Partner visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the partner visa application process.
Types of Partner Visas
There are several partner visa options depending on your circumstances and location when applying:
Onshore Partner Visas
- Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa): Temporary visa granted first while your relationship is assessed
- Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa): Permanent visa granted after approximately 2 years if relationship continues
Offshore Partner Visas
- Subclass 309 (Provisional Partner Visa): Temporary visa for applicants outside Australia
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa): Permanent visa stage for offshore applicants
Prospective Marriage Visa
- Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage Visa): For those planning to marry their Australian partner and apply onshore for partner visa
Eligibility Requirements
Both you and your sponsor must meet specific requirements for a successful partner visa application:
Relationship Requirements
You must be in one of the following relationships:
- Married to your sponsor
- In a de facto relationship for at least 12 months
- In a registered relationship recognized under Australian law
Genuine and Continuing Relationship
The most critical requirement is proving your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department assesses four key aspects:
- Financial aspects: Joint bank accounts, shared expenses, joint loans, and financial commitments
- Household aspects: Living arrangements, shared responsibilities, joint household purchases
- Social aspects: Social recognition of your relationship by family and friends
- Commitment aspects: Future plans together, duration of relationship, shared goals
Sponsor Requirements
Your sponsor must:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be 18 years or older
- Not have sponsored two previous partner visa applicants
- Not have been granted a partner visa within the last 5 years (with exceptions)
- Provide adequate assurance of support
Application Process
The partner visa application process involves several important steps and requires careful preparation:
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Comprehensive documentation is crucial for success. You'll need:
- Identity documents for both applicant and sponsor
- Evidence of relationship (photos, correspondence, travel records)
- Financial evidence (joint accounts, shared expenses)
- Household evidence (lease agreements, utility bills)
- Social evidence (statutory declarations from family/friends)
- Character documents (police checks)
- Health examinations
Step 2: Complete Application Forms
The main forms required are:
- Form 47SP (Application for migration to Australia by spouse or de facto partner)
- Form 40SP (Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia)
- Additional forms may be required based on circumstances
Step 3: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted online through ImmiAccount with all supporting documents and the application fee.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary but typically range from 12-24 months for the temporary visa stage.
Building a Strong Application
To maximize your chances of success, focus on these key areas:
Comprehensive Evidence
Provide evidence spanning the entire duration of your relationship, showing progression and development over time.
Quality Statutory Declarations
Obtain detailed statutory declarations from people who know your relationship well, including:
- Family members from both sides
- Close friends who have observed your relationship
- Colleagues or employers
- Community members or religious leaders
Photographic Evidence
Include photos showing:
- Your relationship development over time
- Shared experiences and milestones
- Integration with each other's families and friends
- Travel and holidays together
Common Challenges and Solutions
Understanding potential challenges can help you prepare a stronger application:
Long-Distance Relationships
If you've been in a long-distance relationship, provide additional evidence such as:
- Communication records (calls, messages, emails)
- Travel records showing visits
- Plans for closing the distance
- Evidence of ongoing emotional support
Short Relationship Duration
For newer relationships, focus on:
- Intensity and commitment despite shorter duration
- Concrete future plans together
- Integration into each other's lives quickly
- Major commitments made together
Previous Relationship Breakdown
If either partner has previous marriages or relationships:
- Provide evidence of relationship breakdown
- Show clear separation and moving on
- Demonstrate new relationship is genuine
Processing Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps manage expectations:
Temporary Stage (820/309)
- Processing time: 12-24 months typically
- May be granted bridging visa while waiting
- Can work and study in Australia (onshore applicants)
Permanent Stage (801/100)
- Assessed approximately 2 years after temporary visa grant
- Must still be in relationship with same sponsor
- Additional evidence may be required
Costs Involved
Partner visa applications involve several costs:
- Visa application charge: $8,085 (covers both temporary and permanent stages)
- Health examinations: $300-500 per person
- Police checks: $42-100 depending on country
- Document translation and certification: Variable
- Professional assistance: Variable
After Visa Grant
Once your partner visa is granted:
- You can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely
- Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Include dependent children in your application
- Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Access Medicare and social security (after waiting periods)
Conclusion
Partner visas offer a pathway to permanent residence in Australia for those in genuine relationships with Australian citizens or residents. Success requires thorough preparation, comprehensive evidence, and careful attention to requirements.
The application process can be complex and emotionally challenging, but with proper preparation and professional guidance, couples can successfully reunite in Australia.
Need help with your partner visa application? Contact our experienced team for personalized guidance and support throughout your journey.