Australia is one of the most desirable places in the world, known for its strong economy, high quality of life and beautiful landscape. In relationships with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a fellow visa offers a way to live in Australia and create a life together. However, the application process is detailed, demand and often expensive, which makes it necessary to understand the visa well before applying.
In this blog post, we will break all the things that you need to know about Australian partner visa - from eligibility and application types to cost, deadline, and success tips.
What is Australian partner visa?
Australian partner visa allows an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen's spouse or real partner to live in Australia. It is part of the family stream of Australia's immigration program and is designed to reconcile couples and families.
Visa is available in both onshore and offshore categories and includes two stages: a permanent one after a temporary visa.
Partner visa types
The two main visa categories depend on whether you apply from inside or outside Australia:
- Subclass 820/801 - Onshore app
Subclass 820: Temporary Partner Visa
Substance 801: Permanent partner visa (after 2 years, if the relationship is going on) While applying you should be inside Australia and when temporary visas are provided.
2. Subcise 309/100 - Opportunity application
Subcise 309: Temporary Participage Visa
Subcise 100: Permanent partner visa (typically assessed 2 years after the subclass 309)
You should be outside Australia at the time of application and when the subclass 309 visa is provided.
Who is the character?
To qualify for a fellow visa, you must be in a real and continuous relationship with your sponsor partner. If you are you can apply:
Legally married, or
In a real relationship for at least 12 months, or
There is a registered relationship (some state couples allow their partnership to forgive 12 months requirement)
Your sponsor must be:
An Australian Citizen
An Australian permanent resident, or
A character New Zealand Citizen
Both you and your sponsors should be at least 18 years old.
You need evidence
A successful partner visa application depends a lot on the evidence of your relationship. You will need to provide documents to show:
- Financial aspect
Joint bank account details Shared utility bill Joint purchase or investment
2. Domestic system
Lease or house ownership documents
Common responsibility for homework, groceries, pets, etc.
3. social aspect
Photos together
Joint travel history Friends or family statements confirm your relationship
4. Nature of commitment
Personal written statement from each partner
Plans for future (children, marriage, finance)
All documents not occurring in English should be translated by a nacha-charity translator.
Application process
The application process involves entering both temporary and permanent visas applications at the same time. You will:
Create an Immiaccount online through Home Affairs Website
Complete the relevant application form (820/801 or 309/100)
Upload all assistant documents
Pay application fee
Wait for further instructions like medical checks and police clearance
After about 2 years, the department will assure your relationship before giving permanent visas.
Consolidation cost
By 2025, the application cost for a partner visa is approximately $ 8,850. This is a non-worthy qualified fee, even if the application is denied.
Additional costs may include:
Health assessment
Police check
Document translation
Migration agent fee (if used)
While expensive, the visa opens the door for a long -term future in Australia, has the right to work, study, reach the medicare and eventually apply for citizenship.
processing times
Visa processing time can vary greatly depending on your circumstances, visa subclasses and government cassalids. Estimated timelines are:
Substance 820: 8 to 20 months
Subclass 801: 12 to 20 months after subclass 820
Substance 309: 6 to 18 months
Substance 100: 12 to 20 months after subclass 309
Ensure that your application is complete and well documented to avoid unnecessary delays.
Using a migration agent
Although it is not mandatory to use migration agent, many applicants choose to work with a registered migration agent to reduce errors and stress. A migration agent can:
Assess your eligibility
You help organize documents
Review your statements and evidence
Communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf
Always ensure that your agent is registered with the office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
final thoughts
Applying for an Australian partner visa is an important step - both emotional and financially. While the process can be long and wide, it is a powerful way to bring joints together and build a future in Australia.
