South African applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) for South African 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
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Pretoria
Tourist entry vs. this route
South African 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 South African applicants
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are South African 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 South African applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do South African applicants typically file the Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)?+
Pretoria. 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 South African applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
South African 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.