Partner Visa Australia
Partner Visa Australia
An Australian partner visa or spouse visa Australia allows you to enter and live in Australia with your partner. If you want to start your process, then connect with GIEC GLOBAL. We assist you through the process step by step.
Best Partner Visa Agent Australia
As leading Australian Partner Visa lawyers with offices in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart & Perth, GIEC GLOBAL offers expert guidance for your spouse or partner visa application. We have expert lawyers in our team who have very deep knowledge about the Partner or spouse visa Australia. Our lawyers help you with all the necessary documents. We always listen to our clients so we can give results accordingly. GIEC GLOBAL Australia has been awarded many times as the leading visa Subclass 820.
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Overview of Australia Partner Visa: Guide By Australian Partner Visa Lawyer
An Australian Partner Visa is a visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is designed so couples can stay together while building their life in Australia. The visa usually happens in two stages: a temporary visa first, then a permanent visa. For example, if you are applying inside Australia, you normally apply for the Subclass 820 (temporary) and later get the Subclass 801 (permanent). If you apply outside Australia, you usually apply for the Subclass 309 (temporary) and then the Subclass 100 (permanent).
The main purpose of this visa is to show that your relationship is real and ongoing. The Department of Home Affairs always check evidence like how long you both have lived together, your financial support, social recognition, etc.
While holding the temporary Partner Visa, you can live, work and study in Australia and in many cases you can access Medicare facilities. After a waiting period and further checks, you can get permanent Partner Visa, which gives you almost all the rights of an Australian permanent resident.
Processing Times for Australia Partner Visa
The Partner Visa takes a long time to process, and the waiting time can be different for every person. It depends on whether you apply inside Australia (Subclass 820/801) or outside Australia (Subclass 309/100).
Subclass 820 (temporary onshore) can take around 12 to 24* months for a decision.
Subclass 801 (permanent onshore) is usually decided about two years* after you first applied for the 820 visa.
Subclass 309 (temporary offshore) normally takes about 12 to 20* months.
Subclass 100 (permanent offshore) is usually decided around two years* after the 309 visa application.
Note: The time can change depending on how complete your application is, how quickly you provide documents, and how busy the Department of Home Affairs is. If your application has missing information, it may take longer.
What is the New Partner Visa Rule in Australia for 2025-26?
From 1 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Government introduced several changes that affect partner visas. The Application fee for partner visas went up from circa AUD $9,095 to AUD $9,365* For the main applicant. You must budget more and if you were planning to lodge soon, earlier submission may have been advantageous. While there is talk of reform (particularly merging the temporary and permanent stages into one single-stage partner visa), those changes are not yet fully implemented. The eligibility, relationship and sponsor requirements remain largely the same. Because processing times are under pressure, careful preparation and strong documentary evidence are more important than ever.
Get the latest updates and changes new rules information from the trusted Australian partner visa lawyer and submit your application today!
Benefits of Partner Visa Australia
Couples who wish to establish a life together in Australia can benefit strongly from the Australia Partner Visa. You are offered a variety of rights and opportunities that allow you to settle safely and comfortably after your temporary or permanent partner visa is approved.
- Live in Australia with Your Partner
The biggest benefit is that you can live together in Australia without long-distance stress. You can stay with your spouse while your permanent residency is being processed.
- Full Work Rights
Those with partner visas are able to work full-time in any sector of the market. There are no limitations, which makes it simpler to provide for your family and advance your job.
- Freedom to Study
You can enrol in any course, degree or skill program in Australia. Some applicants may even become eligible for local tuition benefits over time.
- Access to Medicare
Australia’s public healthcare system, lowers medical costs for holders of temporary and permanent partner visas.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
The partner visa leads directly to PR (Subclass 801). After becoming a permanent resident, you may later apply for Australian citizenship.
- Travel Flexibility
Australia allows free travel, which makes it simple to visit relatives or fulfil responsibilities abroad.
GIEC Global Australia is the leading Australian Immigration Law Firm that can help you to get your visa approved with smooth and easy process. Get in touch with us to connect with our spouse visa specialist Melbourne.
Partner Visa Australia Requirements
Applying for an Australia Partner Visa can be simple when you understand the key requirements. At GIEC Global Australia, we help couples meet all eligibility rules and prepare strong applications. Below are the main requirements:
- Proof of Genuine Relationship
- You must have to show that your relationship is real and ongoing.
- Evidence can include photos, messages, joint travel, joint bills, shared finances or living together.
- Sponsorship by an Australian Partner
- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- They have to fulfill character requirements and agree to sponsor you for 2 years.
- Cohabitation or Commitment
- You should be living together OR show strong reasons if you are temporarily living apart.
- Both partners must prove long-term commitment.
- Identity & Character Requirements
- You must provide a valid passport, birth certificate and police clearance from every country you lived in for 12+ months.
- Health Requirements
- You must complete a medical examination to show you have fulfilled Australia health standards.
- Financial Evidence
- Provide proof of shared financial responsibilities like joint accounts, rent agreements, or shared purchases.
At GIEC Global Australia as a spouse visa consultants, we assist you with documentation, eligibility check, application filing, and ongoing visa support. We ensure your Partner Visa application is accurate and strong for faster results. We help you to get your visa approved easily and error free. Contact us to start the process today!
Australia Partner Visa English Requirement
English language proficiency is now a requirement for sponsors and applicants for Partner Visas in Australia. What you should know is as follows:
- Basic English Ability
Spouse visa applicants must show basic English skills. This can be done through a simple English test or by completing an approved English language course if needed.
- When You Need to Provide Proof
You have to submit your English evidence before your partner visa is granted. If you cannot meet the requirement at the time of application, you may be asked to enrol in English classes.
- Accepted English Tests
Australia accepts tests such as:
- IELTS
- PTE
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge (CAE)
You only need a basic score as the requirement is not very high.
- Exemptions From English Requirement
You may be exempt if:
- You hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland.
- You have completed schooling or higher education in English.
- You are facing specific compassionate or compelling circumstances.
- What If You Don’t Meet the Requirement?
You can still apply. You may just need to enrol in a government-approved English course before the visa is granted.
This requirement helps Australia support newcomers in settling, finding work, and connecting easily with the community. At GIEC Global Australia, we guide you through the English rules and help you prepare the right documents for a smooth Partner Visa application.
Who can apply for a Partner Visa in Australia?
A Partner Visa in Australia can be applied for by people who are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. To be eligible, you need to either be legally married or in a de facto relationship. A de facto relationship means you live together like a couple, even if you are not married. Usually, you need to have lived together for at least 12 months before applying, unless there are special circumstances like registering your relationship with an Australian state or territory.
Same-sex couples are also eligible to apply under the same rules. You can apply from inside Australia (onshore) or from outside Australia (offshore), depending on your situation.
Types of partner visa Australia
There are different types of Partner Visas, including:
- Subclass 820 and 801:
- Subclass 820: This is a temporary visa that lets you live in Australia while your permanent visa application is being processed.
- Subclass 801: This is a permanent visa that you can apply for after you have held the Subclass 820 visa for a while.
- Subclass 309 and 100:
- Subclass 309: This is a temporary Partner Visa for people who are outside Australia. It lets you enter Australia and stay while your permanent Partner Visa application is processed.
- Subclass 100: This is the permanent Partner Visa that you can apply for after holding the Subclass 309 visa. It lets you live in Australia forever.
Eligibility requirements for an Australian Partner Visa
The Partner Visa has several important eligibility requirements. These include:
Relationship status – You must either be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Same-sex relationships are accepted.
Genuine relationship – You must show your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This includes proof of living together, sharing money and social evidence of your relationship.
Age – Both the applicant and sponsor must usually be 18 years or older.
Sponsorship – Your partner must agree to sponsor you. Sponsors must meet requirements, such as not having sponsored too many partners in the past.
Character and health checks – Applicants must pass police checks and meet health standards, including medical exams.
No visa ban – You must not be barred from applying for another visa due to previous cancellations or breaches.
If you are in a de facto relationship, you usually need to have lived together for 12 months, unless your relationship is formally registered.
Spouse Visa Process Australia – Step-by-Step Guide
Married partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or qualifying New Zealand citizens may reside in Australia with the Australia Spouse Visa (Partner Visa). The entire procedure is as follows:
- Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, you must ensure:
- You are legally married to your partner.
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- You both live together or plan to live together permanently.
- Your sponsor is an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Gather Relationship Evidence
You must collect documents that prove your relationship, such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Photos together
- Joint bank accounts
- Chats, calls, travel history
- Joint bills, lease, or property documents
These proofs help the case officer verify that your relationship is real.
- Collect Identity & Character Documents
You need:
- Passport
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination (after request)
- Birth certificate
- Your sponsor must also provide character evidence.
- Lodge the Spouse Visa Application
You apply for:
- Subclass 820 (temporary partner visa)
- Subclass 801 (permanent partner visa)
Both are usually lodged together through your ImmiAccount or you can also get the assistance of the trusted spouse visa agent.
- Sponsor Application
Your partner must also submit a Sponsor Application with relationship details, financial ability and character documents.
- Attend Biometrics & Medicals
After application, you may receive requests for:
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Medical tests
- Submit these on time to avoid delays.
- Temporary Visa Grant (Subclass 820)
Once approved, you get the 820 Visa, which allows you to:
- Live in Australia
- Work full-time
- Study
- Travel freely
You stay on this visa until your permanent stage.
- Permanent Visa Assessment (Subclass 801)
The Department reviews your case about two years after you filed the first application to see if the relationship is still in existence. The 801 Permanent Partner Visa is granted if this is the case.
- Visa Outcome
You receive your permanent residency (PR) and can live in Australia indefinitely with your partner.
Documents Required for a Partner Visa
Identity Documents
Relationship Documents
Financial Evidence
Character & Health Documents
Sponsor Documents
Children (if included)
Identity Documents
Passport (current and expired, if relevant)
Birth certificate
National identity card (if available)
Recent passport-sized photographs
Relationship Documents
Marriage certificate (if married)
Registered relationship certificate (if applicable)
Evidence of living together (lease agreements, joint rental contracts, property ownership)
Joint bank account statements
Shared bills (electricity, water, internet, phone)
Travel tickets, itineraries, or hotel bookings together
Photos of you and your partner together (holidays, family gatherings, events)
Social media posts or messages showing your relationship
Statements from family or friends about your relationship
Financial Evidence
Joint bank accounts or credit cards
Joint loans, mortgage, or insurance policies
Proof of shared expenses (bills, groceries, rent)
Evidence of financial support from one partner to another
Character & Health Documents
Police clearance certificates from every country you lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
Medical examination results (done by approved panel doctors)
Sponsor Documents
Passport or Australian citizenship certificate
Proof of permanent residency (if not a citizen)
Evidence of employment or financial ability to sponsor
Children (if included)
Birth certificates
Passports
Custody or consent documents (if required)
Spouse Visa Application Fee
The cost of a Partner Visa in Australia is quite high compared to other visas. As of 2025, the main application charge is over AUD $8,000* for most applicants. This fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the Partner Visa. It means you pay once at the start, and then you do not need to pay again when moving from the temporary visa (820 or 309) to the permanent visa (801 or 100).
If you include dependent children in your application, you will need to pay extra fees for each child. There may also be additional costs such as police checks, medical examinations, translations of documents, and biometric collection. These fees are separate from the main visa fee.
Key Features of the Partner Visa
Here are some important things to know about the partner visa Australia:- Living Together: To get a Partner Visa, you and your partner must live together or have a real relationship. You need to show that your relationship is genuine and serious.
- Eligibility Requirements: You must meet certain requirements to apply for the Partner Visa. This includes being in a real relationship, being healthy, and having good character. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship, like joint bank statements, photos together, and other documents.
How to Apply for a Partner Visa?
If you are worried how to apply partner visa, so don’t worry we best consultant for spouse visa. We have deep knowledge about the spouse visa. Here are some steps how we apply for a Partner Visa for you:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the requirements for the Partner Visa, including having a real relationship with your partner.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect important papers, such as proof of your relationship, identification and health checks.
- Submit Your Application: Once you have all your documents, submit your application online. Make sure all the information is correct to avoid delays.
- Wait for Processing: After you submit your application, you will wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process it. This can take a few months.
- Receive Your Visa: If your application is approved, you will get your Partner Visa, which lets you live and work in Australia with your partner.
Difference BTW 820 and 801 visa
| Aspect | Subclass 820 Temporary | Subclass 801 Permanent |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary Partner Visa (First Stage) | Permanent Partner Visa (Second Stage) |
| Duration | Valid until 801 visa decision is made (usually 2 years) | Permanent - stay in Australia indefinitely |
| When Granted | Granted first, soon after application processing | Granted at least 2 years after the initial application date |
| Application | Single combined application for both visas - You only apply once and pay one fee | |
| Application Location | Must be in Australia when you apply and when visa is granted | Can be in or outside Australia when granted |
| Work Rights | Full work rights in Australia | Full work rights in Australia |
| Study Rights | Can study in Australia | Can study in Australia |
| Medicare Access | Access to Medicare | Access to Medicare |
| Travel | Can travel, but may need Bridging Visa B for travel outside Australia | 5-year travel facility to leave and re-enter Australia multiple times |
| Pathway to Citizenship | No - temporary visa | Yes - can apply for citizenship after meeting requirements |
| Sponsor Eligible Family | No - temporary visa | Yes - can sponsor other family members |
| Application Fee | AUD $9,365 (single fee covers both 820 and 801) | |
| Relationship Evidence | Must provide comprehensive evidence of genuine relationship at time of application | Must provide updated evidence showing relationship has continued for 2+ years |
| Early Grant Option | Both visas can be granted together if: • Relationship of 3+ years, OR • Relationship of 2+ years with a child together | |
| Eligibility | • Be married or in de facto relationship (12+ months) • Partner must be Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen • Meet health and character requirements | • Still in genuine relationship with sponsor (or special circumstances) • Continue to meet health and character requirements • No outstanding debts to Australian Government |
📋 Important Notes:
• Both visas are part of the same application - you don't need to apply separately for the 801
• The 2-year waiting period starts from your application date, not from when 820 is granted
• Your 820 visa automatically expires when a decision is made on your 801 visa
• If your relationship ends before 801 is granted, you may still be eligible if there was family violence or you have a child together
• Both visas are part of the same application - you don't need to apply separately for the 801
• The 2-year waiting period starts from your application date, not from when 820 is granted
• Your 820 visa automatically expires when a decision is made on your 801 visa
• If your relationship ends before 801 is granted, you may still be eligible if there was family violence or you have a child together
