Partner Visas: Navigating the Application Process
A detailed guide to partner visa applications, including common challenges and tips for a successful outcome.
Partner visas are among the most complex applications in Australian migration law. Whether you're applying for a temporary or permanent partner visa, the process requires careful preparation, genuine documentation, and understanding of the requirements. This comprehensive guide provides practical advice for couples navigating the partner visa journey.
Types of Partner Visas
For partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents living in Australia.
- 820: Temporary visa (2 years)
- 801: Permanent visa (after 2 years)
- Must be in Australia when applying
For partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents living overseas.
- 309: Temporary visa
- 100: Permanent visa
- Must be outside Australia when applying
Eligibility Requirements
- Genuine and Continuing Relationship: You must prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing, not entered into for migration purposes.
- Living Together: You must be living together or temporarily separated due to circumstances beyond your control.
- Mutual Commitment: Both partners must be committed to a shared life together to the exclusion of all others.
- Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident: Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Age Requirement: Your sponsor must be 18 years or older.
- Sponsorship Limitations: Your sponsor can only sponsor two partners in their lifetime and must wait 5 years between sponsorships.
Application Process
Prepare Documents
Gather all required evidence of your relationship and identity documents.
Submit Application
Lodge your application online through ImmiAccount with all supporting documents.
Wait for Decision
Respond to any requests for additional information and wait for the visa decision.
Required Evidence
- • Joint bank accounts
- • Joint loans or mortgages
- • Joint ownership of assets
- • Joint insurance policies
- • Evidence of financial support
- • Joint lease or mortgage documents
- • Utility bills in both names
- • Joint household purchases
- • Mail addressed to both at same address
- • Evidence of shared domestic duties
- • Joint social activities
- • Photos together over time
- • Joint travel bookings
- • Statements from friends/family
- • Social media evidence
- • Marriage certificate (if married)
- • Joint future plans
- • Knowledge of each other
- • Length of relationship
- • Commitment ceremonies
Common Challenges
Age Gap Relationships
Significant age differences may require additional evidence to prove the relationship is genuine.
Short Relationships
Relationships of less than 12 months require stronger evidence of commitment and future plans.
Long-Distance Relationships
Couples who have spent significant time apart need to provide evidence of ongoing commitment and communication.
Previous Visa Refusals
Previous refusals require careful attention to addressing the reasons for refusal in the new application.
Costs and Timeline
- Main applicant:$8,850
- Each child under 18:$2,220
- Each child over 18:$4,425
Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, and translation fees.
- 820/801 (onshore):29-35 months
- 309/100 (offshore):24-31 months
Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and current caseloads.
Tips for Success
Start Early
Begin gathering evidence from the start of your relationship.
Be Thorough
Provide comprehensive evidence across all four aspects of the relationship.
Quality over Quantity
Focus on relevant, high-quality evidence rather than overwhelming volume.
Seek Professional Help
Consider getting professional advice for complex cases.
Stay Organized
Keep all documents organized and easily accessible.
Be Patient
Partner visa processing takes time - prepare for a long wait.