Applying for an Australia Partner Visa can feel confusing, stressful, and even a little scary—especially if it’s your first time dealing with immigration paperwork. There are forms to fill in, documents to upload, and rules you must follow. But don’t worry. Once the process is broken down into simple steps, it becomes much easier to understand.
This guide explains the partner visa process in clear, easy English so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
What Is the Australia Partner Visa?
The Australia Partner Visa allows the husband, wife, or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is a two-stage visa:
- Temporary Partner Visa
- Onshore: Subclass 820
- Offshore: Subclass 309
- Onshore: Subclass 801
- Offshore: Subclass 100
You apply for both stages at the same time, but the temporary visa is processed first. After about two years, the permanent stage is assessed.
Step 1: Make Sure You Are Eligible
Before you start, make sure you and your partner meet the basic requirements.
✔ Relationship Requirements
Your relationship must be:
- Genuine and continuing
- Exclusive (only with each other)
- Committed, with plans for a shared future
You must be either:
- Legally married, or
- De facto partners for at least 12 months
Sometimes the 12-month de facto rule can be waived (e.g., if you have a child together or there are compassionate reasons).
✔ Sponsor Requirements
Your partner must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor must also pass character checks and must not have sponsored too many partners in the past.
Step 2: Collect All Your Documents
This is the part that takes the most time, so start early. The Department of Home Affairs needs proof that your relationship is real.
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Recent passport-size photos
Relationship Evidence
The government looks at four main areas:
1. Financial Evidence
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared bills
- Joint purchases
- Proof you share expenses
2. Household Evidence
- Joint lease or home ownership
- Utility bills in both names
- Evidence you live together
3. Social Evidence
- Photos of you together
- Travel bookings
- Invitations addressed to both of you
- Social media posts showing your relationship
4. Commitment Evidence
- Relationship statements from both partners
- Future plans together
- Communication logs (messages, calls, emails)
- Evidence of time spent together
Other Useful Documents
- Form 888 declarations from friends or family
- Divorce papers or death certificates (if applicable)
- Police checks
- Evidence of children, if you have them
The better your evidence, the stronger your application will be.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount and Lodge Your Application
All partner visa applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount.
You will need to:
- Create your account
- Fill in the online form
- Upload your documents
- Pay the visa fee (it’s high, so double-check everything first)
If you apply inside Australia, you will usually get a Bridging Visa that lets you stay legally while you wait. Many applicants on a bridging visa can also work and study.
Step 4: Complete Health and Police Checks
After lodging your application, you might be asked to complete:
- A medical exam
- A chest X-ray
- Police certificates from any country you lived in for 12 months or more
Your sponsor may also need police checks to make sure they meet the safety requirements.
These checks must be completed correctly, or your application could be delayed.
Step 5: Wait for the Application to Be Assessed
This is often the hardest part because processing times can be long. While you wait:
- Keep your evidence updated
- Save new photos, travel plans, joint bills, etc.
- Respond to any requests from the Department
- Inform them if your details change (address, passport, relationship status)
Remember: It’s normal to hear nothing for months. This does not mean anything is wrong.
Step 6: Temporary Partner Visa Approval
If your application is successful, you will receive either the:
- 820 visa (if you applied in Australia), or
- 309 visa (if you applied from overseas)
This visa allows you to:
- Live in Australia
- Work and study
- Travel in and out of the country
- Access Medicare (in most cases)
You stay on this visa while waiting for the permanent stage to be assessed.
Step 7: Permanent Partner Visa Assessment
About two years after you first applied, the Department will contact you to update your information. You need to provide new evidence showing that your relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Once this is approved, you receive your 801 or 100 visa, giving you:
- Permanent residency
- Work rights
- Access to social benefits
- The ability to stay in Australia long-term
Many partners later go on to apply for Australian citizenship.
Final Thoughts
The Australia Partner Visa process may seem complicated, but when you break it down step by step, it becomes much more manageable. The most important things are good preparation, strong evidence, and patience. If you stay organised and provide honest, clear information, you will give your application the best chance of success. For more assistance and support contact GIEC Global Melbourne, Australia which have the most trusted Australian Immigration Lawyer and Best Immigration Agent In Melbourne.
Comments (0)