Australian Partner Visa 2026: Complete Guide
Table of Contents
- What is an Australian Partner Visa?
- Types of Partner Visas Available
- Eligibility Requirements for Partner Visa AU
- Documentation and Evidence Requirements
- Application Timeline and Processing
- Key Differences Between Onshore and Offshore
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Why Choose A Square Migration
1. What is an Australian Partner Visa?
The Australian partner visa is one of the most sought-after family migration pathways that allows couples to live together permanently in Australia. This visa category is specifically designed for individuals who are in a genuine, ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Whether you’re planning to marry your Australian sweetheart or reunite with your de facto partner, the partner visa au process provides a legal framework for family unity.
The Australian partners visa is fundamentally about bringing loved ones together while maintaining Australia’s immigration integrity. At A Square Migration, we understand that migrating to be with your partner is a deeply personal decision. Our expert consultants have successfully guided hundreds of couples through this process, simplifying what many perceive as a complex pathway.
The Australia visa partner category operates under Australia’s Family Stream migration program. It recognizes that partnership and family relationships are core to settling in a new country. Unlike skilled migration visas that focus on employment, the partner visa au prioritizes relationship authenticity and long-term commitment. With processing times and requirements evolving constantly, having expert guidance becomes invaluable.
Why Couples Choose the Partner Visa
- Family Reunion: Live permanently with your partner in Australia
- Permanent Residency: Access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years
- Sponsorship Flexibility: Both Australian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor
2. Types of Partner Visas Available
Understanding the different Australia visa partner options is crucial for choosing the right pathway. The Department of Home Affairs offers multiple categories under the family migration program, each with distinct requirements and timelines.
Subclass 820 – De Facto Partner Visa (Onshore)
The Subclass 820 partner visa is the onshore pathway for de facto couples living in Australia. This visa is temporary (typically valid for 2 years) and serves as a bridge while your permanent partner visa au application is being processed. To qualify, your relationship must be genuine and continuing, with evidence demonstrating cohabitation for at least 12 months (or exceptional circumstances).
Key Requirements: – Both partners aged 18 or over – Genuine and continuing relationship – Evidence of shared financial commitments – Proof of cohabitation for 12 months or exceptional circumstances – Health and character requirements
Subclass 801 – De Facto Partner Visa (Permanent)
The Subclass 801 partner visa au is the permanent outcome visa that follows the temporary 820. It provides indefinite residency rights and allows you to sponsor future family members. Processing can take 12-24 months, and DIBP (now IMMI) will conduct thorough investigations into your relationship authenticity.
Subclass 821 – Prospective Marriage Visa (Onshore)
For engaged couples who haven’t yet married, the Subclass 821 prospective marriage visa allows the foreign partner to enter Australia and marry within 9 months. This Australia visa partner category is ideal if you’re planning a wedding in Australia and want your partner present for the ceremony.
Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa (Offshore)
The Subclass 300 partner visa is the offshore alternative for couples planning to marry while living outside Australia. You must marry within 9 months of visa grant, then apply for permanent residence afterward. This pathway suits long-distance couples coordinating an Australian wedding.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Partner Visa AU
The Australian partner visa eligibility criteria are stringent, designed to verify genuine relationships and assess financial capacity. At A Square Migration, we conduct thorough eligibility assessments to ensure your application has the strongest possible chance of success.
Relationship Requirements
Your relationship must meet several criteria:
For De Facto Couples: – Continuous cohabitation for at least 12 months – Both partners must be 18+ years old – Relationship must not be registered as a marriage elsewhere – Relationship must be genuine and continuing
For Married Couples: – Legal marriage recognized by Australian law – Genuine and continuing relationship – Partners must not be in a disqualifying spousal relationship
Exceptional Circumstances Exception: If you’ve cohabited for less than 12 months, A Square Migration can help you establish exceptional circumstances if you meet specific criteria—such as being in a same-sex relationship during periods when de facto relationships weren’t formally recognized.
Sponsorship Requirements
The Australian sponsoring partner must: – Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (aged 18+) – Have been an Australian resident for 2+ years – Pass health and character checks – Demonstrate financial capacity to support the applicant – Not have sponsored another partner in the past 2 years (with limited exceptions)
Health and Character
All partner visa au applicants must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance from countries where they’ve resided for 12+ months. Criminal records or health conditions requiring expensive treatment can lead to visa refusal, though character waivers exist for minor offenses.
4. Documentation and Evidence Requirements
The documentation burden for an Australian partners visa application is substantial. This is where A Square Migration adds exceptional value—we guide you through evidence collection with precision.
Proof of Relationship
Relationship evidence should demonstrate: – How you met and when your relationship began – Progression from dating to cohabitation/engagement – Joint commitments (shared leases, mortgages, savings accounts) – Third-party evidence (statutory declarations from friends and family) – Regular communication evidence (emails, messages, call records) – Photographs together spanning the relationship timeline
Financial Evidence
A Square Migration recommends compiling: – Joint bank account statements (12 months minimum) – Utility bills showing both names – Joint insurance policies – Shared mortgage or rental agreements – Tax returns and payslips – Superannuation account statements – Evidence of financial interdependence
Genuine Relationship Evidence
This is the cornerstone of your Australia visa partner application:
- Statutory Declarations: Statements from friends, colleagues, family members
- Character References: From employers, community leaders, religious figures
- Travel Evidence: Passport stamps, air ticket copies showing time spent together
- Relationship Narrative: A comprehensive written statement explaining your relationship journey
- Social Media Evidence: Screenshots of shared posts and interactions
- Video Evidence: Messages, video calls, shared experiences
5. Application Timeline and Processing
Understanding the timeline for your partner visa au is essential for life planning. Processing times for the Australian partners visa have fluctuated significantly, and A Square Migration monitors Department updates constantly.
Onshore Applications (Subclass 820/801)
| Application Stage | Typical Timeline |
| Lodgement to Assessment | 6-12 months |
| Temporary (820) Visa Grant | 2-4 months |
| Permanent (801) Visa Grant | 12-24 months |
| Total Duration | 18-36 months |
Offshore Applications (Subclass 300)
| Application Stage | Typical Timeline |
| Lodgement to Grant | 8-12 months |
| Post-Marriage Processing | 6-12 months |
| Total Duration | 14-24 months |
Processing delays can occur due to: – Incomplete documentation – Requests for Additional Information (RFI) – Security clearance delays – High application volumes – Complex relationship circumstances
Costs Associated with Partner Visa Applications
As of 2025, partner visa au costs include:
- Visa Application Fee: $3,385 AUD (Subclass 820)
- Permanent Visa Fee: $1,015 AUD (Subclass 801)
- Character Checks: $200-400 AUD per country
- Health Examinations: $300-500 AUD
- Professional Advice: Varies by consultant expertise
A Square Migration provides transparent pricing with no hidden costs, ensuring you understand every expense upfront.
6. Key Differences Between Onshore and Offshore Partner Visa Pathways
Choosing between onshore and offshore Australia visa partner applications significantly impacts your timeline and strategy. Both pathways have distinct advantages.
Onshore Applications (Subclass 820 → 801)
Advantages: – ✓ Can work in Australia while temporary visa is active – ✓ Faster temporary visa grant (2-4 months) – ✓ Access to Medicare and subsidized healthcare – ✓ Can study full-time – ✓ Remain with partner throughout process
Disadvantages: – ✗ Cannot travel to Australia during application – ✗ Longer overall timeline (18-36 months) – ✗ Financial dependence on sponsor initially – ✗ Cannot apply for bridging visa if in same visa class
Offshore Applications (Subclass 300 → 801)
Advantages: – ✓ Faster total processing time (14-24 months) – ✓ Clearer decision timeline – ✓ Can arrange migration logistics beforehand
Disadvantages: – ✗ Cannot work or study in Australia during processing – ✗ Dependent on sponsor for financial support – ✗ Cannot remain with partner in Australia – ✗ Must marry within 9 months of visa grant
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Partner Visa AU Application
Through our extensive experience at A Square Migration, we’ve identified critical errors that cost applicants months of processing time or outright rejection.
Mistake 1: Insufficient Relationship Evidence
The Problem: Many applicants assume their genuine relationship is self-evident. The Department doesn’t work on assumption—they require comprehensive, chronological evidence.
Our Expert Solution: Create a detailed relationship timeline with supporting evidence for each phase. Include statutory declarations from at least 3-4 independent witnesses who have observed your relationship over time.
Mistake 2: Financial Documentation Gaps
The Problem: Incomplete or inconsistent financial records raise red flags. The Department scrutinizes joint accounts for evidence of genuine financial interdependence.
Our Expert Solution: Provide 12 months of continuous bank statements, utility bills, and tax records. Ensure all names are consistent across documents.
Mistake 3: Vague Relationship Narrative
The Problem: Generic explanations of how you met and your relationship progression fail to convince assessors of authenticity.
Our Expert Solution: Write a compelling, detailed narrative with specific dates, locations, and emotions. Address any inconsistencies proactively rather than waiting for the Department to raise concerns.
Mistake 4: Character Issues or Health Concerns
The Problem: Undisclosed criminal records or health conditions discovered during assessments lead to visa refusal.
Our Expert Solution: Declare all relevant information upfront. Character waivers can address minor offenses, and health waivers exist for certain conditions. Transparency builds confidence in your application.
Mistake 5: Incomplete or Wrong Forms
The Problem: The Australian government uses complex forms with interdependent fields. Single errors can trigger requests for additional information.
Our Expert Solution: Use certified migration agents like A Square Migration to complete all forms. We ensure consistency across the 40+ pages of documentation required.
8. Why Choose A Square Migration for Your Partner Visa AU Journey
The difference between successful and unsuccessful Australian partners visa applications often comes down to expert guidance. A Square Migration brings institutional knowledge, strategic planning, and relationship expertise to your case.
Our Proven Track Record
A Square Migration has successfully guided hundreds of couples through the partner visa au process. Our team, led by highly credentialed migration agents, understands the nuances of relationship assessment and evidence compilation. We don’t just file applications—we build compelling cases that resonate with Department assessors.
Personalized Strategic Planning
Every Australia visa partner case is unique. We conduct comprehensive eligibility assessments, identify potential risks early, and develop targeted strategies to address concerns. Our consultants work closely with you to understand your specific circumstances and tailor the application accordingly.
Transparent Communication and Timeline Management
Communication gaps create anxiety and costly delays. A Square Migration keeps you informed throughout your partner visa au journey. We monitor application progress, anticipate requests for additional information, and respond strategically within required timeframes.
Expertise in Complex Cases
Some Australian partner visa applications involve complications—previous divorces, complex financial arrangements, or character concerns. Our team has successfully navigated these complex scenarios, turning potential rejection risks into approval outcomes.
Conclusion
The Australian partner visa represents a transformative opportunity to build a life with your loved one in one of the world’s most desirable countries. While the process demands meticulous documentation and strategic planning, the reward—permanent residency and family unity—justifies the effort.
Success with your partner visa au application depends on three critical factors: comprehensive evidence, strategic presentation, and expert guidance. A Square Migration excels at all three. Our personalized approach, combined with deep understanding of Department assessment criteria, positions your application for approval.
Whether you’re considering an onshore or offshore Australia visa partner pathway, the time to begin is now. Migration timelines extend months or years, and early strategic planning prevents costly delays. A Square Migration has simplified this journey for hundreds of couples—we’re ready to guide you through yours.
Ready to start your partner visa AU journey? Contact A Square Migration today for a confidential consultation. Our expert migration agents will assess your circumstances, outline your options, and develop a winning strategy. Your dream of building a future in Australia with your partner awaits—let’s make it reality together.