A Partner visa lets the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia, first temporarily and then permanently. There are two versions, and which one you use depends on where you are when you apply:
- Onshore: subclass 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent), if you are in Australia
- Offshore: subclass 309 (provisional) and 100 (permanent), if you are outside Australia
You apply for the temporary and permanent visas together, in one application, for one charge. The permanent stage is assessed about 2 years after you apply.
The Partner visa charge is A$11,710 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026).
At a Glance
| Onshore (820/801) | Offshore (309/100) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you apply | In Australia | Outside Australia |
| Where you are at decision | In or outside Australia (temporary stage) | In or outside Australia (temporary stage) |
| Work and study rights | Yes, on the temporary visa | Yes, once you enter on the 309 |
| Permanent stage | 801, assessed from 2 years after applying | 100, assessed from 2 years after applying |
| Visa charge (main applicant) | A$11,710 | A$11,710 |
Who Can Get a Partner Visa
Home Affairs says you must:
- be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your spouse or de facto partner
- have your partner sponsor you. Home Affairs must approve the sponsor, and the sponsor can't be changed.
- be 18 or older (in most cases)
- meet health and character requirements
Married or de facto?
- Spouse: you are legally married, and the marriage is recognised in Australia.
- De facto: you usually must have been in the relationship for at least 12 months immediately before you apply. Time spent dating or in an online relationship might not count. The 12-month rule may not apply if your relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory, or in some compelling circumstances.
Onshore applicants: check your current visa
To apply for the 820 in Australia, your current visa must not have a "No Further Stay" condition (such as 8503) unless it has been waived. If you don't hold a substantive visa, you must show compelling reasons. Holders of 491 or 494 visas must have held them for 3 years first.
What the Partner Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (820/801 or 309/100) | A$11,710 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over | A$5,860 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$2,935 |
This one charge covers both the temporary and the permanent stage. Health checks, police certificates and translations are extra. A Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holder who marries and applies onshore pays a lower charge.
What Evidence You Need
Home Affairs looks at four aspects of the relationship:
- Financial: joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint leases or mortgages
- Household: living together, sharing chores and expenses
- Social: being known as a couple by friends and family, travelling together, joint invitations
- Commitment: knowledge of each other, plans for the future, time apart and how you stayed in contact
Both partners also provide statements about the history of the relationship, and you usually provide statements from people who know you as a couple.
How to Apply for a Partner Visa
1. Check which visa fits
Your location when you apply decides whether it's 820/801 or 309/100. Onshore applicants must check their current visa conditions first.
2. Gather relationship evidence
Collect evidence across the four aspects above, covering the whole relationship.
3. Lodge the application in ImmiAccount
Pay the charge and attach documents for you and any dependent children.
4. Your partner lodges the sponsorship
Your partner should apply to sponsor you as soon as possible after you apply.
5. Temporary visa decision, then the permanent stage
About 2 years after you applied, Home Affairs asks for updated evidence and assesses the permanent visa. If you were already in a long-term relationship when you applied, the permanent visa can sometimes be granted sooner.
Partner visas are processed under Ministerial Direction 117. Check the Home Affairs processing time guide for current times.
If the Relationship Ends or There Is Family Violence
You may still be eligible for the permanent visa if your relationship ends or your partner dies, or if you have experienced family or domestic violence. Home Affairs treats this information confidentially. If you are in danger, call 000. 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) gives free, confidential support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a partner visa cost in Australia?
A$11,710 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026, which covers both the temporary and permanent stages. Each additional applicant 18 or over pays A$5,860, and each child under 18 pays A$2,935.
Do we need to have lived together for 12 months?
For a de facto relationship, you usually need to have been in the relationship (not necessarily living together the whole time) for 12 months before applying, unless the relationship is registered or compelling circumstances apply. Married couples don't need to meet the 12-month rule.
Can I apply for a partner visa while on a visitor visa?
Possibly, if your visitor visa does not have a "No Further Stay" condition. Many visitor visas do. Check your conditions in VEVO first.
When do I get permanent residence?
The permanent stage (801 or 100) is assessed from 2 years after you applied for the combined visa, if the relationship is continuing.
Get Help With a Partner Visa
Partner visas are expensive and evidence-heavy, and a refusal often can't be fixed without leaving Australia or going to review. A registered migration agent can check your eligibility and evidence before you pay the charge. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Sources: Partner visa (apply in Australia) and Partner visa (apply overseas), Department of Home Affairs.