Partner Visas | Visa Advisory Australia
Partner Visas for Australia
Building a life together in Australia is a major relationship milestone, but navigating the immigration system shouldn’t be the hardest part of your journey. The Australian Partner Visa program provides dedicated pathways for de facto partners, spouses, and fiancĆ©s to live, work, and build their future in Australia.
Australiaās partner migration program is designed to keep genuine couples together. It operates primarily as a two-stage process – granting a temporary visa first, followed by a permanent residency visa. In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs continues to scrutinise applications heavily for relationship authenticity, making comprehensive evidence collation more critical than ever.
Partner Visas – At a Glance
The details below is a glance at the partner visa options and it is intended to support prospective migrants wanting to enter Australia by providing an overview of all of the partner visa subclasses in one place. Each of our visa subclass webpages provide their own specific visa details and overviews. For particular visa details, please also view the specific visa subclass webpage and if you require further assistance, our Registered Migration Agents are available to provide you with expert migration advice.
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary leading to Permanent Residency |
| Stay | Indefinite (upon PR grant) |
| Cost | From $9,095 AUD (excluding New Zealand 461) |
| Processing Time | Typically 6 to 24+ months |
| Key Requirement | Genuine & Continuing Relationship with Sponsor |
Explore Our Family Visa Services
There are several pathways under the Partner Visa umbrella, dictated largely by where you are currently located and your relationship status. Explore the options below to find the one that best matches your circumstances, or contact our team for a personalised strategy.
Partner Visas
Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa (Offshore)
For individuals currently outside Australia who are engaged to be married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The Visa Advisory Australia Advantage
Proving that your relationship is genuine and continuing is highly subjective – it’s not just a marriage certificate and not all de facto couples have been together for 12 months or more. We navigate these highly scrutinised visas with insight into not just the law but also the Department of Home Affrairs’ own policy. A single missing piece of evidence can lead to a refusal, costing you thousands of dollars in non-refundable government fees and potentially forcing you to leave the country.
Registered Migration Agents: Our Australian-based team understands the nuances of the Migration Act 1958. We know exactly what case officers are looking for in 2026.
The “Four Pillars” Strategy: We don’t just compile photos – despite online forums often stipulating them as being fundamental – they are just the tip of the iceberg; we strategically build your case around the Department’s four mandatory pillars: Financial, Social, Household, and Commitment evidence.
Decision-Ready Lodgements: With Partner visa processing times spanning several months to over a year, a front-loaded, flawless application is your best defense against Departmental delays and Requests for Further Information (RFIs).
Talk to an expert today.
Our Partner Visa Process
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Initial Strategy Session
We evaluate your timeline, current visa status, and the strength of your relationship evidence to recommend the safest pathway (Onshore vs. Offshore).
Step 2: Document Collation & Audit
We provide you with our proprietary evidence checklists and meticulously audit your statutory declarations, joint bank accounts, and relationship timelines.
Step 3: Lodgement & Liaison
We lodge the application and sponsorship forms seamlessly, secure your Bridging Visa (if applicable), and handle all correspondence with the Department.
Step 4: Stage 2 (Permanent Residency)
Two years after your initial lodgement, we manage your Stage 2 assessment to upgrade your temporary visa to permanent residency where you attain the rights of an Australian permanent resident on your journey to Australian citizenship.
Life in Australia on a Partner Visa
What You Can Do on Your Visa
As a partner visa holder, you and your sponsored relatives have the right to:
- Live in Australia permanently (for subclasses 101, 802, 103, 143, 804, and 864).
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, upon grant of a permanent visa.
- Work and study in Australia without restriction (on permanent subclasses).
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date of grant.
Your Visa Obligations
You must remain sponsored by your eligible Australian relative for the required period. For permanent parent visas, you must obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS), which guarantees you will not rely on government assistance for up to 10 years.
The Pathway to Citizenship
After living in Australia for a total of 4 years on valid visas (including at least 12 months as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for citizenship. See our Citizenship page here for further details about attaininig Australian citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Partner Visas
Q: Do we need to be married to apply for a Partner visa?
A: No. You can apply as a de facto couple. However, you generally must prove you have lived together in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months, unless you register your relationship with an Australian state or territory government.
Q: Can I work in Australia while waiting for my onshore (820) visa?
A: Yes. If you apply onshore while holding a valid substantive visa, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). Once your current visa expires and the BVA activates, it generally comes with full, unrestricted work rights.
Q: What happens if our relationship breaks down before permanent residency is granted?
A: Usually, you must withdraw your application, and your visa may be cancelled. However, there are exceptions (such as if domestic violence occurred or if you have children together). Our firm handles these sensitive complexities with total confidentiality.
Q: How much are the government fees for a Partner visa in 2026?
A: The base application charge for subclasses 309/100 and 820/801 is over $9,000 AUD, making it one of the most expensive visas in the Australian system. Given the financial risk, professional guidance is crucial.
Ready to Start Your Australian Journey?
The immigration landscape changes constantly, but your future with your partner shouldn’t have to wait. Secure your peace of mind with advice you can trust.
Speak directly with a Senior Migration Agent today.
