Building a life with your partner should be about creating memories, sharing dreams, and planning your future together, not deciphering complex immigration policies. Yet, for thousands of couples whose partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the partner visa process becomes an unavoidable chapter in their story. What begins as a simple desire to be together transforms into a maze of eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and administrative procedures that can feel overwhelming even to the most organized applicants. You might find yourself drowning in official terminology, spending sleepless nights worrying about application status, or calculating how long you can afford to live apart if processing takes longer than expected. This journey tests not just your patience but often your relationship itself.
Every year, thousands of couples face this exact challenge. Some spend nights poring over immigration websites, others invest in costly migration agents, and many experience the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty during the waiting period. However, understanding the process is possible despite the complexity, and with the right information, you can confidently approach your partner visa application.
This blog breaks down the Australian partner visa requirements into manageable steps, using straightforward language and practical advice based directly on official Australian immigration sources. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are ready to submit your application, this guide will help you navigate each stage of the process with clarity and purpose.
Understanding Australian Partner Visas
Types of Partner Visas
Before diving into the requirements, it’s essential to understand the different partner visa options available:
This visa is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens already in Australia.
- Subclass 820: Temporary visa granted first
- Subclass 801: Permanent partner visa, typically granted two years after application
This is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens outside Australia.
- Subclass 309: Temporary visa granted first
- Subclass 100: Permanent partner visa typically granted two years after application
This visa is for those intending to marry their Australian partner but haven’t yet done so. This visa allows you to come into Australia to marry your intended partner and apply for a partner visa.
- Valid for 9-15 months
- Must marry within this period and then apply for a partner visa
Cost and Processing Times
Partner visas are among the more expensive visa categories in Australia:
- Application fee: The partner visa costs AUD 9,095 for the principal applicant (as of March 2025)
- Additional costs for dependents, health checks, police certificates, and potential migration agent fees
- Processing times vary considerably depending on individual circumstances and application complexity; check current processing times.
Eligibility Requirements for Partner Visas
Relationship Requirements
The cornerstone of any partner visa application is proving your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Australian Department of Home Affairs recognizes three types of relationships:
- Married Relationship
- Legal marriage certificate required
- Marriage must be legally recognized in Australia
- De Facto Relationship
- Must have lived together for at least 12 months before applying
- Exception: if you have registered your relationship under state/territory law or have compelling circumstances
- Relationship must not have broken down at the time of decision
Sponsor Requirements
Your Australian partner must meet these requirements to sponsor you:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no sponsorship limitations from previous partner visa sponsorships
- Pass character requirements
- Provide police certificates if requested
- Agree to support you financially and provide accommodation for your first 2 years in Australia
Applicant Requirements
As the visa applicant, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (exceptions exist for certain circumstances)
- Meet the health requirements
- Meet the character requirements
- Have no debt to the Australian government
- Not have had a previous visa cancelled or application refused
- Sign the Australian values statement
Proving Your Relationship Is Genuine
The Four Aspects of Relationship Evidence
The Department of Home Affairs assesses relationships based on four aspects:
- Financial Aspects
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared expenses and bills
- Financial commitments together (loans, insurance policies)
- Wills and superannuation beneficiaries
- Nature of the Household
- Shared rental/mortgage agreements
- Household responsibilities
- Joint utilities accounts
- Correspondence addressed to both at the same address
- Social Context of the Relationship
- Joint social activities
- Evidence of being recognized as a couple by friends and family
- Photos together at significant events
- Joint memberships or subscriptions
- Mutual Commitment to a Shared Life
- Knowledge of each other’s circumstances
- Future plans together
- Correspondence between you (letters, emails, messages)
- Travel together
- Long-term commitments made together
Statutory Declarations and Witness Statements
- Both partners must provide statutory declarations detailing the relationship.
- Statements from friends and family (preferably Australian citizens or permanent residents) can strengthen your case.
- Use Form 888 for supporting witness statements
Step-by-Step Application Process
Before You Apply
- Gather documentation – Start collecting evidence of your relationship from all four categories.
- Ensure eligibility – Check that both you and your partner meet all requirements.
- Consider timing – If applying for a de facto visa, ensure you’ve lived together for 12 months.
- Health and character checks – Arrange these in advance as they have expiry dates.
Creating an ImmiAccount
- Create an ImmiAccount
- This will be your portal for submitting your application and tracking its progress.
- You can save your application and return to it later
Completing the Application
- Select the correct visa subclass based on your circumstances
- Complete all sections accurately and thoroughly
- Attach all required documents (preferably scanned color copies)
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your application
After Submission
- Acknowledge receipt – The Department will send confirmation of your application.
- Biometrics appointment – You may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Medical examination – If not completed before, you’ll receive instructions
- Additional information – Respond promptly to any requests for more information
- Visa grant – If successful, you’ll first receive a temporary visa, followed by a permanent visa after approximately two years
Key Documentation Checklist
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation (if applicable)
Relationship Evidence
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Evidence of de facto relationship registration (if applicable)
- Evidence covering all four aspects of your relationship
- Form 888 statutory declarations from supporting witnesses
- Your statutory declarations
Character Documents
- Police certificates from all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Military service records (if applicable)
- Complete disclosure of any criminal history
- Character requirement information
Health Documents
- Medical examination results
- Health insurance details
- Health requirement information
Financial Documents
- Joint bank statements
- Shared bills and expenses
- Property ownership documents
- Insurance policies listing both partners
- Wills and superannuation beneficiary nominations
Common Challenges and Solutions
Limited Relationship Duration
Challenge: You haven’t been together long enough to accumulate substantial evidence.
Solution: Focus on quality over quantity. Provide detailed statements about your relationship development, future plans, and commitment. Include evidence of daily communication if you’ve been apart.
Living Apart
Challenge: Work or other commitments have kept you living in different locations.
Solution: Provide evidence of regular visits, communication records, and explanations of your being apart. Show how you’ve maintained your relationship despite the distance.
Cultural Differences
Challenge: Your relationship customs differ from Australian expectations.
Solution: Explain cultural contexts in your statements. Provide statements from community members who understand your cultural practices and can vouch for the genuineness of your relationship.
Language Barriers
Challenge: The Documents are not in English.
Solution: Obtain certified translations of all non-English documents.
Temporary to Permanent Visa Transition
After approximately two years from your initial application, you’ll be assessed for the permanent partner visa:
- Department contact – You’ll receive notification about two years after your initial application
- Relationship status – Confirm your relationship is ongoing
- Additional evidence – Provide updated proof of your continuing relationship
- Permanent visa grant – If approved, you’ll receive your permanent partner visa
Note: If your relationship breaks during the temporary visa period, you must inform the Department. In some cases (domestic violence, death of a partner, or children involved), you may still be eligible for the permanent visa. Permanent visa eligibility
Tips for a Successful Application
- Be honest and transparent – Providing false information can lead to visa refusal and future immigration issues.
- Start early – Begin gathering evidence as soon as possible.
- Be thorough – Address all four aspects of relationship evidence comprehensively.
- Organize your application – Label and categorize all documents.
- Keep records – Maintain copies of everything you submit.
- Continue collecting evidence – Even after submission, document your relationship for the permanent visa phase.
- Seek professional help if needed – Consider a registered migration agent for complex situations.
- Stay informed – Monitor the Department’s website for updates to requirements or processes.
Conclusion
The Australian partner visa journey is undoubtedly complex, but you can navigate the process successfully with thorough preparation and an understanding of the requirements. Remember that the core of your application is demonstrating the genuine and continuing nature of your relationship across all four aspects.
While waiting periods can be lengthy and demanding, thousands of couples successfully obtain partner visas each year. By following this guide and referring to the official Department of Home Affairs resources, you can join them in building your life together in Australia.
