Partner Visas

Are you in a long-distance relationship and looking to bring your partner to Australia? Consider applying for an Australian Partner Visa. If you're the partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible.

Depending on your situation, there are several types of Partner Visas, including:

• Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
• Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 801 and 820)
• Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100)

Let’s break down each Australian Partner Visa for you.

There are various types of Australian Partner and Spouse Visas available. You may be eligible if you and your partner meet the requirements of one of the subclasses.

Three Types of Australian Partner Visas:

• Partner Visa Onshore – Subclass 820 (Temporary) and Subclass 801 (Permanent)
• Partner Visa Offshore – Subclass 309 (Temporary) and Subclass 100 (Permanent)
• Prospective Marriage Visa – Subclass 300

These visas have two stages:

• First Stage: Temporary Partner Visa
• Second Stage: Permanent Partner Visa

Scenario 1 – Onshore Application

If you are in Australia with a substantive visa, married or in a de facto relationship, you may be eligible for an Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801).

Scenario 2 – Offshore Application

If you are outside Australia but married or in a de facto relationship, you may be eligible for the Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100).

Scenario 3 – Prospective Marriage

If you are engaged and outside Australia, you may be eligible for the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300).

Eligible Subclasses

• Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa
• Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa

A de-facto relationship is defined as:

• Not legally married to each other
• Committed to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
• A genuine, ongoing relationship
• Living together or intending to

Temporary Partner Visa Benefits (Subclass 820/309):

• Live in Australia temporarily
• Access to Medicare

Permanent Partner Visa Benefits (Subclass 801/100):

• Full rights to live, work, and study in Australia
• Access social security payments

Key Information for 2024

• Must be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen.
• Must provide a marriage certificate if the relationship is based on marriage.
• Must have been living together for 12 months or more if the relationship is de facto.
• Applicant must be in Australia when applying and at the time of decision.
• Average cost: AUD 8,850 for the main applicant.
• Processing time: Around 34 months for 90% of applications.

Key Information for 2024

• Must hold a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) when applying.
• Must remain in a marriage or de facto relationship with the Australian partner.
• Allows permanent residency in Australia.
• Combined costs from the Temporary (820) and Permanent (801) Partner Visa applications.
• Processing time: Around 26 months for 90% of applications.

The Offshore Partner Visa allows applicants to apply even if they are residing outside Australia. The applicant must be either in a de facto relationship or married to an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Eligible Subclasses:

• Subclass 309 – Temporary Offshore Partner Visa
• Subclass 100 – Permanent Offshore Partner Visa

Benefits of Partner Visa Subclass 309

• Temporary residence in Australia until a decision is made on the permanent visa.
• Permission to work and study in Australia.
• Access to Australia’s healthcare system (Medicare).

Benefits of Partner Visa Subclass 100

• Permanent residency in Australia.
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship.
• Ability to sponsor relatives for Australian residency.

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) allows fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to enter and stay in Australia for 9–15 months, providing time to get married and apply for a Partner Visa.

Benefits of Holding a Subclass 300 Visa

• Temporary entry to Australia for up to 15 months.
• Permission to work and study in Australia.
• Ability to travel to and from Australia freely during the visa period.

Steps to Transition from Subclass 300 to Partner Visa

1. Obtain the 300 Visa, enter Australia, and marry your partner within the visa period.
2. After marriage, apply for the Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820) before the 300 Visa expires.
3. Apply for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) two years after lodging the 820 Visa application.

Partner Visa costs are updated annually, typically in July with the start of Australia’s financial year. For the latest costs, see our full guide on current Partner Visa fees.

If you've overstayed your Australian visa before lodging a Partner Visa application, you may still have options to rectify your status and stay legally in Australia with your partner. The path forward depends on the length of the overstay:

1. If You Overstayed by Less Than 28 Days

If your overstay is less than 28 days and you have an Australian partner, you may be eligible to apply for a Partner Visa. Legal advice from a registered migration agent is recommended.

2. If You Overstayed by More Than 28 Days

If you overstayed for more than 28 days, you may face an exclusion period, which could result in a 3-year ban on future visa applications. Legal advice is highly recommended in this situation.

If your Partner Visa application has been refused, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your journey. Depending on the refusal reasons, you may have the option to submit a review application to the Tribunal. Legal advice from a registered migration agent can provide valuable guidance.