Navigating the Australian Partner Visa can be overwhelming — but with the right guidance, it becomes much simpler. I’m Sangeeta Mahajan, Director and Registered Migration Agent at Immigration HQ, with experience assisting couples from around the world to reunite and build their lives together in Australia. In this guide, I’ll break down the process, eligibility requirements, evidence requirements, and tips to strengthen your application.
Whether you’re already in Australia or applying from overseas, understanding your options and preparing correctly is key to a smooth visa journey.
What is an Australian Partner Visa?
The Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia either temporarily or permanently.
There are two main pathways:
Onshore Partner Visa
- Subclass 820 (Temporary) first grant
- Subclass 801 (Permanent) grant after meeting criteria
This pathway is for applicants already in Australia with a valid visa.
Offshore Partner Visa
- Subclass 309 (Temporary)
- Subclass 100 (Permanent)
Designed for applicants outside Australia.
Both pathways require proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner, who acts as your sponsor.
Genuine and ongoing relationship — What it means
To succeed, you must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed. Evidence can include:
- Joint financial documents (bank statements, bills)
- Shared household arrangements
- Photos, travel history, and messages together
- Statutory declarations from friends or family
- Communication or social recognition
For de facto relationships, you generally need to show you’ve lived together for 12 months or more.
Additional requirements
Applicants must meet health and character checks, including:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates from countries you have lived in
These checks ensure compliance with Australia’s public health and safety standards.
Visa processing times & fees
Processing times vary depending on whether you apply onshore or offshore and how complete your application is.
- Temporary Partner Visa: 12–24+ months
- Permanent Partner Visa: usually 2 years after temporary grant
(Processing times may vary as it is updated regularly, so please check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest details.)
Fees are updated regularly. Partnering with a Registered Migration Agent can help reduce delays and improve your application outcome.
Why professional guidance matters
While self-lodging is possible, working with a registered migration agent makes a significant difference. As a professional, I:
- Assess your eligibility based on your unique circumstances
- Review your evidence to meet the visa requirements
- Prepare and lodge your application professionally
- Communicate with the Department on your behalf
- Advise on responses to any additional information requests
Proper guidance reduces mistakes, avoids unnecessary delays, and gives your application the strongest chance of success.
Tips for a strong Partner Visa application
- Start early — collect evidence well in advance.
- Be detailed — organise documents logically and avoid duplicates.
- Include personal statements — explain the story of your relationship clearly.
- Keep records updated — especially if processing takes many months.
About the author
Sangeeta Mahajan is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518841) with a special interest in Partner Visas, Skilled Migration, and Employer Sponsored visas.
Sangeeta is committed to:
- Providing personalised guidance tailored to each client
- Simplifying the migration process while reducing stress
- Ensuring applications are accurate, complete, and compelling
If you want a smooth and confident Partner Visa journey, Sangeeta’s expertise can make the difference.
Ready to start your partner visa journey?
Submit an enquiry or consultation request to Sangeeta Mahajan today and take the first step toward living together in Australia.
