Filipino applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) for Filipino citizens
Residence visa for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
This page covers the Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) specifically for Filipino applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Philippines. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 15 months – 2.5 years
- Government fees
- AUD 9,365+ — among the most expensive partner visas globally.
- Typical duration
- Initial provisional to permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Manila
Tourist entry vs. this route
Filipino 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.
Key figures for Filipino applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
15 months – 2.5 years
Partner visa (subclass 309/100 and 820/801) processing is among the slowest in the system: 15–30 months is typical.
Verified 1 June 2026 · Home Affairs — Partner visa →
Time to permanent residence
Arrival on 482 → 186 ENS after 2 years (Specialist Skills Pathway) or 3-4 years (Core Skills) → PR → citizenship after 4 years from arrival (minimum 12 months as PR).
Leads to Permanent Resident, then Australian citizenship.
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 Filipino 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.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Provisional 5-year regional visa leading to permanent residence via subclass 191.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.
Not sure Commonwealth of Australia is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer family routes that Filipino nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Filipino 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 beyond the general criteria, though Filipino applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Filipino applicants typically file the Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)?+
Manila. 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 Filipino applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
Filipino 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.
How long does the Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) take to process from Philippines?+
The typical published decision window is 15 months – 2.5 years. Filipino applicants usually file via Manila, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: Home Affairs — Partner visa, verified 1 June 2026.
How long until permanent residence in Commonwealth of Australia?+
Arrival on 482 → 186 ENS after 2 years (Specialist Skills Pathway) or 3-4 years (Core Skills) → PR → citizenship after 4 years from arrival (minimum 12 months as PR). The route leads to Permanent Resident, then Australian citizenship. See Home Affairs — Australian citizenship for the qualifying-residence rules.
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.