Applying for an Australian Partner Visa is one of the most document-heavy and scrutinised visa processes in the migration system. Most refusals do not occur because the relationship is non-genuine; they can also occur because the evidence is poorly prepared, inconsistent or incomplete. This guide explains how to properly prepare a Partner Visa application, what evidence is required, how case officers assess relationships and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is a Partner Visa?

A Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident (PR) or an eligible New Zealand citizen to build their lives together in Australia.

Partner visas are assessed in two stages:

Temporary stage (Subclass 820/309) (relationship assessed at time of application)
Permanent stage (Subclass 801/100) (relationship reassessed approximately two years later)

The core question the Department asks is: Is the relationship genuine and continuing?

Who is Eligible for a Partner Visa?

You may be eligible if:

You are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, your sponsor
You are both over the age of 18 years
Your relationship is genuine and continuing
Your sponsor meets sponsorship eligibility and character requirements (Read: What are Sponsorship Limitations for Partner Visas and Can I Sponsor a Partner After Getting PR through a Previous Partner Visa?)
If you are not married, you generally need to have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months, unless an exemption applies, such as a registered relationship or compelling circumstances.

How does the Department Assess a Relationship?

The Department assesses relationships under the four-pillar criteria. Every partner visa application has to address all four as best as they can, with evidence.

Financial aspects
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared expenses (rent, utilities, groceries)
- Joint loans or assets
Nature of household
- Joint lease or mortgage
- Utility bills at the same address
- Division of household responsibilities
Social aspects
- Relationship registration (if applicable)
- Joint invitations or event attendance
- Photos with family and friends
- Statutory declarations from friends and family
Nature of Commitment
- Future plans (children, housing, finances)
- Wills, beneficiaries, superannuation nominations
- Personal statements explaining relationship development

There are some common mistakes that can be avoided, such as:

Submitting large volumes of evidence with no structure
Inconsistent dates across documents and statements
Weak or generic personal statements
Over-reliance on photos and chats without a clear explanation
Assuming marriage alone guarantees approval

Instead, to structure a strong application is to:

Tell a clear story
Match documents to claims
Be logically organised

Do I Need Professional Assistance for My Partner Visa Application?

You can choose to do your visa application by yourself. However, if your circumstances are complex (e.g., you do not meet character or health requirements, have not met the 12-month relationship requirement, and more), we strongly suggest that you speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law to assist with your visa application and minimise risk and future complications.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

Every relationship is different. If you are unsure how to structure your evidence or navigate your visa application process, obtaining tailored legal advice early can make a difference. We highly suggest that you schedule a time with one of our immigration lawyers who works closely with two 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 and Mandarin. 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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