Beyond Borders with Yasmin
Australia & New Zealand Immigration Specialist
Partner Visa Australia 2026

Bring your partner to Australia with the right visa pathway.

Partner Visas allow the spouse, de facto partner, fiancé or prospective spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia — and progress to permanent residency. Department of Home Affairs confirms options across subclasses 300, 309 / 100 and 820 / 801.

Which Partner Visa is right for you?

Three pathways — your situation decides which applies.

Onshore

Subclass 820 / 801

Partner Visa — applying from inside Australia

For applicants inside Australia. The 820 is the temporary stage; the 801 is the permanent stage. Available to married and de facto partners of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen.

  • Stage 1 — temporary 820
  • Stage 2 — permanent 801
  • Married or de facto
Offshore

Subclass 309 / 100

Partner Visa — applying from outside Australia

For applicants generally outside Australia. From 25 Nov 2023, subclass 309 visas can be granted whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia. Temporary 309 progresses to permanent 100.

  • Stage 1 — temporary 309
  • Stage 2 — permanent 100
  • Spouse or de facto
Engaged

Subclass 300

Prospective Marriage Visa

For engaged couples planning to marry in Australia. Applicant must be outside Australia when applying. Visa holders can stay 9–15 months, work and study, and then apply for a Partner Visa.

  • 9–15 months stay
  • Work & study allowed
  • Marry then transition to 820/801

2026 update: Home Affairs confirms that from 25 November 2023, subclass 309 visas can be granted whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia.

Government Fees 2026

Partner Visa Government Fees.

Current Home Affairs charge for most Partner Visa applicants. Always confirm the latest amount using the official Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.

Most Partner Visa applicants
from AUD $11,710

$9,365 New · 1 Jul 2026

Subclass 820 after holding 300
from AUD $1,955

Reduced fee for applicants transitioning from subclass 300.

Note: Government fees can change, usually around 1 July. Always confirm the latest amount using the official Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
Basic Eligibility

You may be eligible if…

You are married to, in a de facto relationship with, or engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen.
Your relationship is genuine and continuing.
You and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life.
You meet health and character requirements.
Your sponsor meets sponsorship and character requirements.
For de facto relationships, the relationship generally needs to exist for at least 12 months (unless an exemption applies, such as relationship registration or compelling circumstances).
Relationship evidence checklist

A strong application is built around evidence.

Home Affairs says sponsors should provide Australian and foreign police checks when submitting the sponsorship form.

Financial

  • Joint bank account
  • Shared bills
  • Rent, mortgage or property documents
  • Money transfers
  • Shared insurance or loans

Household

  • Joint lease
  • Mail to same address
  • Utility bills
  • Photos of living arrangements
  • Shared responsibilities

Social

  • Photos together
  • Travel records
  • Invitations
  • Statements from family & friends
  • Social media (where relevant)

Commitment

  • Marriage certificate or registration
  • Communication records
  • Future plans
  • Emotional support
  • Long-term commitment

Identity & Character

  • Passports
  • Birth certificates
  • AU & foreign police checks
  • Health examination
  • Sponsor documents
Two-Stage Process

Partner visas usually involve two stages.

Stage 1

Temporary visa

Subclass 820 (onshore) or subclass 309 (offshore). You and your sponsor lodge documents proving a genuine relationship.

Stage 2

Permanent visa

Subclass 801 or subclass 100. Home Affairs states two years must have passed since you first applied before you are eligible for the permanent stage.

Applicants complete Stage 2 through ImmiAccount by selecting: New application → Family → Stage 2 Permanent Partner Visa Assessment 100, 801.

How to check your visa status

Applicants who applied online can check their application through ImmiAccount. Visa holders can check visa details and conditions through VEVO.

Processing times

Use the official Global Visa Processing Times Guide — updated monthly. Processing depends on application strength, document quality, health and character checks, relationship evidence and Department workload. A complete and well-prepared application may help reduce avoidable delays.

If the relationship ends

A partner visa application may still continue in limited circumstances, including where:

  • The sponsor has died.
  • The applicant or family member has experienced domestic or family violence.
  • The couple has a child and shares parental responsibility.

Home Affairs confirms these relationship cessation pathways.

Family violence protection

Applicants do not have to stay in an unsafe relationship to remain eligible for a visa. Home Affairs states that people experiencing domestic and family violence may still be eligible for the grant of a permanent visa.

If you are experiencing family violence, seek urgent safety support first. Migration advice should be handled carefully and confidentially.

Free Partner Visa Assessment

Check your Partner Visa pathway.

Answer a few quick questions so our migration team can assess whether you may be eligible for an onshore partner visa, offshore partner visa or prospective marriage visa.

This tool provides general guidance only and does not constitute migration advice or guarantee visa outcomes.

This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa criteria, fees and processing times may change. Always check the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs or speak with a Registered Migration Agent before applying.

Not sure which Partner Visa applies to you?

Partner visa applications are highly evidence-based. A small mistake, missing document or weak relationship explanation can delay the process or create unnecessary risk. Book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent to understand your pathway before lodging.

Disclaimer: