To live, work, or study in Australia with your partner, a Partner Visa is required. Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This step-by-step guide covers what you need to know about applying for a Partner Visa in Australia, including forms, documentation, and processing times.
How to Apply for a Partner Visa in Australia: Step-by-Step
Identify the Correct Partner Visa Pathway
Determine whether you should apply through the onshore 820/801 pathway or the offshore 309/100 pathway. Applicants for Subclass 820 must generally be in Australia when applying, while Subclass 309 applicants must be outside Australia at the time of application.
Check Applicant and Sponsor Eligibility
Confirm that the applicant meets the relationship, health and character criteria and that the sponsoring partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Gather Identity and Relationship Evidence
Prepare identity documents and evidence showing that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. This may include financial, household, social and commitment evidence.
Create or Access an ImmiAccount
Partner Visa applications are generally submitted and managed online through ImmiAccount. Applicants can start, save, submit and track their application through the platform.
Complete the Online Visa Application
Enter the applicant's personal, relationship, immigration and background information accurately and consistently.
Pay the Visa Application Charge
Pay the applicable government charge through the online application. The amount should link to the official Visa Pricing Estimator because charges can change.
Submit the Sponsor Application
After the visa application is lodged, the sponsor generally completes the separate online sponsorship application using the applicant's application details.
Upload Supporting Documents
Attach all requested applicant, sponsor and relationship documents through ImmiAccount. Partner Visa applications can accommodate up to 100 uploaded documents per person.
Complete Health and Character Requirements
Provide health examinations, police checks or additional information when requested.
Monitor the Application
Check ImmiAccount regularly and respond promptly to Department requests. Processing times should be checked through the official processing-time guide because they vary and change over time.
What Happens After You Submit a Partner Visa Application?
Application Acknowledgement
After submission and payment, the applicant generally receives confirmation that the application has been lodged.
Bridging Visa Considerations
Eligible onshore applicants may receive a bridging visa connected to their application. Its commencement and conditions depend on the applicant's current visa circumstances, so the page should avoid promising immediate work or travel rights.
Additional Document Requests
The Department may request updated relationship evidence, police clearances, health examinations or clarification of information supplied in the application.
Sponsor Assessment
The sponsor's eligibility, identity, character history and sponsorship information may also be assessed.
Application Updates
Applicants should update the Department if important circumstances change, including contact details, address, passport, family composition or relationship circumstances.
Visa Decision
If the temporary Partner Visa is granted, it normally remains in effect while the associated permanent stage is processed. Applicants generally apply for the temporary and permanent stages together.
Partner Visa Subclasses Explained: Know Before You Apply for a Partner Visa in Australia
Subclass 820 (Temporary, Onshore):
The 820 Partner Visa is for applicants already in Australia with their partner. It’s a temporary visa that bridges the way to the permanent 801 stage. Holders can live, work, and study freely while waiting for approval. You’ll also be eligible for Australia’s public health benefits during this time.
Subclass 801 (Permanent, Onshore):
You may gain permanent residence to live, work, and study in Australia if your relationship with an Australian or eligible New Zealand citizen is authentic. It succeeds the onshore Subclass 820 visa.
Subclass 309 (Temporary, Offshore):
This is a temporary visa that lets you live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) is processed. You must apply from outside Australia and be abroad when it is granted. For people outside Australia, this visa lets you live temporarily until your permanent visa is approved.
Subclass 100 (Permanent, Offshore):
This visa gives you permanent residency in Australia. Usually, it is approved about two years after your temporary visa. The Department of Home Affairs reviews your relationship before granting it. With this visa, you can live, work, and study in Australia without limits. Later, you may qualify for Australian citizenship.
Forms Required to Apply for a Partner Visa in Australia
Two main forms are mandatory:
- Form 47SP – Partner Visa Application: Filled out by you. It includes personal details and your relationship information.
- Form 40SP – Sponsorship Form: Filled out by your Australian partner. Confirms their citizenship or residency and sponsorship.
Double-check everything. Errors can cause delays.
Unsure how to fill Form 47SP or 40SP correctly?
Our registered agents can guide you through every detail.
Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you meet these conditions:
- You must be legally married or in a recognised de facto partnership.
- Your partner needs to be either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen who meets eligibility criteria.
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- You meet health, character, and financial requirements.
If you do not meet these, your application may be refused.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Partner Visa: Your Complete Checklist
Prepare your documents carefully:
- Identity proof: Passport, birth certificate, or national ID.
- Relationship evidence: Photos, joint accounts, bills, leases, or property records.
- Financial proof: Payslips, bank statements, proof of income.
- Health and character documents: Medical reports and police clearance certificates.
The more complete your documents, the smoother the process. For detailed instructions, refer to Partner Visa Australia Requirements: Complete Guide.
How to Submit
- Follow these steps:
- Create an ImmiAccount.
- Upload Form 47SP and Form 40SP with supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee (about AUD 9,365).
- Keep copies of receipts and submissions.
- Track your application online. Respond quickly if additional documents are requested.
Processing Times
Processing depends on the subclass:
- Temporary visas (820/309): A few months.
- Permanent visas (801/100): Several months to over a year.
Applications can be delayed when required documents are missing or insufficiently detailed.
Partner Visa Immigration Checks
Authorities check:
- Education and work history.
- Financial ability to support yourself.
- Health and character via medical and police checks.
- English language skills, if needed.
- Visa history and ties to your home country. Passing these checks is essential for approval.
Why Get Expert Help When You Apply for a Partner Visa in Australia
Partner Visas can be complex. MARA-registered consultants assist by:
- Advise on the best visa subclass.
- Help fill Form 47SP and Form 40SP correctly.
- Review all documents before submission.
- Make sure your application is completed accurately and submitted before the deadline.
Take the next step, begin your application today with expert guidance to maximise your chances of success.
FAQs
How much does it cost?
The Partner Visa application process in Australia usually costs over AUD 9,000. This includes government fees for temporary and permanent visa stages. You may also need to budget for medical exams, police clearance certificates, English language tests (if required), and any professional migration assistance fees. Costs can vary depending on your personal circumstances and whether you hire a registered migration agent.
Can unmarried couples apply for a partner visa?
Yes, unmarried couples can apply under the de facto category if they have lived together for at least 12 months. You’ll need to provide evidence of your genuine relationship, such as joint finances, shared living arrangements, photos, and statements from family or friends.
Why is it so expensive?
The high cost covers government processing fees for temporary and permanent visas, required health checks, and police clearances. Hiring a registered migration agent may add fees, but it helps ensure your application is accurate and reduces the risk of refusal.
How to write a relationship letter?
Write clearly about your genuine relationship, shared life experiences, and future plans. Include details like living arrangements, joint finances, and social or family recognition. Keep it honest and personal.
Common reasons for refusal of a partner visa?
Applications are often refused due to missing or incomplete documents, weak evidence of a genuine relationship, or failing health or character checks. Ensuring all paperwork is accurate and complete is crucial.
How long is it valid?
Temporary Partner Visas remain valid until the permanent visa is processed. Permanent visas allow you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with eligibility for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.