The Partner visas (subclasses 820 and 801) allow the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
The temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) is granted first and lets you stay in Australia, after 24 months you may be eligible for a permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
You must be married or in a de facto relationship with:
To apply for a partner visa on de facto grounds you, you would generally need to show you have lived with your partner for 12 months. The 12-month cohabitation requirement also applies when including a spouse for the following types of visa:
However, you would be exempt from the 12 month requirement if you register your relationship in an Australian state or territory. You would need to show that you are living together but not necessarily for 12 months.
Registration provides legal recognition as a couple under the state law and as well as being beneficial for immigration purposes. Usual requirements include:
Relationship Register for Partners
If, at the time you apply, you have been in a long term relationship with your partner (3 years living together or have a child together and living together for 2 years), your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) visa may be granted immediately after the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) visa.
You can stay in Australia on a Bridging visa if you have already lodged your application.
If you are married, usually you must be 18 or older when you apply. This is because usually, you must be 18 or older for your marriage to be valid under Australian law.
If you are a de facto partner, you must be 18 or older when you apply.
You must be the spouse (married) or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
You might still be eligible if your relationship breaks down after you lodge your application.
You must have a sponsor, who will be your partner, except if your partner is under 18 years of age.
You must have repaid, or have arranged to repay, any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
You might not be able to apply for this visa if you have had a visa cancelled or refused while you were in Australia.
The temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) lets you stay in Australia until a decision is made on your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
If you hold a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) – Pay applicable fees.
You pay only one fee, which covers the permanent and the temporary visa, and you pay this when you lodge your application. In most cases, visa application fees can not be refunded, even if you withdraw your application, or your visa is refused.
There is a fee for any children applying for the visa with you.
If you need to have them, you will have to pay other costs such as those for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
From 25 November 2023, subclass 309, 820 and 801 can now be granted no matter the location of the applicant at the time of grant.
You must be in Australia when you lodge your application and when a decision is made on the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820).
You can be in or outside Australia when a decision is made on the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
If you are outside Australia when you want to lodge your application, consider either:
More information is available about partner visa options.
Partner Visa Assesment
The Partner visa (subclass 820) is a temporary visa. It lasts from the date it is granted until a decision is made on your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
The Partner visa (subclass 801) is a permanent visa – it lasts indefinitely. It starts on the date it is granted.
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