Applicant in Australia
Onshore Partner Visa
Subclass 820 → 801
For eligible spouses or de facto partners applying while in Australia. The temporary and permanent stages form one partner visa pathway.
Check Onshore Pathway →
Partner Visa Australia
Your Partner. Your Future. One Clear Visa Path.
Whether your partner is in Australia or overseas, the right pathway starts with understanding where to apply and what relationship evidence you need.
Onshore Subclass 820 / 801
Offshore Subclass 309 / 100
- Registered Migration Agent guidance
- Applicant and sponsor evidence review
- Relationship evidence strategy before lodgement
Start here
Check Your Partner Visa Pathway
Tell us where the applicant is applying from and our team can review the next step.
MARN 1571699Registered Migration Agent
Onshore + OffshoreTwo focused partner pathways
Evidence FirstRelationship documents reviewed strategically
Choose the right route
Which Partner Visa Pathway Fits Your Situation?
The applicant’s location is one of the first things that determines which partner visa pathway may apply.
Applicant outside Australia
Offshore Partner Visa
Subclass 309 → 100
For eligible spouses or de facto partners applying from outside Australia, with a temporary stage followed by the permanent stage.
Check Offshore Pathway →Not yet married or not sure whether you meet the spouse or de facto criteria? Tell us your situation in the form and we can identify which family pathway should be reviewed.
The evidence matters
A Marriage Certificate Alone Does Not Tell the Whole Story
Partner visa applications are assessed on whether the relationship is genuine and continuing. Your evidence needs to work together and tell a consistent story.
Check current visa charges in our Visa Fee Estimator →Financial
Joint finances, shared expenses and financial commitments.
Household
Living arrangements, responsibilities and evidence of a shared home.
Social
How your relationship is recognised by friends, family and your wider community.
Commitment
Your relationship history, future plans and evidence of an ongoing commitment.
Keep it clear
From First Review to a Decision-Ready Application
Identify the pathway
Confirm whether the applicant should be assessed for the onshore 820/801 or offshore 309/100 pathway.
Map the relationship evidence
Review what you already have and identify gaps across financial, household, social and commitment evidence.
Prepare applicant + sponsor documents
Organise identity, relationship, character and sponsorship material so the application is consistent.
Lodge and manage the case
Submit the application and respond to further Department requests where required.
Why Think Higher
Partner Visa Guidance Built Around Your Actual Relationship
Generic document lists are not enough when every relationship looks different. We focus on the pathway, evidence and consistency of your case before it reaches the Department.
Common questions
Partner Visa FAQs
Which visa applies if the applicant is already in Australia?
Eligible applicants in Australia may be assessed for the onshore Partner Visa pathway, Subclass 820 followed by Subclass 801. Your current visa status and circumstances still need to be checked before lodgement.
Which visa applies if the applicant is outside Australia?
Eligible applicants outside Australia may be assessed for the offshore Partner Visa pathway, Subclass 309 followed by Subclass 100.
Is being legally married enough for a Partner Visa?
No. The application still needs evidence showing that the relationship is genuine and continuing. Marriage is relevant, but the wider relationship evidence remains important.
Can de facto couples apply?
Potentially, yes. De facto applicants need to satisfy the relevant relationship requirements and provide evidence supporting the nature and duration of the relationship.
Can Think Higher review our evidence before we apply?
Yes. We can review the proposed pathway, applicant and sponsor documents, relationship evidence and any obvious gaps before lodgement.
Ready to understand your pathway?
Check My Partner Visa Pathway