Partner Visas: How to Bring Your Loved One to Australia
Your Guide to Partner Visas in Australia — Requirements, Evidence, and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Bringing your partner to Australia can feel like a big step — not just emotionally, but legally too. The immigration process has quite a few moving parts, and it can be overwhelming if you're trying to make sense of it all on your own. Whether you're already in a committed relationship or you're planning a future together, understanding how partner visas work can help you avoid delays, stress, and unnecessary expenses.
Let’s walk through what you need to know in plain language, and I’ll throw in a couple of real-world scenarios to help bring it all to life.
What Is a Partner Visa in Australia?
In simple terms, a partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It’s split into two stages:
- A temporary partner visa (subclass 820 or 309) — This lets your partner stay in Australia while the permanent visa is being processed.
- A permanent partner visa (subclass 801 or 100) — This is granted after two years, assuming your relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Both onshore and offshore partner visas are available, depending on whether your partner is already in Australia or applying from overseas.
Are You Eligible? Let’s Break It Down
To apply for a partner visa, you both need to meet certain requirements:
- You must be in a genuine and continuing relationship — This can be a marriage or a de facto partnership.
- You must live together or not be apart permanently — Occasional time apart is okay (due to work or family commitments), but there needs to be a shared life.
- You must both be over 18 and meet character and health requirements
Let’s take a quick look at two couples to make this clearer.
Example 1: John is an Australian citizen. He met Maria while travelling in Spain. They’ve been in a long-distance relationship for a year and recently got married. Maria is now applying for a partner visa from Spain. This would be an offshore visa application (subclass 309/100).
Example 2: Priya, an Australian permanent resident, has been living with her partner, Raj, in Sydney for over a year. They’re not married, but they’ve shared rent, bills, and even a dog. Raj is applying for an onshore visa (subclass 820/801) based on their de facto relationship.
Proving Your Relationship Is Genuine
This is one of the most important parts of your application — and the area where many people trip up.
The Department of Home Affairs wants to see real evidence. That could include:
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared lease or mortgage documents
- Photos from holidays, family events, or everyday life
- Statements from friends and family
- Personal written statements about how your relationship started and grew
They’re not looking for a "perfect" couple — just proof that you're genuinely building a life together. Even if you don’t have joint finances, there are other ways to show your commitment.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even couples with strong relationships can make mistakes during the visa process. Some common ones include:
- Not enough evidence — Saying “we love each other” isn’t enough. You need to back it up with documents.
- Inconsistent details — Make sure your timelines, addresses, and travel dates match across forms and statements.
- Rushing the application — Take your time. A sloppy or rushed submission can lead to delays or even refusal.
If you’re feeling unsure, working with an immigration lawyer can help. They can guide you through exactly what’s needed and help you avoid simple but costly mistakes.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once the application is in, processing times can vary — often around 12 to 24 months depending on your situation.
During this time, your partner may be eligible for a bridging visa (if applying onshore), which lets them stay in Australia legally and sometimes even work or study while waiting.
After about two years, if your relationship is still going strong, your partner can then move on to the permanent stage of the visa.
What If Things Change?
Relationships can be unpredictable — and the visa process takes time. If things change and you break up, your visa application could be affected. However, there are exceptions in serious cases such as domestic violence or if you’ve had children together.
It's important to be upfront and seek legal advice if your situation shifts. Trying to hide changes or give false information can have serious consequences.
Can Same-Sex Couples Apply?
Yes — absolutely. Australian immigration law recognises same-sex marriages and de facto relationships in the same way as opposite-sex couples. The same rules and requirements apply, including evidence of a genuine relationship.
Getting Support Makes a Difference
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Immigration law can be complex, and the stakes are high when it comes to your future together. Having an experienced migration lawyer on your side can give you clarity, peace of mind, and the best chance of success.
Whether you’ve just started planning or you're deep in paperwork, don’t be afraid to reach out for advice. It’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about keeping your life moving forward with the person you love.
About the Creator
Dan Toombs
Providing strategic support for legal, financial, and healthcare sectors through evidence-based planning and smart execution — built to meet what’s next.
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