Independent Partner Visa Guide
Your Partner Visa Journey,
Made Clear
Evidence-based guidance for Australian partner visas (820/801 · 309/100 · 300).
All policy details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Independent Partner Visa Guide
Evidence-based guidance for Australian partner visas (820/801 · 309/100 · 300).
All policy details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Australian partner visas follow a two-stage process: temporary then permanent. Understanding this structure is the first step.
Onshore (820/801) or offshore (309/100) — or Prospective Marriage (300). Each has different requirements and processing locations.
The four pillars: financial, household, social, and commitment evidence. Strong documentation is the key to success.
Most applicants receive a temporary visa first. After 2 years of continued relationship, you become eligible for permanent residency.
Five subclasses covering different relationship situations and application locations.
Temporary visa for partners already in Australia. Leads to permanent 801.
Temporary → Permanent
Permanent residency for 820 holders after the 2-year qualifying period.
Permanent
Temporary visa for partners applying from outside Australia. Leads to 100.
Temporary → Permanent
Permanent residency for 309 holders. May be granted directly in long relationships.
Permanent
For engaged couples to enter Australia and marry within 9 months, then apply for 820/801.
Marriage → Partner
The Department of Home Affairs assesses partner visa applications across four dimensions. Each pillar must be supported with documentary evidence.
Joint bank accounts, shared bills, mortgage/lease, pooled resources — showing you manage finances as a couple.
Shared residence, housework distribution, correspondence to same address — proving you live together as a household.
Photos together, travel records, statutory declarations from friends/family — showing your relationship is recognised socially.
Knowledge of each other's background, future plans, length of relationship, communication records — proving genuine mutual commitment.
Common questions about Australian partner visas, answered with official source references.
Processing times vary. As of 2026, 75% of 820 applications are processed within 14 months, and 90% within 28 months. 309 visas take 12-24 months for most applicants. Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for current processing times as they change regularly.
Onshore (820/801) means you apply while in Australia and must be in Australia for grant. Offshore (309/100) means you apply from outside Australia and must be outside Australia for the 309 grant. Both pathways lead to the same permanent outcome.
No. You can apply as married partners or as de facto partners. De facto couples must show at least 12 months of cohabitation (or register their relationship with an Australian state registry to waive this requirement).
The base application charge for partner visas (820/801 or 309/100 combined) is AUD 9,095 as of 2025-26. Additional charges apply for dependents and the second instalment at the permanent stage. Always check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for current fees.
If the relationship ends before the permanent visa is granted, you must notify the Department. There are limited exceptions (family violence, death of sponsor, child custody). Get professional advice from a MARA-registered agent in these circumstances.
Use our comprehensive document checklist and evidence preparation guide to build a strong application. Or ask our AI assistant for personalised guidance.
The AI assistant provides general information only. For case-specific advice, consult a registered MARA agent.