Are you looking to reunite with your spouse or de facto partner in Australia? The Partner Visa Australia enables spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together permanently in Australia, building a secure future with your loved one.
Types of Partner Visas in Australia
Australia offers two primary pathways under the Partner Visa program:
- Onshore Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801): For applicants applying while in Australia.
- Offshore Partner Visas (Subclass 309/100): For applicants applying from outside Australia.
Subclass 309 – Offshore Partner Visa (Provisional)
This visa allows you to live temporarily in Australia while waiting for your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) to be processed.
Eligibility:
- Must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner in Australia.
- Must apply while outside Australia.
- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Stay Period: Stay in Australia until your Subclass 100 visa is processed.
Benefits:
Subclass 100 – Offshore Partner Visa (Permanent)
This visa grants permanent residency to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Eligibility:
- Must hold a temporary Subclass 309 visa.
- Remain in a genuine relationship with your sponsoring partner.
- Meet health, and character requirements.
Stay Period: Permanent residency in Australia.
Benefits:
Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa (Onshore)
This visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is being processed.
Eligibility:
- Must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner.
- Apply while inside Australia.
- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Stay Period: Stay in Australia until your Subclass 801 visa is processed.
Benefits:
Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa (Onshore)
This visa allows you to live permanently in Australia with your partner.
Eligibility:
- Must hold a temporary Subclass 820 visa.
- Be in a genuine relationship with your partner.
- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Stay Period: Permanent residency in Australia.
Benefits:
Genuine Relationship Requirements
All partner visas require proof of a genuine, continuing relationship. This includes evidence of:
- Financial aspects of your relationship (joint accounts, bills, property)
- Nature of your household (living arrangements, domestic responsibilities)
- Social context of your relationship (friends/family recognition, joint social activities)
- Nature of your commitment to each other (future plans, communication history)
Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the relationship and sponsorship requirements.
- Gather Evidence: Compile documents proving your genuine relationship.
- Complete Application: Fill out all required forms accurately.
- Health Checks: Complete medical examinations with approved providers.
- Police Checks: Obtain police certificates from all countries you've lived in.
- Lodge Application: Submit your application with all supporting documents.
- Await Decision: Processing times vary based on application complexity.
Processing Times
Partner visa processing times can vary significantly:
- Temporary partner visas (Subclass 309/820): 12-24 months
- Permanent partner visas (Subclass 100/801): Additional 12-24 months after temporary visa
Complete applications with strong evidence of genuine relationships tend to process faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a de facto partner?
A de facto partner is someone with whom you live in a genuine, committed relationship, even if you are not married.
Can a Partner Visa be cancelled?
Yes, a Partner Visa can be cancelled if false information is provided, visa conditions are breached, or your relationship is found to be non-genuine.
How do I withdraw a Partner Visa application?
Log in to your ImmiAccount, select your application, and follow the instructions to withdraw, or submit Form 1446 to the Department of Home Affairs.
How can a sponsor withdraw their sponsorship?
A sponsor can write to the Department of Home Affairs with their details and a clear statement of sponsorship withdrawal.
Why Choose Us?
Navigating the Partner Visa process can be complex. Nestway Immigration offers:
- Comprehensive eligibility assessments.
- Preparation of strong, complete applications to avoid delays.
- Assistance with gathering and presenting evidence for your relationship.
- Ongoing support throughout the application process.
- Guidance on responding to requests for additional information.
- Help with transitioning from temporary to permanent visas.