Chinese applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) for Chinese citizens
Residence visa for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Processing time
- 12–24 months typical.
- Government fees
- AUD 9,365+ — among the most expensive partner visas globally.
- Typical duration
- Initial provisional to permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou
Tourist entry vs. this route
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
Partner visas involve a two-stage process: a temporary visa (subclass 820 onshore / 309 offshore) and a permanent visa (801 / 100) typically 2 years later. De facto partners need 12 months of cohabitation or registered relationship evidence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Genuine and continuing relationship.
- ✓Sponsor is Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Common blockers
- !Insufficient relationship evidence.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage certificate or registered relationship evidence.
- ·Joint finances and cohabitation history.
Application pathway
Sponsor approval
Sponsor separately approved, often prior to visa lodgement.
Lodge temporary stage
Combined with permanent application.
Wait 2 years (typically)
Before permanent stage considered.
Permanent grant
Upon relationship continuance.
Other Commonwealth of Australia routes covered for Chinese applicants
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa (formerly TSS) with reformed routes from December 2024.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
State-nominated permanent residence visa providing a 5-point SkillSelect boost.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)?+
Eligibility for the Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) is set by Department of Home Affairs and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)?+
Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Department of Home Affairs — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Why is the Australian partner visa so expensive?+
Australia has historically priced partner visas at recovery-plus-levy rates. At around AUD 9,000+ for the principal applicant, it is one of the world's most expensive family-migration products. Compare carefully against UK (£1,938 + IHS) and EU family routes.