How to Apply for Partner Visa Step by Step

How to apply for a partner visa in Australia: understand the 820/801 and 309/100 pathways, eligibility, application steps, relationship evidence, required documents and where to apply.

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How to Apply for Partner Visa Australia

If you want to know how to apply for partner visa Australia, the process depends mainly on where you are when you apply and whether you are applying as the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The main pathways include the onshore Partner visa subclasses 820 and 801 and the offshore Partner visa subclasses 309 and 100. The Department of Home Affairs requires partner visa applications to be lodged online through ImmiAccount.

Understanding the partner visa Australia application process before lodging can help you organise relationship evidence, identity documents and other supporting material more effectively. For a de facto partner visa Australia application, evidence generally needs to demonstrate the nature and history of the relationship. This can include financial, household, social and commitment evidence, while married applicants generally provide evidence of their valid marriage.

The basic partner visa Australia step by step process is to identify the correct pathway, check eligibility, gather documents, create or access ImmiAccount, complete the application, upload supporting evidence, pay the applicable application charge and submit the application. After lodgement, the Department may request further information, health examinations or other documents. Requirements vary by applicant, so use the current Department checklist for your specific visa before submitting.

Which Partner Visa Pathway Applies to You?

The table below provides a simple starting point for understanding the main Australian partner visa pathways. Your location at the time of application is particularly important because the onshore and offshore pathways have different requirements.

Pathway	Main Stage	Where You Apply
820 / 801	Temporary, then permanent	In Australia for the initial application
309 / 100	Provisional, then migrant	Outside Australia for the initial application

For the 820/801 pathway, the subclass 820 temporary visa is the first stage and the subclass 801 permanent visa is the later stage. For the 309/100 pathway, the subclass 309 is the provisional stage and subclass 100 is the permanent stage. The Department states that applicants for subclass 309 must be outside Australia when they apply, while subclass 820 applicants must be in Australia when they apply.

If you are researching broader visa services, make sure you distinguish partner visas from other Australian visa pathways before preparing your application.

Partner Visa Australia Documents Required

Your partner visa Australia documents required will depend on your circumstances and the specific subclass. Common evidence can include identity documents, marriage or de facto relationship evidence, information about previous relationships, and supporting evidence covering the financial, household, social and commitment aspects of your relationship. The Department also advises applicants to provide information about previous relationships and relevant residential and travel history.

Before submitting, check the document checklist in ImmiAccount and keep copies of everything you upload. Non-English documents generally need to be translated into English according to Department requirements.

Fahad Shamim

Migration & Education Consultant

MARA Registered MARN 2619225

QEAC G12906

As a Migration & Education Consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.

Phone +61 424 295 050

Email fahad@edvisehub.com

Contact on WhatsApp

Partner Visa Australia Application Checklist

A practical partner visa Australia application checklist can help you identify missing information before lodgement. Start by confirming your visa pathway and relationship status, then prepare identity documents, relationship evidence, sponsor information and any other documents listed for your specific application. Upload documents through ImmiAccount rather than emailing them to the Department.

Confirm whether the onshore 820/801 or offshore 309/100 pathway applies.
Prepare passport and identity documents.
Prepare marriage or de facto relationship evidence.
Collect financial, household, social and commitment evidence.
Prepare relevant documents about previous relationships and family members.
Check the current ImmiAccount document checklist before submission.
Complete any required health or character steps when requested or required.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you lodge your application, monitor your ImmiAccount and email for Department correspondence. You may be asked to provide additional information or documents. Health examinations can be completed after applying, depending on the circumstances and instructions provided by the Department. If information is requested, respond within the specified timeframe or contact the Department using the appropriate process if you cannot provide it on time.

For the permanent stage of the 820/801 pathway, the Department states that applicants generally become eligible for assessment for the subclass 801 after two years have passed since they applied for the temporary and permanent partner visas, although earlier assessment may be possible in certain long-term relationship circumstances. You must also continue to meet the relationship requirements.

Because partner visa requirements can depend on your relationship, location, immigration history and supporting evidence, professional guidance may be useful if your circumstances are complicated. Edvise Hub provides partner pathway consultations and Australian visa assistance. You can also explore its broader Australia visa information before deciding what assistance you need.

Need Help With Your Partner Visa?

If you are unsure which partner visa pathway applies to you or how to prepare your relationship evidence, consider getting your circumstances reviewed before lodging your application.

Book a Partner Visa Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for a partner visa Australia?

You generally apply online through ImmiAccount by selecting the relevant partner visa application, completing the required information, attaching supporting documents, paying the applicable charge and submitting the application. The correct pathway depends on your circumstances and whether you are in or outside Australia.

2. What documents are required for an Australian partner visa?

Documents commonly include identity evidence and relationship evidence. Depending on your circumstances, relationship evidence may cover finances, household arrangements, social aspects and commitment. The exact checklist should be confirmed in ImmiAccount for your application.

3. Can I apply for a partner visa if I am in Australia?

The subclass 820 pathway is designed for eligible applicants who are in Australia when they apply. The subclass 309 pathway, by contrast, requires applicants to be outside Australia when they apply.

4. How does the 820 801 partner visa application process work?

The 820/801 pathway has a temporary stage followed by a permanent stage. The subclass 820 is the temporary partner visa, while subclass 801 is the permanent stage. The Department states that two years generally must have passed since applying for the 820 and 801 before the permanent stage can be assessed, subject to certain exceptions.

5. What evidence is needed for a de facto partner visa Australia application?

You generally need evidence demonstrating the genuine nature and history of your relationship. Depending on your circumstances, this can include joint financial records, shared household evidence, social evidence, statements from witnesses and evidence of your ongoing commitment. For certain offshore applications, the Department also specifies a 12-month de facto relationship requirement unless an applicable exception applies.