time of application
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship (marriage or de facto)
- Evidence of shared finances, household, and social life
- Meet health and character requirements
Subclass 801: Permanent Partner Visa (Onshore)
This is the second stage of the onshore partner visa process. It is usually assessed two years after the Subclass 820 application is lodged.
Key features:
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Ability to apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- Sponsor family members to Australia
Note: If the relationship is long-standing (e.g., over 3 years or 2 years with children), early grant of the permanent visa may be possible.
Subclass 309 and 100:
Subclass 309: Temporary Partner Visa (Offshore)
This visa allows individuals outside Australia to live temporarily in Australia with their partner while they wait for permanent residency.
Key features:
- Permission to enter and stay in Australia
- Full work and study rights
- Access to Medicare
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
- Must be in a genuine, ongoing relationship
- Sponsored by an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
Subclass 100: Permanent Partner Visa (Offshore)
This is the permanent stage of the offshore visa process. Granted typically two years after the 309 visa, it allows the partner to settle in Australia permanently.
Benefits include:
- Permanent residency
- Pathway to citizenship
- Access to public services and support
Just like the 801 visa, early grant of Subclass 100 may apply for long-standing relationships.
Subclass 300: Prospective Marriage Visa (Offshore)
This visa is designed for fiancé(e)s of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are not yet married and wish to come to Australia to get married.
Key features:
- Must marry within 9 months of the visa grant
- Enter and stay in Australia temporarily
- Once married, apply for the Subclass 820/801 partner visa from within Australia
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be outside Australia at time of application and decision
- Intend to marry your Australian partner
- Have met your partner in person
- Relationship must be genuine and continuing
This visa serves as a bridging pathway to permanent residency through the onshore partner visa process after marriage.
Core Requirements Across All Partner and Marriage Visas
Regardless of visa subclass, applicants must:
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship
- Provide extensive supporting evidence (photos, statements, shared financial and living arrangements, joint travel, etc.)
- Be sponsored by an eligible partner
- Meet health and character checks
- Provide legal marriage certificates or proof of de facto status
De facto relationships must generally be at least 12 months long unless there are compelling or compassionate circumstances.
Evidence of Ongoing Relationship
The Department of Home Affairs requires well-documented evidence that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Examples of accepted evidence include:
- Financial Aspects:
- Joint bank account statements
- Shared utility bills or lease agreements
- Evidence of joint purchases or financial responsibilities
- Household Arrangements:
- Rental agreements in both names
- Mail addressed to both partners at the same address
- Photos showing shared living arrangements
- Social Acknowledgment:
- Statutory declarations from family or friends
- Invitations addressed to both partners
- Photos of social events attended together
- Nature of the Commitment:
- Travel history together (boarding passes, hotel bookings)
- Correspondence between partners (messages, calls, emails)
- Evidence of future plans (wills, insurance, shared goals)
Consistency, dates, and detail matter. The stronger and more organised your evidence, the higher your chances of success.
Application Process Overview
- Determine the right visa subclass (based on your location and relationship stage)
- Gather documentation (ID, relationship evidence, police checks, health exams)
- Submit application online via ImmiAccount
- Wait for visa processing (temporary stage first, then permanent stage)
- Respond to requests for further information, if any
- Receive visa grant notification
Timelines may vary depending on case complexity, processing queues, and how complete the initial application is.
Why Choose Migration Guru?
Partner visa applications are among the most scrutinised by the Department of Home Affairs. A weak application or missing evidence can delay or derail the entire process.
Migration Guru offers:
- Strategic guidance tailored to your situation
- Help gathering and organising required documents
- Management of both temporary and permanent stages
- Assistance with relationship evidence preparation and statutory declarations
We simplify complex partner visa applications and ensure every detail is professionally managed.
Book Your First Free Consultation
Whether you are applying from inside or outside Australia, engaged or already married, our expert team is here to help.
- Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
- Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
- Website: migrationguru.com.au
- Facebook: Migration Guru
Let us help you build your life together in Australia—start with your first consultation, absolutely free