Different Types of Partner Visa for Australia

Different Types of Partner Visas for Australia

Partner Visa Australia is a visa type for the spouse or de facto partner or fiance of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Partner Visa allows the couples to reunite in Australia permanently. There are three (3) types of Partner Visa Australia:

• Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
• Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100)
• Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801)

This article covers the requirements, application process, supporting documents, and cost for the Partner Visa Australia.

Types of Partner Visa Australia

Here are the types of Partner Visa Australia you may consider:

Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)

The Australian Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is a temporary visa that is valid for around 9 to 15 months. This visa suits you if you are engaged to your partner and plan to marry them in Australia.

You must be outside Australia at the time of application and when the decision is made.

Once your Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is granted, you are permitted to enter Australia and marry your fiance within the visa validity period. After the marriage, you can apply for an onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) to become a permanent resident in Australia.

Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801)

The onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) allows you to reunite with your partner in Australia. It suits you if you are married or in a de facto relationship with your Australian partner. The onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) requires you to be in Australia at the time of application, so ensure you hold a valid substantive visa!

Onshore Partner Visa consists of two visa subclasses:

1. Subclass 820 is a temporary visa. Generally, you must apply for the subclass 820 and be granted the subclass 820 first.
2. Subclass 801 is a permanent visa. You can apply for the subclass 801 2 years after submitting the subclass 820.

Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100)

The offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) is similar to the onshore one. It is suitable if you’re in a marriage or de facto relationship with your Australian partner. However, the offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) requires you to be outside of Australia at the time of visa application.

Offshore Partner Visa also consists of two visa subclasses:

1. Subclass 309 is a temporary visa. Generally, you must apply for the subclass 309 and be granted the subclass 309 first.
2. Subclass 100 is a permanent visa. You can apply for the subclass 100 2 years after submitting the subclass 309.

In some instances, the Department of Home Affairs may grant both a temporary Partner Visa and a permanent Partner Visa on the same day; we call it a Partner Visa double grant.

It’s a rare case, but if you’re interested in getting a double grant of Partner Visa, this article may help you: Partner Visa Double Grant: Your Ultimate Guide is Here

General Requirements for Partner Visa

To be eligible for the Partner Visa Australia, you and your partner must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Your partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• You and your partner must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must hold a valid substantive visa if you apply for the onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801).
• You must be married or in a de facto relationship with your partner if you apply for the onshore or offshore Partner Visa.
• You must be engaged to marry your partner if applying for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300).
• Your relationship must be genuine, continuing and committed.

Also, some limitation applies to the sponsorship if your partner is in one of the following conditions:

• Your partner has been approved twice for sponsorship for a Partner Visa application. 

If this is the case, your partner cannot sponsor you any of these types of Partner Visa.

• Your partner has previously sponsored their ex-partner. 

If this is the case, your partner must wait for 5 years before sponsoring you any of these types of Partner Visa. The 5-year waiting period is counted from the previous Partner Visa submission date. However, this limitation will not apply if the previous Partner Visa application was refused or cancelled.

• Your partner obtained permanent residency through the Partner Visa program

If this is the case, your partner must wait for 5 years from the application date of their initial Partner Visa application.

Read more: Australian Partner Visa Sponsorship – Limitation & FAQ

Partner Visa Australia Application Process

All types of Partner Visa Australia can be applied online through ImmiAccount. Here is the step-by-step for applying for Partner Visa Australia:

1. Create an account or log in to your ImmiAccount.
2. Start a new application for the Prospective Marriage Visa or Partner Visa. 
3. Complete the required information truthfully with your details as the applicant.
4. Submit some required initial documents.
5. Pay the Visa application charge and submit your visa application.
6. Keep a record of your TRN (Transaction Reference Number).
7. Go back to the ImmiAccount and start a new application for the sponsorship of a Partner Visa.
8. Complete the required information and documents truthfully with your partner’s details as the sponsor.
9. Submit the sponsorship application.

Here are some important notes before applying to Partner Visa Australia:

1. Ensure you have chosen the most suitable visa subclass to avoid a refusal. If you’re unsure, consider having a consultation session with our Registered Migration Agent. You may book an appointment here.
2. Remember to submit the sponsorship application right after submitting the Visa application. We’ve seen many couples forget this stage, resulting in the refusal of their Partner Visa application.
3. Both onshore and offshore Partner visas consist of two application stages: temporary and permanent. You will automatically directed to the temporary Partner Visa application first.
4. If you’re applying for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) and wish to live permanently in Australia, you can apply for the onshore Partner Visa after holding your marriage. You must start the application process from the beginning.

Supporting Documents for Your Application  

Here are some supporting documents you should provide at the time of submitting your Partner Visa Australia application:

• Identity & birth documents: 
  • passport, 
  • national ID card,
  • birth certificate, etc.
• Sponsor’s identity documents:
  • passport
  • driver’s licence, etc.
• Sponsor’s status in Australia:
  • passport,
  • Australian citizenship certificate,
  • Permanent Visa grant letter, etc.
• Evidence of ongoing relationship:
  • Marriage certificate,
  • De facto registration certificate,
  • Photos together,
  • Record of communication,
  • Record of shared financial responsibilities, etc.
• Relationship statement letter & witness from family and friends:
  • Form 888,
  • Statutory Declaration or relationship statement letter
• Evidence of engagement and plan to marry (for subclass 300 Visa):
  • Proof of engagement,
  • Single certificate,
  • Receipt for a wedding venue, etc.
• Proof of good character:
  • Form 80
  • National Police Certificate from your home country
  • National Police Certificate from the Australian Federal Police

For a complete document checklist, refer to this link or book an appointment with our Registered Migration Agent to get a tailored and customised document checklist according to your situation.

Partner Visa Application Cost

Here is the Visa application charge for Partner Visa Australia as of March 2025:

If you’d like ONEderland Consulting to assist you with your Partner Visa application, a professional agency fee will apply. You can check our latest professional agency fee for Partner Visa application here.

We’re here to help you.

We at ONEderland Consulting understand how much reuniting with your partner means for you. So, we’re here to guide you in choosing the best type of Partner Visa Australia that suits your situation.

Throughout your journey, we are committed to offering empathetic and customised support while paying close attention to your particular circumstances and goals.

Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.

Our team of professionals will help you by:

1. Developing a customised document checklist: Ensure you’ve gathered and presented all required documentation in compliance with DHA regulations.
2. Writing a customised statement letter highlighting the sincerity and strength of your relationship so that your application should be granted.
3. Creating empathetic and compelling narratives: Helping you create a story that speaks to the DHA, clearly illustrates the sincere nature of your relationship, and that your application should be approved.

We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.

We are complex visa specialists. As a registered Australian migration agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are honest, professional and adaptable. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.