Partner Visas
Visa options for partners, spouses, and fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens.
About Partner Visas
Partner visas allow the spouse, de facto partner, or prospective spouse (fiancé) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. These visas recognize both married and de facto relationships, including same-sex partnerships.
Key Benefits
- Live with your partner in Australia
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Pathway to permanent residence
- Include dependent children in your application
- Travel to and from Australia
Partner Visa Options
Partner (Provisional and Migrant) Visa (Subclass 309/100)
A two-stage visa for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are outside Australia. Leads to permanent residence after approximately 2 years.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
A temporary visa that lets you travel to Australia to marry your prospective spouse and then apply for a Partner visa.
Relationship Requirements
To qualify for a partner visa, you must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your partner. The relationship must be either:
- Married to your partner
- In a de facto relationship (living together for at least 12 months)
- Engaged to be married (for Prospective Marriage visa)
Evidence of Genuine Relationship
You need to provide evidence across four key areas:
Financial Aspects
Joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint ownership of property or assets
Nature of Household
Joint lease/mortgage, photos of shared residence, joint responsibility for household
Social Context
Photos together, travel records, statutory declarations from friends and family
Nature of Commitment
Duration of relationship, shared plans for future, support during difficult times
General Requirements
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship
- Be sponsored by your partner
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Not have had visa cancelled or application refused
Important Information
- Processing times are typically 18-24 months
- Strong evidence of genuine relationship is crucial
- Your sponsor can only sponsor one partner at a time
- Partner visas require two stages before permanent residence
- De facto relationships must be registered (if in Australia) or proven to have lasted 12 months
Two-Stage Process
Stage 1: Provisional/Temporary Visa
Allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent Partner visa application is processed. You can work, study, and access Medicare.
Stage 2: Permanent Visa
After approximately 2 years, if you still meet the requirements and your relationship is still genuine and continuing, you will be granted permanent residence.
Comparison of Partner Visas
| Visa | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 309/100 | Partner visa (offshore) | Permanent residence |
| 300 | Prospective marriage | Temporary (then apply for 820/801) |
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