Tips to a Apply for a Partner Visa - Meet the Four Pillars Criteria
Want to live happily ever after in Australia with your partner? Discover some key tips for navigating the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) application process. Whether you're applying onshore (Subclass 820/801) or offshore (Subclass 309/100), it is always a good idea to know how to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship for your visa application.
What are the Partner Visa (SC820/801 or 309/100) Eligibility Requirements?
To be eligible for a Partner Visa, you are in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or an eligible New Zealand citizen and able to provide strong evidence of all four pillars of the relationship (see below). You must meet one of the following relationship criteria:
Marriage: Be legally married
De Facto Relationship: Have been living together in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless you register your de facto relationship with the relevant Australian state or territory government, or you have compelling reasons to justify the visa grant.
What are the 4 Key Aspects of a Genuine Relationship? – Four Pillars for Partner Visa
The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) assesses four key aspects to determine whether your relationship is genuine.
Financial Aspects: Applicant is able to demonstrate and commit their financial responsibilities as a couple, such as:
Share financial responsibilities, such as rent, bills, and household expenses, from the joint account.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a joint bank account to show shared financial responsibilities, you may also use alternative financial records.
Nature of the Household: This aspect may be difficult to prove, especially for offshore applicants; however, it is not impossible to meet:
Provide a statutory declaration or statement detailing how the household responsibilities are shared.
Proof of household utility services or shared responsibilities of children or pets together.
Pro Tip: If you are in a long-distance relationship (offshore applicants), you can still meet the four pillars in different aspects. Reach out to one of our immigration lawyers for tailored advice.
Social Aspects: Demonstrate that you are a couple within your social circles (including family and friends)
Submit statutory declarations or supporting letters from friends and family.
Complete two Form 888s from friends and family.
Include photos with friends and family, showcasing your relationship in public settings.
Pro Tip: Ensure your photos are more than just the two of you – include friends and family!
Nature of Commitment: Show how committed you are to each other’s future.
Nominate each other as superannuation beneficiaries.
Buy property or make significant financial investments together.
Exchange gifts and keep receipts.
If engaged, provide the evidence of the engagement, such as the ring and receipt of purchase.
Pro Tip: You cannot just rely on your marriage certificate or your registered relationship certificate as your only evidence.
We have compiled a more detailed article on how to demonstrate the Partner Visa Four Pillars Document Checklist.
Importance of Thorough Documentation
The Department weighs these aspects heavily to assess the genuineness of your relationship. When in doubt, be sure to consult an experienced immigration lawyer before lodging your application to ensure you meet all requirements.
What Should I do to Handle a Partner Visa Refusal?
If your Partner Visa is refused, engage with a professional immigration lawyer to assist in appealing the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). This process can be lengthy, but your representative can build more substantial evidence and present your case to the ART member.
What do I need to keep in Mind for my Partner Visa Application?
Partner Visa application can take anywhere between months and years to finalise.
This visa application fee is very expensive; the current Visa Application Charge (VAC) is AUD $9,365 (as of July 2025).
It is always best to seek a professional Immigration Lawyer so that they can give tailored advice to your specific circumstances.
Related:
Stuck with a No Further Stay Condition? Here's How You Can Still Apply for a Partner Visa
If Your Partner Passed Away, What Happens to Your Pending Partner Visa Application?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist
Engaging professional assistance from one of our immigration lawyers before lodging your Partner Visa application can ensure you meet all four aspects of the Department's criteria and are presented in the best way. The team works closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, Jason Ling and Angela De Silva, as 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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