This step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to know to start your Partner visa application — clearly, practically, and step by step. Whether you are applying onshore (Subclass 820/801) or offshore (Subclass 309/100), this article will walk you through eligibility, documentation, common mistakes, and expert tips to give your relationship the best chance of success.

What is a Partner Visa?

A Partner visa is a type of Australian visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is designed to reunite couples and support family unity, with the intention of granting permanent residency (PR) based on a genuine and continuing relationship. Applying for a Partner visa is a significant step for couples who want to live together in Australia.

Step-by-Step Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) Guide

Step 1 - Identify the Right Partner Visa Type

Partner visa applications are processed in two stages: the temporary visa is granted first, followed by the permanent visa two years after the lodgement.

Location	Subclass	Time Frame of First Stage (SC820/309)	Time Frame of Second Stage (SC801/100)
Onshore (in Australia)	Subclass 820/801	50% processed in 14 months; 90% processed in 27 months.	50% processed in 8 months; 90% processed in 15 months.
Offshore (outside Australia)	Subclass 309/100	50% processed in 17 months; 90% processed in 25 months.	50% processed in 10 months; 90% processed in 19 months.

Selecting the correct subclass of the Partner visa depends primarily on your current location and your long-term plans with your partner. Suppose you are already in Australia on a valid visa and wish to remain with your partner while your application is being processed. In that case, the onshore subclass 820/801 may be the appropriate option. A successful onshore Partner visa (SC820/801) application will grant you a Bridging visa associated with the application, which allows you to stay in Australia until the time of decision lawfully.

However, if you are outside Australia and plan to migrate later, or if an onshore application is not viable, the offshore SC309/100 may be suitable.

Step 2 - Confirm You Meet Visa Eligibility

To apply for a Partner visa, you must have a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or eligible New Zealand citizen. Speak with an immigration lawyer if you are unsure if you meet all the visa requirements to avoid any common mistakes.

You and your partner must be:

Both must be over 18 years of age,
Married, or
In a de facto relationship that is either for more than 12 months or registered at the local state government (where it is applicable)

Step 3 - Prepare Your Documentation

To support your application, gather the following:

Identification documents (passports and birth certificates of both you and your sponsor).
Relationship evidence, especially proof addressing the “four pillars” requirement, which are the social aspect, financial aspect, nature of the household and the commitment of the relationship.
Police checks from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
Medical Examination valid until the time of decision.

You may submit your visa application online via ImmiAccount. The current application fee for the main applicant is AUD 9,095. This amount is paid for both your temporary (SC820/309) and permanent (SC801/100) visa applications at the same time. The visa application charge (VAC) amount is expected to increase in the 2025-26 year.

Step 5 - Post Lodgement Responsibilities

After your application is lodged, you still have a continuing duty to keep the Department updated on any change of circumstances, such as:

Any change to your residential address
Any passport updates or replacements
Any changes in the relationship status

Step 6 – Wait for Your Visa Decision

Apply for an Onshore Partner Visa

Once you submit your subclass 820/801 visa application, you may be granted a bridging visa to maintain lawful status and continue your daily life in Australia. Additionally, you can continue to work and/or study, and you may be eligible to apply for Medicare.

Apply for an Offshore Partner Visa

Once you lodge your SC309/100 visa application, you will have to wait offshore for the visa to be assessed. If you wish to visit your partner/spouse, you can search for alternative visa options to come to Australia in the meantime. Once you are granted a subclass 309/100, a specific entry date requires you to enter Australia to activate your visa.

Step 7 - Transition to the Permanent Visa Stage

You are eligible to apply for the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801/100) two years after the visa lodgement date. Once two years have passed since your application, you can submit your documents for the permanent stage of your Partner visa.

Tips for a Strong Partner Visa (SC820/801 or 309/100) Application

Ensure Consistency of Information

Be transparent and consistent in all information and documents provided, including the information or documents you have provided to the Department in your previous visa applications.
Ensure accuracy, even minor variations in dates and addresses can lead to suspicion and prolong the processing time.
Inconsistent information may raise the Department’s concern about the integrity of your application, which may delay the processing time and put your visa application at risk of a visa refusal due to PIC4020 and eventually affect future visa applications.

Demonstrate Relationship Genuineness

Keep detailed records of your relationship, such as and not limited to:

Marriage certificate or relationship registration
Messages
Photos together
Shared bills
Records of joint travels

Seek Legal Advice from an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law

Seek professional advice if you are in a complicated circumstance where:

You have overstayed your visa and are now an unlawful non-citizen
You are not holding a substantive visa
You have criminal records
You have past visa refusal records
You have health issues
Your relationship with your sponsor is recent, and you find it difficult to satisfy the ‘four pillar’ requirement.
You will receive an invitation to make a comment if the Department has discovered inconsistent information.

How Much Does a Partner Visa (SC820/801 or 309/100) Application Really Cost?

Visa Application Fees:
- AUD 9,095 for the main applicant;
- AUD 4,550 for every additional applicant over 18;
- AUD 2,280 for every additional application under 18
Health Check: around AUD 450 (may vary depending on the examination required by the Department)
Police Checks:
- AFP National Police Check: AUD 56
- Overseas Police Certificates: Vary by country
Translation Fees:
- Required for non-English documents.
- Certified translations by NAATI accredited translators normally cost AUD 40 to AUD 90 per document.

This step-by-step guide involves the Australian Partner visa application process. However, if you have any complex visa issues, we highly suggest that you schedule a time with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law at Agape Henry Crux. They specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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