Partner Visa Requirements and Costs in Australia

Planning a future in Australia with your significant other? If so, the partner visa Australia might be your pathway to building a life together. But the application process can be complex—filled with forms, eligibility rules, costs, and long wait times. This guide breaks it all down into 12 clear points, so you know exactly what to expect.

1. What Is a Partner Visa Australia?

The Australian partner visa lets spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens live in Australia. The visa typically comes in two parts: a temporary visa (subclass 820 or 309) followed by a permanent visa (subclass 801 or 100).

2. Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must be either legally married or in a de facto relationship. Same-sex couples are fully eligible. You can apply either from within Australia (onshore) or from outside the country (offshore), depending on your current visa status.

3. Partner Visa Australia Requirements

Applicants must prove their relationship is genuine and continuing. Immigration will look for:

• Joint financial arrangements (e.g., shared bank accounts)

• Evidence of living together

• Social recognition as a couple

• Future plans as partners

Additional requirements include health checks, character assessments, and identity verification.

4. Temporary to Permanent Process

When you apply, you’re lodging one application for both the temporary and permanent visas. First, you receive the temporary visa, and about two years later, you become eligible for the permanent stage—provided the relationship is still valid.

5. Partner Visa Australia Processing Time

Processing time is one of the most common concerns. Currently, the partner visa Australia processing time can range from 10 to 32 months, depending on the subclass, application completeness, and whether you’re applying onshore or offshore.

6. Partner Visa Australia Cost

The partner visa Australia cost is significant. As of 2025, the base government fee is around AUD $8,850, not including extras like health exams, police certificates, or agent fees. Despite the cost, it’s a long-term investment in your future together.

7. Bridging Visa for Onshore Applicants

If you apply from within Australia, you’ll usually be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This lets you stay legally in the country while your partner visa Australia is being processed. In most cases, this bridging visa comes with work and study rights.

8. You Can Sponsor More Than Once—But Not Easily

While it’s possible to sponsor more than one partner in your lifetime, strict rules apply. There are mandatory waiting periods between sponsorships, and any previous sponsorship history will be closely reviewed.

9. Strong Evidence Is Key

Simply being in a relationship isn’t enough—you need to prove it. Supporting documents should be clear, consistent, and detailed. Incomplete or weak evidence is a common reason for visa refusal, so don’t underestimate this step.

10. Seek Professional Help If Unsure

The Australian partner visa process is known for being thorough and time-consuming. A registered migration agent can guide you through the forms, documents, and requirements, helping to avoid costly mistakes or delays.

11. Health and Character Requirements Must Be Met

All applicants need to undergo medical checks and provide police clearance certificates from any country they’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. These are non-negotiable and must be completed to move forward in the visa process.

12. Some Fee Waivers and Exemptions May Apply

In rare situations, you may be eligible for a visa fee waiver—for example, in cases involving domestic violence or significant financial hardship. You’ll need to provide strong supporting evidence and meet specific criteria to qualify.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be one of the most meaningful yet stressful steps in your relationship. From navigating the partner visa Australia requirements to understanding the cost and processing time, every stage requires patience, documentation, and dedication.

But the reward is worth it: the chance to build a future with your partner in one of the most welcoming and opportunity-filled countries in the world. Take the time to prepare your application well, seek professional advice when needed, and stay informed throughout the process.