October 26, 2026

Partner Visa

Employer Sponsored Visa Australia Requirements, Fees and PR Pathways

If you want to live with your spouse or de facto partner in Australia, a Partner Visa Australia application may provide a pathway to temporary residence and, eventually, permanent residence. The appropriate visa depends on your relationship, your partner’s Australian immigration status, and whether you apply from inside or outside Australia.

Australia offers several partner-related visa options, including the onshore Partner visa (subclasses 820 and 801), offshore Partner visa (subclasses 309 and 100), and Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300). Each has specific eligibility criteria, documentary requirements, application charges and processing considerations.

This guide explains Partner Visa Australia requirements, costs in 2026, processing times, relationship evidence, and how to apply. It also discusses whether you can move from a tourist visa to a partner visa and how to prepare a practical application checklist.

What Is a Partner Visa in Australia?

A partner visa is designed for eligible spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may apply onshore in Australia or offshore from another country.

In many cases, the process involves a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa. Applicants generally submit applications for both stages together, although the permanent stage is assessed later.

A partner visa may allow eligible applicants to live in Australia and, depending on the visa granted, work, study and access certain services. Approval is not automatic: applicants must satisfy the relevant legal criteria and provide evidence supporting their relationship and eligibility.

Partner Visa Australia Requirements

To qualify for a partner visa, you generally need to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing and that your sponsoring partner meets the applicable requirements.

1. Your partner must be eligible to sponsor you

Your spouse or de facto partner generally needs to be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your sponsor must meet the relevant sponsorship criteria, and sponsorship approval is required.

Not every New Zealand citizen automatically qualifies as an eligible New Zealand citizen for partner visa purposes. If your partner is a New Zealand citizen, check their specific immigration status before choosing a visa pathway.

2. You must meet the relationship requirements

You may qualify through a legally recognised marriage or a de facto relationship.

For de facto applicants, the usual requirement is that the relationship has existed for at least 12 months immediately before applying. Exceptions may apply in specific circumstances, including certain registered relationships or other circumstances recognised under the migration rules.

Simply dating, communicating online or being engaged does not necessarily establish a qualifying de facto relationship. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the nature and history of the relationship using the evidence provided.

3. You must meet health and character requirements

Applicants may need health examinations, police certificates and other supporting documents. Requirements can depend on your personal history, countries of residence and family members included in the application.

4. You must choose the correct application pathway

Your location at the time of application is important. Subclass 820 is generally for applicants applying in Australia, while subclass 309 is for applicants applying outside Australia. Visa conditions, previous refusals or cancellations, and any applicable restrictions can affect your options.

Official eligibility information is available from the Department of Home Affairs Partner visa page.

Types of Partner Visa Australia

Onshore Partner Visa: Subclass 820 and 801

The onshore partner visa Australia subclass 820/801 pathway is generally for applicants who are in Australia and meet the requirements to apply there.

Subclass 820: Temporary Partner visa and the first stage of the pathway.
Subclass 801: Permanent Partner visa, assessed at a later stage.

The temporary visa may allow eligible applicants to live, work and study in Australia while their permanent-stage application is being processed. The exact rights and conditions depend on the visa granted and the applicant’s circumstances.

Before applying, check your current visa conditions carefully. A condition such as “No Further Stay” may restrict an onshore application unless an applicable waiver is granted. Do not assume that holding a tourist visa automatically means you can apply for an onshore partner visa.

Official information: Partner visa subclasses 820 and 801.

Offshore Partner Visa: Subclass 309 and 100

The offshore partner visa Australia subclass 309/100 pathway is generally for applicants who are outside Australia when they apply.

Subclass 309: Temporary or provisional Partner visa.
Subclass 100: Permanent Partner visa, assessed at a later stage.

This pathway may suit couples where the applicant is living overseas and the sponsoring partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Applicants should prepare relationship evidence, identity documents, sponsorship information and any required health and character documents. You must meet the applicable location requirements at the time of application and decision.

Official information: Partner visa subclasses 309 and 100.

Prospective Marriage Visa: Subclass 300

The Prospective Marriage visa Australia option may suit someone who intends to marry their eligible Australian partner and meets the relevant requirements. It is commonly referred to as the fiancé visa.

The subclass 300 visa allows an eligible applicant to travel to Australia to marry their prospective spouse within the visa’s permitted period. After marriage, the applicant may be able to apply for a Partner visa, subject to the applicable requirements.

This pathway differs from a partner visa for couples who are already married or qualify as de facto partners. Check the current requirements before deciding which option fits your relationship.

Official information: Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300.

Temporary Partner Visa Australia vs Permanent Partner Visa Australia

The temporary and permanent stages serve different purposes.

Visa Subclass	Base Application Charge
Subclass 482 — Core Skills stream	AUD 4,015
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme	From AUD 6,140
Subclass 494 — Regional Employer Sponsored	From AUD 6,140

Note: These figures are starting charges, not the complete cost of every application. Check the official Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging because charges and concessions may change.

Many applicants initially receive a temporary or provisional visa before being considered for permanent residence. The permanent stage is not simply guaranteed by holding the temporary visa: the Department assesses whether the relevant criteria are met. Some applicants may qualify for consideration for the permanent stage earlier under specific circumstances, such as where the relationship has existed for a sufficiently long period. Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and the evidence in the case.

Partner Visa Australia Cost 2026

The Partner visa Australia cost is an important part of planning your application. The Department of Home Affairs lists the main application charge for most applicants for the onshore Partner visa subclasses 820 and 801 at AUD 11,710, with a lower charge for certain applicants transitioning from a Prospective Marriage visa and limited concessions for eligible applicants.

The subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa is also listed at AUD 11,710. Charges and concessions can change, so verify the fee for your exact visa and circumstances immediately before lodging.

In addition to the main application charge, you may need to budget for:

Medical examinations.
Police certificates.
Certified translations of documents not in English.
Document certification or other administrative expenses.
Professional assistance, if you choose to use it.
Additional applicant charges, where applicable.

Your total expenses will depend on your circumstances and the documents you need. Use the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the latest charge. Do not rely on old forum posts or outdated fee tables.

Partner Visa Australia Processing Time

How long does it take to get a Partner visa Australia? There is no single processing time that applies to every applicant. Processing can vary by subclass, application complexity, the quality of the evidence, the need for further information and the Department’s current workload.

Onshore and offshore applications may also be processed at different priorities. The Department of Home Affairs publishes a processing-time guide based on recently decided applications, but it is an indication rather than a guarantee for an individual case.

To help avoid preventable delays:

Complete the application accurately.
Upload clear and relevant supporting documents.
Provide convincing evidence of the relationship across the required areas.
Respond promptly to requests from the Department.
Keep your contact details and personal circumstances up to date.

Check the official visa processing time guide before submitting your application and again when reviewing your case progress.

Can You Change from a Tourist Visa to a Partner Visa Australia?

Some people enter Australia on a visitor or tourist visa and later consider applying for an onshore Partner visa. Whether this is possible depends on their circumstances, including their current visa conditions, immigration history and whether they meet the Partner visa requirements.

A visitor visa does not itself provide a right to remain permanently. Some visitor visas have a “No Further Stay” condition that can restrict further onshore visa applications unless a waiver is available and approved. You should also consider the conditions of your current visa and your obligations as a visa holder.

If you are overseas and have an eligible Australian partner, an offshore Partner visa may be more appropriate. Obtain advice on your individual circumstances before making travel or application decisions.

Partner Visa Australia Checklist PDF: Documents to Prepare

There is no single checklist that covers every applicant, but the following list is a useful starting point. Use the Department’s current document requirements and your ImmiAccount checklist as the final guide.

Identity and personal documents

Current passport and identity documents.
Birth certificate and evidence of any name changes.
Marriage certificate, if applicable.
Details of any dependent children and previous relationships.

Relationship evidence

A written relationship history explaining how you met and how the relationship developed.
Evidence of shared finances, such as joint accounts or shared financial commitments.
Evidence of household arrangements, such as a joint lease, bills or correspondence.
Social evidence, such as photographs, invitations, travel records and statements from people who know you as a couple.
Evidence of mutual commitment and future plans.
Evidence of a registered relationship, if relevant.

Sponsor and supporting documents

Evidence of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship, permanent residence or eligible New Zealand citizen status.
Required sponsorship information and forms.
Police certificates and health examinations when required.
Certified English translations for documents in other languages.

Relationship Statement Partner Visa Australia: What Should It Include?

A relationship statement should be truthful, personal and consistent with the documents in your application. Explain when and how you met, how your relationship developed, when you began living together or married, how you manage finances and household responsibilities, how you spend time together, and what your plans are as a couple.

If you have spent time apart, explain the circumstances and how you maintained contact. Avoid copying a generic sample word for word or exaggerating facts. Your statement should reflect your own relationship, and the supporting documents should corroborate what you say.

How to Apply for a Partner Visa Australia

The general process is:

Confirm eligibility: Identify whether the onshore, offshore or prospective marriage pathway suits your circumstances.
Prepare relationship evidence: Collect documents covering financial, household, social and commitment aspects of your relationship.
Create or access ImmiAccount: Complete the relevant online application.
Submit the application and pay the applicable charge: Follow the official instructions for the visa subclass.
Complete sponsorship steps: Ensure your sponsor submits the required sponsorship information.
Respond to requests: Provide further evidence, health examinations or police certificates when required.
Monitor the application: Check ImmiAccount and official correspondence for updates.

Because errors or missing evidence may lead to delays or other problems, organise your documents before lodging.

Get Help With Your Partner Visa Application

Every relationship and immigration history is different. Choosing the correct visa subclass, preparing a clear relationship statement and presenting consistent evidence can make the application process easier to manage.

Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services provides assistance with Australian migration matters. Support may include reviewing eligibility and visa options, preparing tailored document checklists, reviewing supporting evidence, assisting with application preparation and providing application lodgement support.

Services are available in English and Urdu. You can learn more about Touseef Abbasi (MARN: 2518930) and contact the business to discuss your circumstances.

No migration professional can guarantee a visa outcome. The Department of Home Affairs makes the final decision based on the applicable law and evidence.

📍 Melbourne Office: Office 3669, Ground Floor, 470 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
📍 Wollert Office: 11 Farmley Way, Wollert VIC 3750
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +61 418 841 225
📧 Email: info@abbasimigration.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Partner Visa

1. How do I qualify for a Partner visa for Australia?

You generally need to be married to, or in a qualifying de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must meet relationship, sponsorship, health, character and other applicable requirements.

2. What are the new rules for Partner visas in Australia?

Requirements and fees can change. Before applying, check the current Department of Home Affairs rules for your visa subclass, including relationship evidence, sponsor eligibility, visa conditions and application charges. Do not rely solely on social media posts or old discussions.

3. How long does a Partner visa take?

Processing times vary by subclass and individual circumstances. Use the Department’s official processing-time guide for the latest indication, remembering that it does not guarantee a decision date for your application.

4. How much does an Australian Partner visa cost?

The official charge for most applicants for the combined onshore subclasses 820 and 801 application is listed at AUD 11,710. Other pathways, concessions and additional expenses may differ. Confirm your exact fee through the Department’s Visa Pricing Estimator before applying.

5. Can I get permanent residence through a Partner visa?

The subclass 820 pathway may lead to subclass 801 permanent residence, while the subclass 309 pathway may lead to subclass 100 permanent residence. You must satisfy the requirements for the permanent stage; it is not automatic.

6. Is a de facto Partner visa available in Australia?

Yes. Eligible de facto partners may apply through the relevant onshore or offshore pathway. The usual 12-month relationship requirement and its exceptions should be checked against the current official rules.

7. Is a Partner visa the same as a visa for the partner of a New Zealand citizen?

Not always. The Partner visa pathway applies to partners of eligible New Zealand citizens, but eligibility depends on the sponsor’s specific status. Other visa options may be relevant in some circumstances, so check the official rules before applying.

What is the Tourist Visa Australia?

The Tourist Visa Australia generally refers to Visitor Visa Subclass 600, a temporary visa for tourism, family visits, and certain short-term business activities. Depending on the circumstances and stream, a visitor may receive a stay period of 3, 6, or 12 months.

How much does a Tourist Visa Australia cost in 2026?

According to the supplied 2026 figures, the offshore Tourist Stream costs AUD 250, while the onshore Tourist Stream costs AUD 630. The Business Visitor and Sponsored Family streams are listed at AUD 415 each. Government charges are non-refundable.

How long does the Tourist Visa Australia take?

The supplied July 2026 figures state that 75% of offshore Tourist Stream applications are processed within approximately 20–29 days and 90% within 33 days. Processing can take longer where additional checks or information are required.

Can I work on a Tourist Visa Australia?

No. The tourist visa doesn’t permit employment or paid work in Australia. Working while holding a visitor visa can lead to serious immigration consequences.

Can Pakistani citizens apply for a Tourist Visa Australia?

Yes. Pakistani passport holders can apply for Visitor Visa Subclass 600. The supplied guide states that Pakistani passport holders aren’t eligible for the ETA or eVisitor, making Subclass 600 the relevant tourist visa option.

What documents do I need for an Australian tourist visa?

Important documents can include your passport, six months of bank statements, employment or business evidence, evidence of home-country ties, travel plans, health insurance, and a clear Genuine Visitor statement. Family visit applications may also require an invitation and evidence of the Australian host’s status.

What is a No Further Stay condition?

A No Further Stay condition, such as Condition 8503, can prevent a visitor from applying for certain further visas while in Australia. Applicants should check their current visa conditions before attempting an onshore application.

Can I extend my Tourist Visa while in Australia?

You can’t automatically extend a Subclass 600 visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for another visa from inside Australia, but a No Further Stay condition can prevent this. Always check the conditions of your current visa before lodging another application.

Is health insurance required for a Tourist Visa Australia?

Visitor visa holders generally don’t have access to Medicare except in limited circumstances involving reciprocal healthcare arrangements. Appropriate private health insurance is therefore strongly recommended, and applicants should follow any specific Department requirements that apply to their case.

What are the most common Tourist Visa Australia refusal reasons?

Common problems include weak evidence of genuine temporary intent, suspicious or unexplained finances, undisclosed immigration history, vague travel plans, No Further Stay issues, and inconsistent or missing documents.