Applying for a partner visa is one of the most important decisions you and your partner will make. It is also one of the most complex visa processes in the Australian migration system. With application fees exceeding $9,000, processing times stretching over two years, and strict evidence requirements, getting it right the first time is essential.

At Widen – Migration Experts, we help couples navigate the partner visa process from start to finish. Our MARA-registered migration agent, Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536), has extensive experience with all partner visa subclasses and provides personalised guidance for every couple’s unique situation.

Ready to start your application? Contact us on 02 8188 1887 or visit our Partner and Family Visa services page.

Types of Partner Visas in Australia

Australia offers several partner visa options depending on where you are when you apply and the nature of your relationship.

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

The onshore partner visa is for couples where the applicant is already in Australia. It is a two-stage visa. The temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) allows you to stay in Australia while your application is being processed. After approximately two years, you become eligible for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), provided your relationship is still genuine and continuing.

This is the most common partner visa pathway for couples already living together in Australia. You can work, study, and access Medicare while on the temporary 820 visa.

Learn more about the Subclass 820 Partner Visa and the Subclass 801 Partner Visa.

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

The offshore partner visa is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application. The temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309) allows you to travel to Australia and live with your partner while the permanent visa is processed. After approximately two years, you become eligible for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100).

This pathway is ideal for couples where one partner is overseas and wants to join their Australian partner.

Learn more about the Subclass 309 Partner Visa and the Subclass 100 Partner Visa.

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

If you are engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident but not yet married, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) allows you to come to Australia to marry your partner within 9 to 15 months. After marrying, you can then apply for the onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801).

This visa requires you to have met your partner in person and demonstrate a genuine intention to marry.

Learn more about the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300).

Partner Visa Costs in 2026

The partner visa is one of the most expensive visa applications in Australia. As of 2026, the main application fee is approximately AUD $9,095 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for any family members included in the application.

Other costs you should budget for include medical examinations for all applicants, police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more, English language testing if applicable, certified document translations, and professional migration agent fees.

While the cost is significant, working with an experienced migration agent can help you avoid costly mistakes that lead to delays or refusal — potentially saving you thousands in the long run.

Processing Times

Partner visa processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications the Department of Home Affairs is handling. As a general guide, the temporary partner visa (Subclass 820 or 309) can take 12 to 24 months or longer. The permanent partner visa (Subclass 801 or 100) is typically assessed around two years after your initial application.

During the processing period, onshore applicants on a Subclass 820 visa can live, work, study, and travel freely in and out of Australia.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a partner visa, you must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing, and you must be able to demonstrate this with evidence.

For married couples, you will need to provide your marriage certificate along with evidence that your relationship is genuine. For de facto couples, you generally need to demonstrate that you have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months, although exceptions may apply in certain circumstances such as having a child together or having registered your relationship in an Australian state or territory.

Both you and your partner must meet health and character requirements. Your sponsoring partner must also be approved as a sponsor and agree to support you for two years after the temporary visa is granted.

What Evidence Do You Need?

The Department of Home Affairs assesses partner visa applications based on four key areas of evidence:

Financial aspects of the relationship. Joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint ownership of property or assets, and evidence of financial interdependence.

Nature of the household. Evidence that you live together or have lived together, shared household responsibilities, and joint leases or utility accounts.

Social aspects. Photos together, evidence of attending events as a couple, statements from friends and family confirming your relationship, and evidence of being recognised as a couple in your community.

Nature of the commitment. Evidence of future plans together, knowledge of each other’s personal circumstances and family, and the length of your relationship.

The stronger and more varied your evidence, the better your chances of a successful application. At Widen, we help you compile comprehensive evidence packages that address all four categories.

Common Reasons Partner Visas Are Refused

Partner visa refusals can be devastating — both emotionally and financially. The most common reasons include insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship, inconsistencies between the applicant’s and sponsor’s statements, failure to meet health or character requirements, sponsor not meeting eligibility criteria, and incomplete applications with missing documents.

Working with an experienced migration agent significantly reduces the risk of refusal. We review every aspect of your application before lodgement to ensure it is complete, consistent, and compelling.

Can You Work on a Partner Visa?

Yes. Both the temporary Subclass 820 and Subclass 309 partner visas come with full work rights. You can work for any employer in Australia without restrictions on hours. You can also study and access Medicare while your permanent visa is being processed.

Partner Visa vs Prospective Marriage Visa

Choosing between a partner visa and a prospective marriage visa depends on your circumstances. If you are already married or in a de facto relationship, you should apply for a partner visa (either onshore 820/801 or offshore 309/100). If you are engaged but not yet married and your partner is overseas, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) allows them to come to Australia first, marry you, and then apply for the partner visa onshore.

At Widen, we assess your situation and recommend the most suitable pathway based on your relationship status, location, and long-term goals.

How Widen Migration Experts Can Help

The partner visa process is complex and emotionally charged. Having a professional migration agent on your side gives you confidence that your application is being handled correctly. At Widen, we provide:

Eligibility assessment — we evaluate your relationship and advise on the best visa pathway.

Evidence guidance — we help you compile strong evidence across all four assessment categories.

Application preparation — we prepare and review all forms, statements, and supporting documents.

Lodgement and follow-up — we lodge your application and manage all communication with the Department of Home Affairs.

Ongoing support — we guide you through the transition from temporary to permanent partner visa.

Whether you are applying onshore or offshore, married or de facto, we are here to help you and your partner build your future in Australia.

Get Started Today

If you are considering a partner visa, the first step is a consultation with our migration agent. We will assess your situation, explain your options, and give you a clear pathway forward.

Call: 02 8188 1887 Email: info@widen.com.au Visit: Office 6, 2-16 Anglo Road, Campsie NSW 2194

Learn more about our Partner and Family Visa services.