Family & partner visas
Which partner visa fits you?
Three pathways lead to permanent residence through a partner: the onshore Subclass 820/801, the offshore Subclass 309/100, and the Prospective Marriage Subclass 300 for engaged couples. This hub maps every guide, cost breakdown, and evidence resource we publish — and what to do if a partner visa has been refused.
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 Not sure which applies?
Book 30 minutes with Keshab and find out which pathway is realistic for you. A$330 inc. GST, credited if you go ahead.
Book a consultation — A$330 inc. GST, credited or in writing, no call — A$550Start here
Choose your pathway
Refusals & problem areas
New to partner visas? Start with Partner visa Australia: the complete 2026 guide (who qualifies, the two stages, cost and timelines), or see the full partner visa cost for 2026-27.
Partner visas are decided on evidence, not forms. The Department assesses whether a relationship is genuine and continuing across four defined areas, and most refusals trace back to evidence gaps or eligibility issues that were visible before lodgement. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15, Migration (Migration Agents Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021). WIDEN's role is migration advice — pathway selection, eligibility and risk review, evidence strategy, and lodgement.
Which pathway fits your situation?
- Applicant currently in Australia — the onshore 820/801. A bridging visa usually covers the wait, but your current visa status matters: some onshore applicants face Schedule 3 criteria that need addressing before lodgement.
- Applicant outside Australia — the offshore 309/100. Same permanent outcome, no Schedule 3 exposure, but no bridging visa — the applicant waits offshore until the 309 is granted.
- Engaged, not yet married or de facto — the Prospective Marriage 300, then the onshore partner visa after the wedding at a reduced charge.
- Already refused — start with the refusal and ART review guide; review deadlines are short and strict.
Book 30 minutes with Keshab.
Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536), reads your situation with you and tells you which route fits, what it costs and what happens next.
Video consultation. A$330 inc. GST for 30 minutes, credited in full if you go ahead. Advice on your own case is given in the consultation, and you leave it with a clear plan in writing.
What you get
- 30 minutes (A$330) or 60 minutes (A$550) by video with a registered migration agent, Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536.
- A written summary of your options and next steps after the session.
- What to bring: How long you have been together and living together, any registration or marriage certificate, the sponsor’s status, earlier visas of either partner.
- Prefer no call? The written pathway check is done in writing, A$550.
We had a very positive experience working with Keshab. He provided a detailed and well-structured migration strategy report, answered all our questions thoroughly, and clarified our options and next steps. We really appreciated his professionalism, responsiveness, and practical advice. Highly recommended!
I contacted Keshab Chapagain during an extremely stressful and time-sensitive Australian visa situation. He was patient, kind and very thorough in reviewing my circumstances and explaining what could realistically be done.
Read more
Keshab was also very honest that, given the timing, retaining him could not make the Australian government process my application any faster. Even so, the advice he provided was extremely valuable. After our consultation, he provided me with a detailed written guide outlining the steps I could take myself, how to respond to the issues in my application, what supporting documentation to obtain, and how to present the additional information clearly to Home Affairs. I followed that guidance and felt confident that I had done everything available to me. He was understanding and empathetic throughout the consultation without giving me unrealistic expectations. Although my visa ultimately was not processed in time for my trip, that was entirely a matter of government processing time and not a reflection of the assistance I received from Keshab. I greatly appreciated his professionalism, patience, thoroughness and straightforward advice, and I would recommend him to anyone needing guidance with an Australian immigration or visa matter.
I had a positive experience with him. He was professional, knowledgeable, and explained everything clearly in a way that was easy to understand. He took the time to answer my questions and provided practical advice based on my situation. I felt well informed and supported throughout the consultation.
Book a partner visa consultation — A$330 inc. GST, credited In writing, no call — A$550
Need 60 minutes, or bringing a partner, employer or documents to go through? Extended consultation, A$550 inc. GST.
MARN 1576536 · practising since 2015 · contact details
Frequently asked questions
Should I apply onshore (820/801) or offshore (309/100)?
It depends on where the applicant is when the application is lodged — the 820/801 must be applied for in Australia, the 309/100 from outside Australia. Both lead to the same permanent outcome. The practical differences are bridging visa access (onshore applicants usually receive a bridging visa with work rights), travel flexibility, and how your current visa status affects eligibility — onshore applicants on some visas face Schedule 3 hurdles that offshore applicants never encounter.
How much does a partner visa cost?
The government visa application charge for the 820/801 and 309/100 is A$11,710 (2026), paid once and covering both the temporary and permanent stage. On top of that come health examinations, police checks, translations, and any professional fees. Applicants who held a Prospective Marriage (300) visa pay a substantially reduced charge for the onshore stage. See the full line-by-line breakdown in our cost guide.
Do we need to be married to apply?
No. Both the 820/801 and 309/100 are open to married applicants and to de facto partners — generally requiring 12 months of de facto relationship before applying, unless the relationship is registered under an Australian state or territory scheme or compelling circumstances apply. Engaged couples who are not yet living together may instead consider the Prospective Marriage (300) pathway.
What evidence does the Department look at?
The Department assesses whether the relationship is genuine and continuing across four areas: financial aspects, the nature of the household, social aspects, and the nature of the couple's commitment to each other. Strong applications document all four areas over time rather than relying on one. Our evidence checklist explains what belongs in each area.
What happens if a partner visa is refused?
Most partner visa refusals carry review rights at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), with strict deadlines from the date of the decision notice — commonly 28 days for onshore refusals. Many refusals turn on evidence gaps or Schedule 3 issues that can be addressed at review. Whether review or a fresh application is the better strategy depends on the refusal reasons, so read the decision record carefully before deciding.
Can a migration agent guarantee my partner visa will be granted?
No. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15, Migration (Migration Agents Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021). What professional assistance changes is how completely your relationship evidence addresses the legal criteria, and how risks — prior refusals, Schedule 3, sponsor limitations — are identified and dealt with before lodgement rather than after.
General information only. Visa application charges, criteria, and processing arrangements change regularly — verify current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before relying on the information on this page.
This page does not constitute migration advice (s 23, Migration (Migration Agents Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021). Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536), with a written service agreement issued before work commences (section 42). The OMARA Consumer Guide is provided to all clients. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15). PI insurance held under the Migration Agents Regulations 2026. Complaints via our Complaints Policy or directly to OMARA.
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