Partner Visa Australia 2026: Complete Guide

Subclass 820/801 (onshore), 309/100 (offshore), and 300 (prospective marriage)

The partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is one of the most common — and most complex — visa pathways, with application fees exceeding $9,000, processing times stretching well beyond a year, and evidence requirements that many applicants underestimate.

Types of partner visas

Onshore — Subclass 820 (temporary) / 801 (permanent)

Applied for while the applicant is in Australia. The 820 is granted first as a temporary visa; the 801 permanent visa is typically assessed two years later.

Offshore — Subclass 309 (provisional) / 100 (permanent)

Applied for while the applicant is outside Australia. The 309 allows entry to Australia; the 100 is assessed after the qualifying period.

Prospective Marriage — Subclass 300

For couples who are engaged but not yet married. The applicant must enter Australia and marry the sponsor within 9 months, then apply for the partner visa onshore.

Partner visa Australia cost 2026

The current Department of Home Affairs application fee for the primary applicant is significant — over AUD $9,000 at the date of writing — and applies to the combined 820/801 (onshore) or 309/100 (offshore) application. The fee covers both stages of the partner visa pathway, not each stage separately. Verify the current rate at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging. Additional costs include health examinations (typically $400–$700 per adult), police clearances (varies by country), translation of documents, and professional fees if engaging a migration agent.

How long does the Partner Visa take in 2026?

Partner visa processing times vary significantly and change frequently. As of 2026, indicative timelines published by the Department are:

• Onshore 820 (temporary): typically 12–24 months for many applications, with significant variation
• Onshore 801 (permanent): assessed after the two-year qualifying period from 820 lodgement, with the permanent decision usually 6–12 months after eligibility
• Offshore 309 (temporary): typically 12–24 months from lodgement, varying by post and applicant nationality
• Offshore 100 (permanent): assessed similarly to the 801 after the qualifying period

The actual time on a specific file depends on the quality of the lodged evidence, the volume at the Department, and whether the case officer requests further information. Published processing times move month-to-month — check current bands on the Department of Home Affairs website before relying on a timeline.

Eligibility requirements

• Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with an eligible Australian sponsor (married or de facto for at least 12 months, unless registered)
• Meet health and character requirements
• The sponsor must be approved by the Department
• For de facto partners: provide evidence the relationship has existed for at least 12 months (exceptions apply in some circumstances)

Evidence requirements

The Department assesses the genuineness of the relationship against four categories:

• Financial aspects — joint bank accounts, shared expenses, joint assets or liabilities
• Nature of the household — shared living arrangements, division of household responsibilities
• Social aspects — joint social activities, recognition by friends and family, statutory declarations from people who know the couple
• Commitment to each other — length of relationship, future plans, knowledge of each other's circumstances

Evidence should cover all four categories. The more comprehensive and consistent the evidence, the stronger the application.

Common reasons partner visas are refused

• Insufficient evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing
• Inconsistencies between the applicant's and sponsor's statements
• Failure to meet health or character requirements
• The relationship has ended before a decision is made
• Previous visa fraud or misrepresentation

Can you work on a partner visa?

Yes. The Subclass 820 (onshore temporary) visa grants full work rights in Australia. The holder can work for any employer without restrictions while the permanent visa (801) is being processed.

Partner visa vs prospective marriage visa

The prospective marriage visa (Subclass 300) is for couples who intend to marry but haven't yet done so. The applicant enters Australia, marries the sponsor within 9 months, and then applies for the onshore partner visa (820/801). This adds an extra step and cost but is appropriate when the couple is engaged and the applicant is overseas.

If you'd like to discuss your partner visa situation, please contact us or call 02 8188 1887. MARN 1576536.