Partner Visas
Clear, Trusted Legal Support for Couples Building a Life Together
Partner visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen to live in Australia. They are typically processed in two stages: temporary residency followed by permanent residency
Applying for a partner visa can feel both deeply personal and intensely stressful. You know your relationship is real — but proving it to the Department of Home Affairs is a different story.
Many couples feel overwhelmed by:
- The high cost of applying
- Gathering enough evidence to prove their relationship
- Deciding whether to apply onshore or offshore
- Navigating long wait times and sudden changes in policy
- Managing life together while the visa is being processed
At TranQuill Legal, we’ve supported countless couples through this process. Whether you’re engaged, de facto, or married — living together in Australia or apart across countries — we provide expert legal guidance and real reassurance at every step.
Partner Visa Eligibility Snapshot
To apply for a partner visa in Australia, you generally need to show that:
The sponsor is eligible
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must not have exceeded sponsorship limits (e.g. can usually sponsor a maximum of two partners in a lifetime, with at least five years between sponsorships).
- Must not be barred due to previous visa cancellations or certain character issues.
The relationship is genuine and ongoing
- You are married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
- If de facto, you normally need to show at least 12 months of living together – unless your relationship is registered with an Australian State or Territory.
- Evidence must show commitment across financial, household, social, and future plans.
Both applicants meet visa requirements
- Character and health checks must be passed.
- Applicants must hold or apply for the correct visa depending on whether they are applying onshore (820/801) or offshore (309/100).
👉 This is a summary only — the exact requirements can vary. At TranQuill Legal, we’ll help you understand how your circumstances fit and guide you through the next steps with clarity.
Partner Visa Pathways
There are several options depending on your relationship stage and location. Partner visas are generally processed in two or three stages — and it’s important to get each stage right.
1: Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
For couples who are engaged but not yet married.
- Must be applied for offshore
- Grants permission to enter Australia and marry within 9 months
- After marriage, you can apply for an onshore partner visa
This visa is ideal if you’re not yet eligible for a de facto or spouse visa but want to begin the pathway to living together in Australia.
2: Partner (Temporary) Visa
- Subclass 309 — Offshore application
- Subclass 820 — Onshore application
Once granted, this visa allows you to:
- Live, work, and study in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Stay while your permanent partner visa is processed
Processing times can vary, and additional evidence of your ongoing relationship may be required over time.
3: Partner (Permanent) Visa
- Subclass 100 (Offshore path)
- Subclass 801 (Onshore path)
This visa grants permanent residency, including:
- Full work and study rights
- Travel rights for five years
- A pathway to Australian citizenship
Once permanent residency is granted, you remain a permanent resident even if your travel facility expires — but to travel internationally again, you’ll need to apply for a Resident Return visa or citizenship.
Important Considerations Before Applying
It’s Expensive
Partner visas are among the most expensive visa types in Australia. As of now, fees include:
- Primary applicant: $9,365
- Secondary applicant (18+): $4,685
- Secondary applicant (under 18): $2,345 Plus transaction fees, medical exams, police checks, translations and more.
These fees increase every year on 1 July. We help you plan for all associated costs and avoid unnecessary rework that can cost more in the long run.
It Takes Time
Partner visa applications can take many months — or longer — to be finalised. During this time, it’s crucial to:
- Keep your application up to date
- Notify us of significant life changes (e.g. pregnancy, moving house, buying property)
- Continue collecting evidence to show your relationship is genuine and ongoing
We stay in close contact and guide you through every update and requirement.
For current average wait times, see our latest update on Australian Partner Visa Processing Times.
The Length and Nature of Your Relationship Matters
Being in a long-term relationship can speed up your visa approval.
- Long-term = 3 years, or 2 years if you share a dependent child
- In some cases, both the temporary and permanent visas can be granted together
- This is at the discretion of the case officer and requires detailed, well-organised evidence
De Facto Relationships
Not married? That’s okay — you may still be eligible.
To apply as a de facto partner, you must either:
- Show you’ve lived together in a genuine, ongoing relationship for at least 12 months, OR
- Register your relationship with the relevant State or Territory government in Australia
If one of you is still legally married to someone else, that’s not necessarily a barrier. As long as you’re legally separated and the relationship no longer resembles a marriage, your de facto relationship can be recognised for migration purposes.
We’ll help you understand how your current situation aligns with Australian immigration law.
What Evidence Will You Need?
To prove your relationship is genuine and continuing, the Department expects documentation across four key areas:
Financial
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared assets or financial commitments
- Wills or insurance documents
Social
- Photos together in different settings
- Joint invitations or travel
- Statements from family and friends
Household
- Joint leases or mortgage documents
- Shared utility bills
- Evidence of living together
Commitment
- Communication history
- Future plans
- Birth certificates of shared children
Our legal team will advise exactly what to include and how to present your case in a clear and compelling way.
FAQ
How TranQuill Legal Helps
Partner visas are one of the most common visas we handle — and we bring years of experience and care to every case.
Here’s how we support you:
We understand that this visa isn’t just paperwork — it’s your future together.
If you’re thinking about applying for a partner visa — or want to know your options based on your relationship status — we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 02 6140 5311
📩 Email info@tranquill.com.au
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