Applying for an Australian Partner Visa? Start Here!

An Australian Partner Visa is for people who are married to, engaged to, or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. It’s the visa that lets you live together in Australia — and eventually, it can lead to permanent residency

To qualify for an Australian Partner Visa, you’ll need to show you’re in a genuine, ongoing relationship with:

• an Australian citizen,
• an Australian permanent resident, or
• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Your relationship can be:

• Married (valid under Australian law),
• De facto (typically 12 months living together, unless an exemption applies), or
• Engaged (planning to marry).

1) Offshore Partner Visa — Subclass 309/100

If you’re already married or in a de facto relationship and the visa applicant is currently outside of Australia, this is for you. It’s perfect for couples who want to start their life together in Australia but can’t apply for a Partner Visa in Australia.

The Offshore Partner Visa is applied for in two stages: 

• Stage 1 is the Subclass 309 Temporary Partner Visa — this allows you to enter and live in Australia once the visa is granted. You’ll have full work rights, access to Medicare, and the ability to study once you are in Australia. 
• Stage 2 is the Subclass 100 Permanent Partner Visa, usually assessed about two years after you first lodge your application. To get this stage granted, you’ll need to show your relationship is still genuine and ongoing. Once approved, you’ll become a permanent resident.

2) Onshore Partner Visa — Subclass 820/801

This option is ideal for couples who are already in Australia, or for those who can secure a visa to come to Australia and then apply here. It’s great for partners who want to stay together in Australia while their application is being processed.

The onshore Partner Visa works in a very similar way to the offshore visa, but you apply from inside Australia. It’s also a two-stage process:

• Stage 1 is the Subclass 820 Temporary Partner Visa. You apply for this while you’re in Australia, and as long as you meet the requirements, you’ll usually be granted a Bridging Visa so you can stay here lawfully while your application is processing. That bridging visa often comes with work rights, study rights, and access to Medicare, which is a big relief for many couples.
• Stage 2 is the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa. Just like with the offshore stream, this stage is usually assessed around two years after your original application. You’ll need to provide updated evidence to show your relationship is still genuine and continuing. Once granted, you become a permanent resident.

3) Prospective Marriage Visa – Subclass 300

Think of this as the ‘fiancé visa’.

This pathway is suitable for couples who are engaged but not yet married, where the visa applicant is currently outside Australia. It’s often chosen by couples who haven’t lived together long enough to meet the de facto requirement, but have a genuine, committed relationship and a clear plan to marry in Australia.

You apply while you’re outside Australia, and if granted, you can travel to Australia and marry your partner within the visa’s validity period — usually within 9 to 15 months from the date it’s granted.

Once you’re married, you can then apply for an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) to stay in Australia permanently.

4) Subclass 461 – NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa

This visa is for partners — married or de facto — of New Zealand citizens who are living in Australia on a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444). It’s also available to certain family members of those NZ citizens. It’s a great option if your partner is a Kiwi, you’re not a New Zealand citizen yourself, and you want to join them in Australia for the long term.

This visa is temporary, valid for 5 years, and can be renewed as long as your relationship continues and you still meet the requirements. This visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency — but many holders later transition to a Partner Visa (820/801 or 309/100) if they become eligible.

Not every couple fits neatly into the Partner Visa categories — and that’s okay! If your partner is in Australia on a temporary visa (like a student visa, skilled work visa, or training visa), you might be able to apply as their dependent.

Examples include:

• Student Visa (Subclass 500) – as a dependent, you can usually work and study while your partner studies in Australia.
• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – as a dependent, you may have full work rights while your partner works for their employer sponsor.
• Skilled Work Regional Visas (Subclass 491 or 494) – dependent partners can also live, work, and study in the regional area.

Not sure which visa pathway fits your relationship? Don’t worry — you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own. To give you a head start, here’s a simple snapshot of the main options, matched to common situations couples find themselves in.

• We’re together and I’m overseas and can’t obtain a visa to apply in Australia: 309/100 Offshore Partner Visa
• We’re together and I’m in Australia: 820/801 Onshore Partner Visa
• We’re engaged and I’m overseas and want to marry in Australia: 300 Prospective Marriage → then 820/801 after marriage
• My partner is a Kiwi in Australia on 444 Visa: 461 NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa
• My partner holds a temporary visa (e.g., 500/482/491/494): Consider applying as a dependent now, and later move to a Partner pathway if/when eligible.

*general guide only and options differ based on circumstances – please reach out to us for a personalised consultation

If you’re still unsure which visa is right for you, you can book a free 15-minute consultation with me; you’ll find the link in the description below.

Every relationship is unique — and your visa strategy should be, too. Book a free 15-minute consultation with AIVS to map out the best path for you and your partner. We’ll keep it simple, honest and tailored to your goals.

CONTACT US

General information only — not legal advice. Visa rules can change, and individual circumstances matter. Speak to a Registered Migration Agent for advice specific to you.

AIVS is led by Nicolette Bitzilis (MARN: 1569804), a passionate immigration consultant with 10+ years of experience helping couples and families build their future in Australia. Our mission is to make the partner visa journey clear, personal and stress-free; so you can focus on what matters: being together.