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Partner Visa Australia
Australian Partner visas explained
Australia’s Partner visas help an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen be reunited with their spouse or de facto partner — temporarily first, then permanently if requirements continue to be met.
Applications are usually lodged online through ImmiAccount. Only certain people can give immigration assistance; EMC Australia’s Registered Migration Agents can help you prepare and lodge correctly.
Important: Migration law and processing priorities can change. Always check the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
Official overview: Home Affairs — About partner visas
Which Partner visa pathway applies?
Apply in Australia (onshore) — subclasses 820 and 801
- Subclass 820 — temporary Partner visa for a spouse or de facto partner. You must be in Australia when you apply; it is usually the first stage toward permanent residence.
- Subclass 801 the permanent stage that generally follows a subclass 820 pathway when you become eligible for permanent assessment.
Official page: Partner onshore
Apply outside Australia (offshore) — subclasses 309 and 100
- Subclass 309 provisional Partner visa for a spouse or de facto partner. You must be outside Australia when you apply; it is usually the first step toward a permanent Partner (Migrant) visa.
- Subclass 100 — the permanent stage that generally follows a subclass 309 pathway when you become eligible for permanent assessment.
Official page: Partner offshore
Prospective Marriage visa — subclass 300
- Lets you come to Australia to marry your prospective spouse, then apply for a Partner visa.
- You must be outside Australia when you apply.
Official page: Home Affairs — About partner visas
Temporary then permanent — how the stages work
Partner visas are commonly a two-stage process: temporary or provisional first, then permanent. If you hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309 or 820) and two years have passed since you applied, you may become eligible for assessment of the permanent visa. Home Affairs describes lodging Stage 2 through ImmiAccount using your application ID.
Always confirm eligibility timing on the subclass 100 or 801 Visa requirements pages. Read the Partner Visa FAQs.
Processing priorities and timeframes
Home Affairs states Partner visa applications are processed according to Ministerial Direction 117. Applications are generally assessed in the order received, with highest priority for onshore Partner visas (820/801). Lower priority applies to offshore Partner (309/100) and Prospective Marriage (300) applications, which may take longer.
We do not publish invented numeric processing times. Check the official Visa processing times tools and Partner Visa FAQs.
What you generally need to show
- the relationship is genuine and continuing (married or de facto, as applicable)
- identity, character, and health requirements can be met
- sponsorship requirements are met, including sponsor character documents where required
Home Affairs also notes limited circumstances where an application may continue if the relationship ends, for example death of the sponsor, family violence provisions, or shared parental responsibility for a child. See Home Affairs guidance on relationship changes. For relationship evidence themes, see EMC’s four pillars guide and cross-check current Home Affairs requirements.
How EMC Australia helps
As OMARA-registered migration agents (MARN 1800335), we can help you:
- choose the correct onshore or offshore pathway
- prepare a complete ImmiAccount lodgement
- organise relationship, identity, health, and character evidence
- respond to Department requests and plan Stage 2 permanent assessment timing
Ready to get started? Free visa eligibility assessment | Book a consultation | Call +61 3 9069 3284
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply onshore or offshore?
It depends on where you are when you apply. Home Affairs requires you to be in Australia for subclass 820, and outside Australia for subclasses 309 and 300. Check the official visa pages before lodging.
Are Partner visas one application or two stages?
They are commonly temporary or provisional then permanent. Permanent-stage timing and lodgement steps are explained in Home Affairs Partner Visa FAQs.
Can someone help me with my application?
Only certain people can give immigration assistance. See Home Affairs guidance on who can help. EMC’s Registered Migration Agents can assist.
Where do I check processing times?
Use the official Visa processing times tools on the Department of Home Affairs website — times vary and are a guide only.
What if my relationship circumstances change?
Tell the Department promptly through ImmiAccount and review Home Affairs guidance for relationship changes and family violence.
Disclaimer: This page is general information only, not legal advice. Visa criteria, fees, and processing arrangements can change. Confirm details on Home Affairs before acting.