Partner Visa Australia 2026: Complete Application Guide

You can apply if you are: - Married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen or permanent resident - The relationship is genuine and continuing - You meet health and character requirements

De facto relationships must have existed for at least 12 months unless you have a child together, your relationship was registered in an Australian state, or there are compelling circumstances.

Same-sex relationships are treated equally — there is no difference in requirements or processing.

The Department wants to see evidence across four categories:

1. Financial aspects — Joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint property ownership, financial dependence
2. Nature of household — Living together, sharing household duties, joint lease or mortgage
3. Social aspects — Joint social activities, recognition by friends/family as a couple, shared travel
4. Commitment — Length of relationship, knowledge of each other's circumstances, future plans together

You also need two statutory declarations from people who know your relationship — ideally one from each partner's side.

Quality matters more than quantity. A well-organised application with strong evidence in each category is better than 500 pages of repetitive photos.

The visa application fee is $8,850 AUD (as of 2026). This covers both the temporary (820) and permanent (801) stages.

Additional costs: - Migration agent: $3,000 - $8,000 - Health examinations: $300 - $500 - Police clearances: $50 - $200 per country - Document translation and certification: $200 - $500

Total realistic cost: $12,000 - $18,000

The partner visa is one of the most expensive Australian visas, but it provides a direct pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

Current processing times (2026): - Subclass 820 (temporary): 8-14 months - Subclass 801 (permanent): 18-24 months after 820 is granted

While waiting for the 820, you receive a bridging visa that lets you work, study, and access Medicare. You can also travel in and out of Australia.

The permanent 801 is usually granted around the 2-year anniversary of your 820 application, after the Department confirms your relationship is still genuine.