The Partner Visa Australia is more than just paperwork; it’s a journey of love and commitment. It is an emotional and, indeed, daunting journey. Education Embassy has assisted hundreds of couples in negotiating the process, providing clarity where there was confusion, with expert guidance and support.
Each year, many couples face separation with oceans and immigration in the middle of their relationship, but here in Australia, we offer a clear route back together through the Partner Visa, and this is an opportunity not only to be back together but for both of you to start the process of building your future.
The Partner Visa Australia has two application stream types - onshore and offshore, with both including temporary and permanent stages:
Acquiring a partner visa is not simply a matter of tick-boxing; you need to provide genuine evidence of a commitment. Here is what the ADHA is looking for:
You should have lived together for 12 months, or registered your relationship to immune this requirement.
Several factors can affect the processing time for an Australian partner visa, including: As of the end of 2025, the average processing time is as follows: Temporary visa (820/309): 12-24 months, and Permanent visa (801/100): 24-36 months (after holding a temporary visa for 2 years).
Several factors can affect the processing time for an Australian partner visa, including: As of the end of 2025, the average processing time is as follows: Temporary visa (820/309): 12-24 months, and Permanent visa (801/100): 24-36 months (after holding a temporary visa for 2 years).
Main application charges approx. AUD 9,365 with additional fees of AUD 4,685 for adult dependents, and AUD 2,345 for child dependents under 18. In addition, Other charges may include Medical examinations, police checks, and Translation of documents
Applying for a Partner Visa Australia is a big step, and it can be an emotional experience - but with proper planning, it can also be a simple and strategic process. So here is your step-by-step guide showing you how it works in four key steps:
Check Your Eligibility-
You are in an authentic and honest relationship (marriage or de facto) with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand eligible citizen. When it comes to de facto relationships, partners usually need to give proof of cohabitation for 12 months or more, but if you have registered your relationship, this may allow you to bypass the requirement.
Collect Required Documents-
You need to gather extensive evidence of your relationship with the primary evidence being joint finances, jointly shared living arrangement, social proof relationships (ie, photos, travel, etc), and a personal declaration. You will also need to provide your passport, identity documents, as well as police checks and health checks. The sponsor must also provide proof of citizenship or residency.
Submit the Application-
You can apply online via ImmiAccount either onshore (Subclass 820/801) or offshore (Subclass 309/100). The current visa application cost is around AUD 9,365 (as of 2025). If residing onshore, your eligibility for a bridging visa during the period before the application is determined may exist.
Visa Outcome-
Application processing times can vary and can take from 18 to 29 months, depending on the subclass. Temporary visas are processed first, and typically after 2 years, a partner is granted permanent residency unless the relationship has been long-standing.
At Education Embassy we are not just a service that processes forms (though we are really good at that); we strive to help create successful migration stories. With years of experience in partner visa applications, our team is here to support you from your first inquiry to your final approval.
Get Started
Yes. You can work in Australia once you are granted a temporary visa (Subclass 820/309).
No, not technically, but you have to show that the relationship is continuing and genuine. You can explain your periods of absence, supporting evidence, and any communication.
In some states (eg, NSW, VIC, QLD), if you register your relationship, then 12-month cohabitation does not apply.
Yes, dependent children can be included in your application, but there are also costs and additional documents.
Yes. If you are outside Australia, you apply for Subclass 309/100. If you are in Australia, then you apply for Subclass 820/801.
The Australian Partner Visa application is a detailed process managed online through the government's ImmiAccount portal. It involves proving your relationship is genuine across several criteria and requires careful preparation to ensure success.