Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 820/801 & 309/300) Guide

Partner Visa Australia (Onshore & Offshore) Australia: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

The Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 820/801 & 309/300) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.

This visa is designed for couples in a genuine and continuing relationship who want to apply for a partner visa in Australia and build their life together. It includes both onshore and offshore partner visa options, with a clear pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

With the support of a Registered Migration Agent, you can better understand partner visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and the application process to help achieve a successful outcome.

Partner Visa Australia: Onshore vs Offshore Options

When applying for a Partner Visa Australia, your location determines which visa pathway you will follow.

Onshore: Applicants must be inside Australia to apply (820/801)

Offshore: Applicants must be outside Australia to apply (309/300)

Partner Visa Australia Overview

• Visa Name → Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 & 309/300)

• Common Name → Australia Partner Visa, Spouse Visa Australia

• Who Can Apply → Spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen

• Stay Period → Temporary visa leading to Permanent Residency

• Work Rights → Full work rights in Australia

• Study Rights → Full study rights in Australia

• Include Family → Yes

• Pathway to PR → Yes

• Location → Onshore (820/801) or Offshore (309/100)

• Relationship Requirement → Genuine married or de facto relationship

• Ideal For → International students, graduates, spouses, and de facto partners

Partner Visa Process Australia

The Partner Visa process in Australia generally works as follows:

1. Apply for the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) while in Australia

2. After assessment, the applicant may be granted the temporary visa

3. Around two years later, the applicant becomes eligible for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

4. Once granted, the visa holder becomes an Australian Permanent Resident

Begin Your Partner Visa Application ↗

What is the Onshore Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 820/801)?

The onshore partner visa is for applicants who are already in Australia. This visa process includes two stages:

A) Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820):

The Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) is the first stage of the partner visa application.

This temporary visa allows the husband, wife, or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is the first step toward getting a permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801).

Applicants must be in Australia when applying and also when the visa is granted. This visa allows the applicant to remain in Australia while the permanent partner visa is processed.

Applicants are typically granted a Bridging Visa, allowing them to stay lawfully in Australia during the partner visa processing period.

This stage allows couples to continue living together and provide additional evidence of their relationship if required.

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for the 820 Visa, applicants generally must:

• Be in Australia when applying

• Be in or outside Australia while the decision is being made

• Be married to or in a de facto relationship with:
  A) An Australian citizen
  B) Australian permanent resident
  C) Eligible New Zealand citizen

• Have a genuine and continuing relationship

• Be sponsored by your partner

• Meet health requirements

• Meet character requirements

• Have no debt to the Australian Government

• Be 18 years or older

Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.

Relationship Evidence Checklist:

You need to provide evidence of:

• Your relationship with your partner

• Any former relationships

• Any dependants you have

How to Apply for the Visa:

1. Get our help with your application

2. Check your Eligibility for the Visa

3. Gather and prepare your documents

4. Apply for both Partner Visas 820 & 801

5. Your Temporary Visa 820 is granted

Visa Cost:

• Most applicants: AUD $9,365.00

• Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) holders: AUD $1,560.00

Apply for an Temporary Partner Visa Australia 820 ↗

B) Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801):

The Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is the second stage of the partner visa pathway.

This permanent visa allows the husband, wife, or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is usually granted to people who already hold a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820).

This stage is usually assessed around two years after the initial partner visa application. During this time, the Department of Home Affairs reviews whether the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.

Once granted, the visa holder becomes a Permanent Resident of Australia, with full rights to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for a Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), applicants generally must:

• Hold a Subclass 820 Visa

• Continue to be in a genuine relationship with the same sponsor

• Meet health requirements

• Have no debt to the Australian Government

• Wait about 2 years from the original 820 Visa application date

Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.

How to Apply for the Visa:

1. Get our help with your application

2. Check your Eligibility for the Visa

3. Provide relationship evidence and documents

4. Apply for the Permanent Partner Visa 801

5. Your Permanent Partner Visa 801 is granted

Visa Cost:

• The visa fee was included when you lodged your temporary and permanent Partner Visa applications.

Apply for an Permanent Partner Visa Australia 801 ↗

What is the Offshore Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 309)?

The offshore partner visa is for applicants applying from outside Australia.

Once the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309) is granted, the applicant can enter Australia and later apply for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100).

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for a Partner (Provisional) Visa Subclass 309, applicants generally must:

• Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused

• Be outside Australia when you apply

• Have a sponsor

• Be the right age

• Meet relationship requirements

• Meet our health requirement

• Meet our character requirement

• Have no debt to the Australian Government

• Sign the Australian values statement

• Best interests of the child.

Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.

Relationship Evidence Checklist:

• Relationship with your partner

• Any former relationships

• Any dependants you have.

How to Apply for the Visa:

1. Get our help with your application

2. Check your Eligibility for the Visa

3. Gather and prepare your documents

4. Apply for the Visa 309

5. Your application is assessed.

6. Your Visa 309 is granted

Visa Cost:

• From AUD $9,365.00

Begin Your Partner Visa Application ↗

Prospective Marriage Visa Australia (Subclass 300)

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) allows individuals who are engaged to travel to Australia to marry their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor.

After marriage, the applicant can apply for an onshore partner visa Australia.

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for a Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300, applicants generally must:

• Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused

• Be outside Australia when you apply

• Have a sponsor

• Be the right age

• Meet relationship requirements

• Meet our health requirement

• Meet our character requirement

• Have no debt to the Australian Government

• Sign the Australian values statement

• Best interests of the child.

Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.

Relationship Evidence Checklist:

• Relationship with your prospective spouse

• Any former relationship

• Any dependants you have.

How to Apply for the Visa:

1. Get our help with your application

2. Check your Eligibility for the Visa

3. Gather and prepare your documents

4. Apply for the Visa 300

5. Your application is assessed.

6. Your Visa 300 is granted

Visa Cost:

• From AUD $9,365.00

Why Apply with our Registered Migration Agent?

Applying for a Partner Visa Australia requires meeting strict eligibility requirements and submitting strong evidence of your relationship.

Our Registered Migration Agent can help you:

• Understand partner visa requirements clearly

• Navigate the partner visa application process

• Avoid common mistakes or delays

• Improve your chances of a successful outcome

Partner Visa Australia | Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Partner Visa Australia?

  The 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.

• What is the difference between onshore and offshore partner visas?

  Onshore partner visas (820/801) are applied for within Australia, while offshore partner visas (309/100) are applied for outside Australia.

• How long does the partner visa process take?

  The permanent stage is usually assessed around two years after the initial application.

• What is a Bridging Visa?

  A Bridging Visa allows applicants to stay lawfully in Australia while their partner visa application is being processed.

Apply for a Partner Visa Australia

Applying for a Partner Visa in Australia is an important step toward building your future together.

Start your Partner Visa Australia application today and take the next step toward living together in Australia.