Love knows no borders—but immigration laws do. If you’ve found love in the Land Down Under and are planning a future together, the Partner Visa Australia is your gateway to staying with your loved one permanently. But what does the application involve? What evidence do you need? How long does it take? And can you secure Australian PR through a partner visa?
This manual walks you via the whole lot—from eligibility to lodgment—so that you can navigate the system confidently.
What is a Partner Visa in Australia?
The Partner Visa lets in the companion or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, eternal resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It’s to be had as an onshore (Subclass 820 and 801) or offshore (Subclass 309 and 100) utility.
The visa is granted in two stages:
- Temporary Visa (Subclass 820): Allows you to stay in Australia at the same time as your everlasting visa is processed.
- Permanent Visa (Subclass 801): Granted two years after the initial application in case your dating is still proper and ongoing.
Being apart can test love—but applying for the right visa shouldn’t.
Who Can Apply? Understanding the Australian Partner Visa Requirements
To observe for a Spouse Visa Australia, you have to meet precise eligibility criteria. The most important criteria for an Australian partner visa are as follows:
You must be in a genuine relationship:
- Couples: Marriage in Australia must be recognized by the law.
- De facto couples: You must have lived together for at least 12 months or register your relationship in certain states.
The sponsor must be:
- Requirements include being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or resident meeting certain criteria, or both.
You must both be over 18, and the relationship must not be under duress or arranged solely for visa purposes.
Providing compelling proof of your relationship—shared budget, joint tour, conversation history, snap shots, and statements—is essential.
Step-by-Step Australia Partner Visa Application Process
The Australia companion visa application method may be broken down into some key steps:
Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount
Start by setting up your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. This is where you’ll upload documents, pay fees, and monitor your application.
Step 2: Collect Your Evidence
You’ll need to prove your relationship across four areas:
- Financial commitment (joint accounts, leases, bills)
- Nature of household (living arrangements, chores, shared duties)
- Social recognition (photos, invites, joint activities)
- Commitment to each other (personal statements, future plans)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can practice onshore for Subclass 820/801 or offshore for Subclass 309/one hundred. Make sure to apply earlier than your modern visa expires if you’re in Australia.
Step 4: Sponsor Application
Your partner needs to submit a separate sponsorship form within a few days of your main application.
Step 5: Attend Medical & Police Checks
You’ll be brought about to undergo health checks and provide police clearances from every usa you’ve lived in for 12 months over the past 10 years.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Applying for a companion visa in Australia isn’t just about ticking packing containers—it’s approximately telling your story with evidence.
What can go wrong?
- Lack of documentation
- Inconsistencies in timeline or statements
- Applying too late or without legal advice
That’s where experts like Think Higher Consultants come in. With their experience in immigration pathways, they help couples navigate the system clearly, ensuring every document aligns and supports your case.
An expert touch can turn a good application into a great one.
Getting PR Through the Partner Visa: What Happens Next?
Subclass 820 and 801 Partner Visas provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, which is a significant perk.
After about 24 months, if your relationship remains genuine and ongoing, you can be assessed for the permanent visa (Subclass 801). In some circumstances—like long-term relationships or children—you may be granted permanent residency sooner.
Once you get the 801 visa:
- You have full work rights
- Access to Medicare
- Freedom to study and travel
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Conclusion
Yes, it’s a detailed and sometimes daunting process. But when you’re building a life with someone you love, the effort is worth every form, every fee, and every ounce of patience.
We started with a few questions: How do I apply? What do I need? How long will it take? Now you have the roadmap—and the good news is, you don’t have to walk it alone.
Think Higher Consultants specializes in guiding couples through the partner visa maze. With their expertise, you can avoid delays, prevent rejections, and move one step closer to a life together in Australia.
Ready to apply for your partner visa? Contact Think Higher Consultants today and take the first step toward your shared future in Australia.
