By Verus Visa, a Registered Australian Migration Agency
Partner Visas in Australia
Partner visas allow spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia. These visas are one of the most common but also one of the most closely scrutinised categories, requiring detailed evidence of a genuine relationship.
Assess your eligibility
We analyse your situation in detail, including past visas, relationship history, and sponsorship eligibility, to confirm if you qualify before you invest in the process.
Evidence Assessment
We explain the types of evidence required across financial, social, household, and commitment categories. We help you gather bank records, rental agreements, travel history, photos, statutory declarations, and more.
Application drafting and lodgement
Our team prepares and submits both the sponsorship and visa applications. We structure the evidence to make your relationship story clear, reducing the risk of questions or refusal.
Handling complications
If your relationship is long-distance, recently formalised, or involves prior refusals, we provide legal submissions to strengthen your case. We also assist where health, character, or past visa compliance issues are present.
Partner Visa Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for a partner visa, you must:
- Be in a married or de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor. De facto partners generally need to show at least 12 months of living together unless special circumstances apply (such as a registered relationship or compelling reasons).
- Prove your relationship is genuine and continuing, with evidence across four areas: financial, household, social, and commitment.
- Meet health and character checks for you and any dependent family members.
- Apply for the correct stream:
- Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa
- Onshore (subclass 820/801) if you are applying inside Australia.
- Offshore (subclass 309/100) if applying outside Australia.
- Consider the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) if you are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen and plan to marry in Australia. This visa allows you to enter Australia, get married within the required timeframe, and then apply for a partner visa onshore.
- Satisfy health and character requirements
Partner Visa Application Process
Initial consultation and eligibility check
Confirm your eligibility, stream (onshore or offshore), and sponsor’s status.
1.
Sponsorship application
Lodged by the Australian partner with details of their eligibility and commitment.
2.
Visa application
Lodged by the applicant, supported by relationship evidence and personal documents.
3.
Temporary visa grant
Onshore applicants may receive a bridging visa with work rights. Offshore applicants must wait outside Australia.
4.
Permanent stage
Usually two years later, you provide updated evidence before permanent residency is granted.
5.
Speak to us about Partner Visas
If you want to live in Australia with your partner, getting the visa right the first time is critical. Verus Visa provides practical, hands-on support from eligibility checks to final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much evidence do we need to provide?
Partner visa applications require substantial documentation. The Department assesses whether your relationship is genuine and ongoing. You’ll need to show evidence across financial (joint accounts, bills), household (joint lease, responsibilities), social (joint travel, invitations, family recognition), and commitment (statutory declarations, future plans). Weak evidence is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
Do we need to live together?
Living together is usually expected, especially for de facto applicants. However, exceptions exist. If you’re long-distance due to work, study, or other valid reasons, you’ll need to explain this and provide strong evidence of ongoing contact and commitment. Registered relationships in some states may also waive the 12-month requirement.
Can I work while waiting for a partner visa?
If you apply onshore, you’ll generally receive a bridging visa with full work rights once your current visa expires. This allows you to live and work in Australia while the Department processes your application, which can take years. Offshore applicants must wait outside Australia and do not have automatic work rights.
How long does it take to get a partner visa?
Processing times are long. Temporary visas may take 12–24 months, and the permanent stage often requires an additional 24 months. Early preparation and complete applications help avoid extra delays.