Commonwealth of Australia · family · Leads to settlement
Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian partner-visa applications are one of the largest single national cohorts. Indian marriage certificates from civil…
Chinese applicants
Chinese partner-visa applicants typically file offshore (subclass 309/100) given 820 onshore filings require existing Au…
Filipino applicants
Filipino partner-visa applications are heavily represented, with PSA-issued marriage and birth certificates accepted wit…
South African applicants
South African partner-visa applicants face the standard SAPS police-certificate timeline (8–12 weeks). Unabridged marria…
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicant + sponsorApply for partner visa ↗
Applicants and sponsors use this page to start the combined temporary and permanent partner visa process.
Department of Home Affairs · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: AUD 9,365+ — among the most expensive partner visas globally.. A decision then typically takes 15 months – 2.5 years. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
Also explored by
Compare Commonwealth of Australia with
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
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.
Can my partner and I apply for the Australian partner visa if we aren't married?+
Yes. The partner visa covers de facto partners as well as spouses, but de facto partners must show 12 months of cohabitation or provide registered-relationship evidence.
Does my Australian partner have to be a citizen to sponsor me?+
No. Your sponsor can be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen — full citizenship is not required to sponsor a partner.
How long does the Australian partner visa take to become permanent?+
It is a two-stage process: you first hold a temporary visa (subclass 820 onshore or 309 offshore), and the permanent stage (801 or 100) is typically considered about 2 years later, subject to the relationship continuing. Overall processing is given as 12 to 24 months typical.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →