Which partner visa fits your situation?
Australia has three partner visa pathways. Which one fits depends on whether you are married, de facto or engaged, and whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia when applying.
- Married or de facto couples
- Applied for inside Australia
- 820 temporary, then 801 permanent
- Married or de facto couples
- Applied for outside Australia
- 309 provisional, then 100 permanent
- Engaged couples
- Applied for outside Australia
- Marry in Australia, then apply for 820/801
What the eligibility check covers
- Your likely pathway: 820/801, 309/100 or 300
- Relationship requirements, including the de facto 12-month rule and meeting in person
- Sponsor eligibility and sponsorship limits
- Risk areas such as Schedule 3, condition 8503, health, character and past refusals
- How strong your relationship evidence is across the four pillars
Partner visa FAQs
Who is eligible for a partner visa in Australia?
Generally, you can apply if you are married to, in a de facto relationship with, or (for the Subclass 300) engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who agrees to sponsor you. Your relationship must be genuine, continuing and exclusive, and you both generally need to be 18 or older.
Which partner visa should I apply for: 820, 309 or 300?
It mainly depends on where you are and your relationship. The Subclass 820/801 is applied for inside Australia, the Subclass 309/100 is applied for outside Australia, and the Subclass 300 is for engaged couples applying from outside Australia who plan to marry in Australia.
Do we need to be married to apply for a partner visa?
No. De facto couples can apply for the 820/801 or 309/100. A de facto relationship generally needs to have lasted 12 months before applying, although registering your relationship with an Australian state or territory, or compelling circumstances, can count instead.
Do we need to have met in person?
For the Subclass 300, meeting in person is a legal requirement. For the 820 and 309 it is not set out in the same way, but it is very important evidence that your relationship is genuine. Couples who have never met in person should get advice before applying.
What evidence do I need for a partner visa?
Evidence is usually grouped into four areas: financial (joint accounts, shared bills), household (shared lease, mail to the same address), social (photos, travel, statements from friends and family) and commitment (future plans, wills, super nominations). The right mix depends on your situation.
Who can be a partner visa sponsor?
The sponsor must generally be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over. Limits apply: sponsors can generally sponsor no more than two partners in their lifetime and must usually wait 5 years between sponsorships. Some criminal convictions, especially offences against children, can prevent sponsorship.
How long does a partner visa take and how much does it cost?
Processing times and government charges change regularly, so check the current figures on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply. A consultation covers current costs and timing for your situation, including our professional fees.
Is this eligibility check free, and is it migration advice?
The check is free. It gives general information based on your answers and is not migration advice. For advice on your situation, book a consultation (AUD 190) with Sam Lotfollahi, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0901704). The fee is credited towards our professional fees if you go ahead with us.
Official sources
- About partner visas — Department of Home Affairs
- Partner visa (subclass 820 and 801)
- Partner visa (subclass 309 and 100)
- Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
Looking for another visa? Try our free visa assessment for skilled, employer-sponsored and other visas.