Thinking About a Partner Visa in Australia? Here’s the 2025 Guide

Applying for a partner visa in Australia can feel like a rollercoaster — exciting, a bit nerve-wracking, and full of paperwork. Whether you're in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, this visa is designed to help you build a life together Down Under. But before you dive in, it's important to understand the details, especially around the partner visa Australia requirements, processing time, and the partner visa Australia cost.

What Is a Partner Visa in Australia?

The Australian partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor (usually an Australian citizen or permanent resident) to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. This visa category is meant to keep genuine couples together, no matter where they’re from.

There are generally two stages to the partner visa process:

• Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – if you apply while you're in Australia.

• Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – usually granted two years after you apply for the temporary visa, provided your relationship is ongoing and meets all requirements.

If you're outside Australia, you’d typically apply for the Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas.

Partner Visa Australia Requirements

Before you get started, it's crucial to make sure you actually meet the eligibility criteria. Here are the core partner visa Australia requirements:

1. Genuine Relationship
   You must be in a genuine, committed relationship. This could be:

   • A married relationship that’s legally recognized under Australian law.

   • A de facto relationship, where you've lived together for at least 12 months (unless there are compelling circumstances or you've registered your relationship in an Australian state or territory).

2. Sponsor Eligibility
   Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They’ll need to pass character checks and can only sponsor a limited number of partner visas in their lifetime.

3. Evidence of the Relationship
   Immigration wants proof that your relationship is real. You’ll need to provide documentation like:

   • Joint bank account statements

   • Shared bills or lease agreements

   • Photos, messages, travel history together

   • Statutory declarations from friends and family

4. Health and Character Checks
   You and any dependent applicants must undergo medical exams and police checks to meet health and character requirements.

5. No Previous Partner Visa Issues
   If you've previously held a partner visa or were involved in a visa that was refused or cancelled, this could impact your eligibility.

The Cost of a Partner Visa in Australia

Now, let’s talk money. The partner visa Australia cost is one of the highest among all Australian visa categories. As of now, here’s a rough breakdown:

• Main visa application fee: AUD $8,850

• Additional applicant over 18: AUD $4,430

• Additional applicant under 18: AUD $2,215

These fees are for offshore and onshore applications and don’t include extras like medical checks, police certificates, or document translations.

Yes, it's pricey — and unfortunately, these fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. That’s why many people choose to work with registered migration agents to get it right the first time.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times for the Australian partner visa can vary a lot. On average:

• Temporary visa (Subclass 820/309): 12 to 24 months

• Permanent visa (Subclass 801/100): An additional 2 years after the temporary visa is granted

These timelines can stretch longer if your documents are incomplete or if there’s a backlog at the Department of Home Affairs.

Should You Apply Onshore or Offshore?

This really depends on your situation. If you're already in Australia on a valid visa (like a student or tourist visa), you can usually apply onshore for the Subclass 820. This gives you bridging visa rights while you wait — meaning you can stay legally in Australia.

If you're overseas, you’ll need to apply for the Subclass 309. Just remember, you must be outside Australia at the time of lodgement and when the temporary visa is granted.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be complex, expensive, and emotionally draining — but it can also be life-changing. Meeting the partner visa Australia requirements is just the start. You’ll need to be super organised, transparent, and patient throughout the process.

While the partner visa Australia cost might seem steep, the opportunity to live and grow your future together in Australia is often worth it. Whether you’re just starting the application or knee-deep in gathering evidence, take your time, do your research, and consider speaking to a registered migration agent for guidance tailored to your situation.