Can I Apply for Partner Visa While on 485 visa?

Many international graduates in Australia reach this point when they’re on a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), and are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Well, the short answer is yes, but how and when you apply matters.

This article explains the legal position, what happens to your visa status, and the risks international graduates should understand before lodging a Partner Visa on a 485 Visa.

Is It Legal to Apply for a Partner Visa While on a 485 Visa?

Yes.

Australian immigration law allows onshore Partner Visa applications to be made by applicants holding a valid substantive visa, including the 485 Visa.

It’s possible to apply for a Partner Visa while on a 485 Visa as long as you:

• Are lawfully in Australia, and
• Meet the criteria for a Partner Visa

If you’re onshore, meet the criteria, and hold a 485 Visa, you can lodge a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801).

No rule restricts Partner Visa applications based on your previous Student Visa or Graduate Visa history.

What Happens to My 485 Visa After I Apply for a Partner Visa?

Once you lodge a Partner Visa application:

• Your 485 Visa remains valid until it expires
• You do not lose your 485 Visa automatically

Immigration processes these visas separately

When your 485 Visa expires, you will usually automatically move onto a Bridging Visa A (BVA) linked to your Partner Visa application.

Will I Get a Bridging Visa If I Apply for a Partner Visa on a 485 Visa?

Yes, you will get a Bridging Visa if you apply for a Partner Visa before your 485 Visa expires.

The typical timeline and process of this application are:

1. You lodge a Partner Visa application while holding a valid 485 Visa
2. You will be granted a Bridging Visa A. It remains inactive while your 485 Visa is still valid.
3. Once your 485 Visa expires and no decision has been made on your Partner Visa application, you will be automatically moved to a Bridging Visa A
4. You can stay lawfully on the Bridging Visa A until a decision is made on your Partner Visa application.

Most BVAs for Partner Visa applicants come with work rights, offering stability while your application is processed.

Do Relationships Formed on a Student Visa or 485 Visa Look Suspicious?

The answer is: No, not automatically.

Australian immigration understands that:

• Many genuine relationships form during study or early work life
• Long-term couples often meet while on temporary visas
• What matters is relationship genuineness, not when you meet.

Australian immigration looks at:

• How the relationship developed
• Shared life evidence
• Commitment over time
• Consistency across documents

Is Partner Visa a “Backup” After Skilled Migration Doesn’t Work?

For many international graduates, yes—but strategically.

International graduates often:

• Chase skilled migration first
• Realise invitations are unlikely
• Shift focus to a Partner Visa where a genuine relationship exists

This is not illegal and is quite common.

However, it must be handled carefully to:

• Avoid inconsistent declarations
• Ensure honest disclosure of intentions
• Maintain lawful status throughout

When Is the Best Time to Apply for a Partner Visa on a 485 Visa?

There is no single “best” time to apply for a Partner Visa while on a 485 Visa, but generally:

Applying earlier may help if:

• Your relationship is already well-established
• Your 485 Visa expires soon
• You want a Bridging Visa to secure lawful stay in Australia

But waiting may make sense if:

• Your relationship is still very new
• You are still building evidence
• You want to assess a skilled migration option first

The key is that you must plan strategically and avoid last-minute decisions.

Risks International Graduates Should Be Aware Of

While applying for a Partner Visa on a 485 Visa is allowed, there are still risks you should be aware of:

• Weak or poorly documented relationships
• Inconsistent timelines between visas
• Relying on a relationship that is not stable
• Letting visas expire before applying

A rushed Partner Visa application can be more damaging than waiting and preparing properly.

Partner Visa vs Skilled Visa After 485 Visa: Reality Check

For international graduates whose:

• Occupation is not in demand
• Points score is low
• Skilled invitations are uncertain

A Partner Visa often offers more certainty than continuing to wait for skilled migration.

However, Partner Visas involve:

• High evidence requirements
• Emotional pressure
• Long processing times

Whether you apply for a Partner Visa or a Skilled Visa after your 485 Visa, neither of them is “easy”. They are just different.

We have also covered other options to consider if your occupation is not in demand here: Your Visa Option If Occupation Is Not in Demand

Conclusion

Yes, international graduates can apply for a Partner Visa while holding a 485 Visa, and many do.

If you do it correctly, it can:

• Protect your lawful stay
• Provide work rights via a Bridging Visa
• Offer a more predictable PR pathway than skilled migration

The success of this pathway depends on:

• Relationship genuineness
• Correct timing
• Consistent, well-prepared documentation

For graduates, the decision is not just about visas; it’s about long-term life planning in Australia, and we are committed to helping you decide the best option.