Partner Visas

To be eligible for an Australian Partner Visa, applicants must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This includes meeting health and character requirements and proving the relationship’s authenticity through shared financial responsibilities, cohabitation, social recognition, and future plans together.

Applying for a Partner Visa from outside Australia typically involves the Subclass 309 (Provisional) leading to the Subclass 100 (Permanent) visa. The process starts with gathering all necessary documents, completing the relevant application form, and submitting it online through the Department of Home Affairs’ website. Ensuring you meet all the requirements before applying is crucial.

The Subclass 820 visa is a temporary partner visa that allows you to live in Australia if you are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Subclass 801 visa is the subsequent permanent stage of this visa, which you can apply for after proving the continuity and genuineness of your relationship for at least two years under the Subclass 820 visa.

Yes, same-sex couples are eligible to apply for Australian Partner Visas. Australia recognizes same-sex marriages and de facto relationships for immigration purposes. Applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria and provide similar evidence of their relationship as opposite-sex couples.

The cost of an Australian Partner Visa can vary depending on the specific subclass and whether additional charges apply for dependents or for health and character checks. As of the latest updates, the primary application fee starts around AUD 8,850. It’s advisable to check the Department of Home Affairs’ website for the most current fee structure.

The processing time for Australian Partner Visas can vary significantly based on the visa subclass, the completeness of the application, and the volume of applications being processed. Generally, temporary partner visas (Subclass 820/309) can take from 12 to 24 months, while permanent visas (Subclass 801/100) might take slightly longer due to the requirement of demonstrating a continuing relationship.

Common reasons for Partner Visa refusal include insufficient evidence of the relationship’s genuineness, failure to meet health or character requirements, inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the application, and failure to comply with visa conditions previously. Ensuring thorough, accurate documentation and adherence to all requirements is critical to avoid refusal.

If you’ve entered Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), you and your partner must get married within the visa’s 9-month validity period. After marrying, you can apply for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801) to stay in Australia with your partner. It’s important to submit your Partner Visa application before the Prospective Marriage Visa expires to ensure a seamless transition without leaving Australia.

For a de facto relationship to be recognized for a Partner Visa application, you and your partner must have lived together for at least 12 months prior to applying. Exceptions to this rule include having your relationship registered with an Australian state or territory. Evidence of cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities, and social recognition of your relationship are crucial. Detailed documentation and statements about the nature of your partnership are necessary to prove the relationship’s genuineness and longevity.

If your relationship ends after you’ve been granted a temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) but before you’re eligible for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), you’re required to inform the Department of Home Affairs immediately. The circumstances of the relationship breakdown, such as domestic violence or having children in the relationship, can affect the outcome of your permanent Partner Visa application. In some cases, you might still be eligible for the permanent visa if specific criteria are met.