How to Sponsor Your Partner for an Australian Visa
Owen Harris
Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law | Notary Public
The Principal Lawyer at TranQuill Legal, an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, and a Notary Public providing clear and capable guidance across Australia and overseas.
When you’re in a committed relationship and want to live together in Australia, the partner visa pathway is often the best option. Sponsoring your partner allows them to apply for a visa based on your relationship, whether you’re married, in a de facto partnership, or engaged.
At TranQuill Legal, we regularly assist couples in navigating this process. Below is an overview of the main visa subclasses, requirements, and what you should know before starting.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor your partner, you generally need to be:
- An Australian citizen,
- An Australian permanent resident, or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
You must also meet character requirements and be approved as a sponsor. There are limits on how many times someone can sponsor a partner, so it’s important to check your eligibility first.
The Main Partner Visa Subclasses
Subclass 820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa
If your partner is already in Australia, they may apply for the temporary 820 visa and then transition to the permanent 801 visa. These are lodged together as a combined application.
- Subclass 820 (Temporary): Grants the right to live, work, and study in Australia while the application is processed.
- Subclass 801 (Permanent): Usually assessed around two years after lodging, provided the relationship is ongoing.
Subclass 309/100 – Offshore Partner Visa
If your partner is outside Australia, the offshore visa pathway applies. Again, this is a two-stage application.
- Subclass 309 (Temporary): Allows entry and residence in Australia while awaiting permanent status.
- Subclass 100 (Permanent): Typically assessed about two years later, provided you’re still together.
Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa
If you’re engaged but not yet married, the Subclass 300 visa may be the right option. It allows your fiancé(e) to come to Australia so you can marry within 9–15 months. After marriage, they can then apply for the partner visa pathway.
Proving Your Relationship
The Department of Home Affairs assesses partner visa applications against four main pillars of evidence:
- Financial aspects – joint accounts, shared bills, or other financial commitments.
- Nature of the household – living arrangements and shared responsibilities.
- Social aspects – recognition of your relationship by friends, family, or the community.
- Commitment to each other – communication, future plans, and long-term intentions.
Providing clear and well-organised evidence across these areas is key to success.
Get our free Partner Visas Evidence Guide
Download our free Partner Visa Evidence Guide and prepare with clarity and confidence.
✅ Feel confident in your evidence: Know exactly how your relationship aligns with immigration expectations.
✅ Know what you need to gather: Save hours of confusion and avoid common mistakes.
✅ Move toward lodgement faster: Start preparing with purpose, so you’re ready to apply sooner.
Other Important Considerations
- Processing Times: Partner visas can take between 12–24 months depending on circumstances.
- Costs: Application fees are significant (currently over $8,000). Legal fees are additional but can help avoid costly delays or refusals.
- Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and police check requirements.
- Sponsorship Limits: If you’ve previously sponsored a partner, or been sponsored yourself, there may be restrictions.
How TranQuill Legal Can Help
At TranQuill Legal, we understand that applying to sponsor your partner isn’t just about forms — it’s about building a future together. Our team includes both an immigration lawyer and a migration agent, giving you the reassurance of legal expertise and practical guidance.
We can assist with:
- Developing a tailored visa strategy,
- Helping you gather and present strong evidence,
- Managing your application from start to finish, or
- Providing one-off consultations if you prefer to handle the process yourself.
Whether your case is straightforward or complex, we provide calm, capable support so you can move forward with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring your partner for an Australian visa is a life-changing step, but it can also be a complex process with significant requirements. Understanding the different visa subclasses, preparing strong evidence, and getting the right advice can make all the difference.
If you’d like clarity on the best pathway for your relationship, you can book a consultation with TranQuill Legal. We’ll help you map out your options and move forward with a plan that suits your circumstances.
Get our free Partner Visas Evidence Guide