Complete Guide to the Australian Partner Visa (2026)
Published 2026-02-01
What is a Partner Visa?
The Australian Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. There are two pathways: onshore (subclass 820 temporary, then 801 permanent) and offshore (subclass 309 temporary, then 100 permanent). Both pathways lead to permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be in a genuine and committed relationship with your Australian sponsor. For de facto partners, you generally need to have been in the relationship for at least 12 months (unless you have a child together or the relationship was registered). Your sponsor must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs, and both of you must meet health and character requirements.
Evidence You Need to Provide
The Department assesses your relationship across four pillars: Financial aspects (joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint ownership), Nature of the household (living arrangements, shared domestic responsibilities), Social aspects (social recognition as a couple, photos, statutory declarations from friends and family), and Nature of your commitment (future plans, length of relationship, knowledge of each other's circumstances). Strong evidence across all four pillars is critical.
The Two-Stage Process
Stage 1: You apply for the temporary partner visa (820 or 309). Once granted, you can live and work in Australia with no restrictions. Stage 2: Approximately 2 years after your initial application, you become eligible for the permanent visa (801 or 100). This two-stage process allows the Department to assess whether your relationship is still genuine and continuing.
Processing Times
Current processing times for partner visas are approximately 12–24 months for the temporary visa and 24+ months from initial application for the permanent visa. Processing times have improved in recent years but remain lengthy. While waiting for a decision, onshore applicants typically hold a bridging visa allowing them to live and work in Australia.
Costs
The government application fee is $8,850 (2025–26). Migration agent fees typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity. Additional costs include medical examinations ($300–$500 per person), police checks ($50–$200 per country), translations ($50–$150 per page for NAATI certified), and any additional evidence gathering costs. Total costs typically range from $12,000 to $18,000.
Common Reasons for Refusal
The most common reasons for partner visa refusal include: insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship, inconsistencies between partners' statements, failure to meet health or character requirements, sponsorship issues (sponsor not approved), and not meeting the 12-month de facto relationship requirement. A migration agent can help you identify and address potential weaknesses in your application before lodging.
Tips for a Strong Application
Start gathering evidence early — the more documentation you have, the better. Include evidence from throughout your relationship, not just recent months. Get statutory declarations from family and friends who can speak to your relationship. Be honest and consistent in your statements. Consider using a migration agent, especially if your case has any complications (cultural differences, distance, previous visa refusals, etc.).
Need Professional Help?
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