📅 Originally published: August 20, 2024 | Last reviewed and updated: May 2026
Australia is renowned for its high quality of life, robust healthcare system, and world-class education. For those in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Partner Visa offers a valuable opportunity to live together and build a future in Australia. In 2026, the Partner Visa remains one of the most in-demand visa categories in Australia — but also one of the slowest to process, with the Subclass 820 temporary stage now taking up to 18 months at the median. Understanding the benefits, costs, and realistic timelines is essential before you apply.
What is a Partner Visa?
A Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It’s a vital step for couples who wish to establish their lives together in Australia, offering the chance for long-term residence and a pathway to permanent residency. Australian immigration partner visas are designed to keep families together and provide a range of benefits for successful applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Partner Visa, the relationship must meet specific criteria. This includes being married or in a de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor. The relationship must be genuine and ongoing, and applicants must provide evidence to support this. Additionally, both partners must meet health and character requirements set by the Australian government. Understanding Australian partner visa eligibility is crucial to preparing a strong application.
Types of Partner Visas
There are two primary types of Partner Visas:
- Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa): This visa is for applicants who are already in Australia. The application is processed in two stages—first, the temporary visa (820) and later, the permanent visa (801).
- Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa): This visa is for applicants outside Australia. Like the onshore visa, it is processed in two stages—temporary (309) and permanent (100).
Both visas lead to permanent residency, but the choice between them depends on where the applicant is located when applying. Understanding the differences and similarities between these visas is key to deciding how to apply for a partner visa in Australia.
Partner Visa Processing Times in 2026
Partner visa processing times in 2026 remain lengthy. The Department of Home Affairs is currently focusing on reducing a backlog of older applications, which is affecting current timeframes. Plan well in advance.
Important: These timeframes are based on recently decided applications and are not a guarantee. Applications missing documentation, involving complex character or health matters, or requiring further information from the Department will take longer. Always verify current processing times at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before planning your timeline.
Bridging Visa: Onshore Subclass 820 applicants receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) upon lodgement, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia with full work rights while their application is processed.
| Visa Subclass | Description | 50% Processed In | 90% Processed In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 820 | Temporary Partner (onshore) | 18 months | 32 months |
| Subclass 801 | Permanent Partner (onshore) | 8 months | 17 months |
| Subclass 309 | Temporary Partner (offshore) | 16 months | 25 months |
| Subclass 100 | Permanent Partner (offshore) | 10 months | 19 months |
Benefits of a Partner Visa
- Right to Live and Work in Australia: A Partner Visa grants the holder the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. This means you can build a stable career and life without the restrictions of temporary visas.
- Access to Healthcare: Partner Visa holders have access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system. This is one of the significant healthcare benefits of a partner visa in Australia, ensuring you receive the medical care you need while reducing the financial burden of healthcare costs.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Partner Visa is a direct pathway to permanent residency. After holding the temporary visa, you can apply for the permanent visa, which can eventually lead to Australian citizenship.
- Social Security Benefits: Once you obtain permanent residency, you become eligible for certain social security benefits, providing additional financial support and security.
- Educational Opportunities: As a Partner Visa holder, you can access the Australian education system. You may also be eligible for domestic student tuition rates, significantly reducing education costs, making this one of the key education benefits of a partner visa.
- Sponsorship for Family Members: Partner Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia, making it easier to reunite with loved ones.
- Freedom to Travel: With a Partner Visa, you can travel in and out of Australia without restrictions, offering the freedom to visit family abroad or take international trips.
Partner Visa Fees in 2026
The Partner Visa is one of the most expensive visa categories in the Australian immigration system. The government application fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages — you do not pay a second fee when moving from the 820 to the 801 (or 309 to 100).
Additional costs to budget for:
Medical examination: approximately AUD 300 to AUD 600 per adult
Police clearances (Australia and overseas): AUD 100 to AUD 200
Biometrics (if required): approximately AUD 55 to AUD 90
Migration agent or immigration lawyer fees: AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000 for full representation
Translation of documents: AUD 200 to AUD 400
Total estimated cost: Most applicants should budget between AUD 10,000 and AUD 15,000 including all associated costs. Fees increase on 1 July each financial year. Confirm the current fee before lodging at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
| Applicant Type | Application Fee (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (820/801 or 309/100) | AUD 9,365 |
| Additional applicant aged 18 or over | AUD 4,685 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | AUD 2,345 |
Application Process
Applying for a Partner Visa involves several critical steps that require attention to detail and a clear understanding of the requirements:
- Gather Necessary Documents: Start by collecting essential documents, including identity documents, evidence of your relationship (such as joint bank accounts, lease agreements, and photographs), and any required health and character assessments. Accurate and thorough documentation is key to a successful application.
- Prepare a Detailed Relationship Statement: Both partners will need to submit statements that describe the nature of their relationship, covering its history, daily life, and future plans. This is one of the most scrutinized parts of the application, and it’s crucial to present a compelling and consistent narrative supported by evidence.
- Submit the Application: You can lodge your application online, either while in Australia (onshore) for the Subclass 820/801 Visa or from outside the country (offshore) for the Subclass 309/100 Visa. Ensure that all required documents are uploaded, and the forms are correctly filled out to avoid delays.
- Respond to Additional Requests: During processing, the Department of Home Affairs may request further information or documents. Promptly responding to these requests is vital to keeping your application on track.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Given the complexities of the application process, including potential challenges in proving the genuineness of your relationship, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer. At Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers, we specialize in managing Partner Visa applications with precision and care, ensuring that every aspect of your case is thoroughly addressed. Our expertise can help you navigate potential pitfalls, avoid unnecessary delays, and significantly increase your chances of success.
- Processing and Approval: The application is processed in two stages. First, you receive a temporary visa, and after meeting the necessary criteria, you can transition to a permanent visa. With professional assistance, you can navigate this process more smoothly, ensuring all requirements are met efficiently.
By working with a qualified immigration professional, you can avoid common mistakes, streamline the process, and ensure that your application stands the best possible chance of approval.
Success Stories
At Augustine and Co. Immigration Lawyers, we take pride in our innovative and tailored approach to complex cases. For instance, we recently assisted a de facto couple who had not lived together due to religious reasons. Despite the stringent requirements usually mandating cohabitation, we successfully argued for an exemption based on their religious beliefs. Our detailed legal submissions highlighted the genuineness of their relationship within the context of their faith. The result? A positive visa grant that allowed them to reunite in Australia, proving that with the right legal support, even the most challenging cases can succeed.
Our dedication to client success is reflected in our numerous five-star Google reviews from happy clients who have successfully obtained their visas through our guidance and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does an Australian Partner Visa take to process in 2026?
Processing times vary by subclass. As of May 2026, the Subclass 820 (onshore temporary) takes approximately 18 months for 50% of applications and up to 32 months for 90%. The Subclass 309 (offshore temporary) takes approximately 16 months for 50% and 25 months for 90%. Plan well in advance and always check current times at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Q. How much does an Australian Partner Visa cost in 2026?
The government application fee is AUD 9,365 for the primary applicant. This single fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages — you do not pay again when transitioning to the permanent visa. Most applicants should budget between AUD 10,000 and AUD 15,000 in total when including medical examinations, police clearances, and professional fees.
Q. Can I work in Australia while my Partner Visa is being processed?
Yes. Onshore applicants who lodge a Subclass 820 application receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which grants full work rights while the application is being processed. Offshore applicants on a Subclass 309 can also work and study in Australia while on that temporary visa.
Q. Do de facto couples qualify for an Australian Partner Visa?
Yes. De facto couples are eligible provided the relationship has been ongoing for at least 12 months before the application, or the couple is registered under a state or territory relationship register. The relationship must be genuine, exclusive, and supported by evidence across the four pillars: financial, household, social, and commitment aspects.
Q. What happens if my Partner Visa application is refused?
You have the right to apply for a merits review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 21 days of receiving the refusal decision. Acting quickly is critical as missing the review deadline means the refusal becomes final. Seek legal advice immediately upon receiving a refusal notice.
Q. Can I include my children in a Partner Visa application?
Yes. Dependent children under 18 can be included in the same application for an additional charge of AUD 2,345 per child. Children aged 18 or over may be included if they are still financially dependent, at an additional charge of AUD 4,685 each.
Conclusion
The Partner Visa offers significant benefits, from the right to live and work in Australia to access to healthcare and educational opportunities. For couples committed to building a future together in Australia, applying for a Partner Visa is a crucial step. If you’re considering this pathway, professional advice can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers for personalized assistance with your Partner Visa application. We offer detailed consultation sessions to determine eligibility and assess your circumstances based on the relevant legislative and policy requirements. Schedule your consultation session here.
Related Reading
- De Facto Partner Visa: Benefits and Requirements — A complete guide to applying as a de facto couple, including the four evidence pillars, cohabitation waivers, and current fees.
Author
Calvin Augustine is the founding solicitor of Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers. He graduated with Honors from the University of London law school, before being admitted to practice in Malaysia and Australia (admitted in SA, appears in all Victorian Courts and Tribunals, at trial and appellate levels).
