Partner & Family Visas (820/801, 309/100, 143)
Visas that reunite partners, spouses and parents with their loved ones in Australia. The right pathway depends on where you are located and the strength of your relationship evidence.
Quick Answer:
- 820/801: Onshore partner visa. Apply from inside Australia with work rights.
- 309/100: Offshore partner visa. Apply from overseas, then enter Australia.
- 143: Contributory Parent visa. Permanent residency for parents.
- Key factor: Strong, well-organised relationship evidence is essential.
3
Visa Subclasses
$9,095
Partner Fee
12-24mo
Processing
None
Points Test
We are not registered migration agents. This information is for general guidance only. For personalized immigration advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
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Each subclass suits different circumstances. Compare requirements, costs and outcomes below.
Subclass 820/801 — Partner Visa (Onshore)
A two-stage partner visa for those already in Australia. The temporary 820 is granted first, followed by the permanent 801 after a qualifying period.
Quick Answer for Subclass 820/801:
Apply from within Australia. The temporary 820 lets you live, work and study while your permanent 801 is assessed. One combined application fee of around $9,095 covers both stages.
Key Benefits
- Apply and remain in Australia while your visa is processed
- Full work and study rights on the temporary 820
- Access to Medicare
- Permanent residency once the 801 is granted
- Include dependent children in your application
Requirements
- Be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen
- Provide evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship
- An eligible sponsor who meets sponsorship requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be onshore at time of application and decision for the 820
- Partners already living in Australia
- Couples with strong relationship evidence
- Those needing work rights while they wait
- Applicants currently outside Australia
- Relationships under 12 months without registration
- Those unable to evidence a genuine relationship
Residency
Permanent (after 801 stage)
Processing Time
12-24 months
Base Application Fee
$9,095
How Australian Partner Visas Work
Partner visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. They are processed in two stages: a temporary visa granted first, followed by a permanent visa assessed roughly two years later, by which time the relationship has usually been established for long enough to demonstrate it is genuine and ongoing.
Whether you apply onshore (the 820/801) or offshore (the 309/100) depends on where you are located when you lodge. The two pathways carry the same single combined application charge and require the same core evidence — the difference is simply whether you are inside or outside Australia at the time of application.
The strength of a partner visa application rests almost entirely on the quality of your relationship evidence. The Department assesses four aspects: the financial, social, and household dimensions of your relationship, and the nature of your commitment to each other.
Evidence That Strengthens a Partner Visa
Financial evidence includes joint bank accounts, shared bills, and shared property or leases. Household evidence covers living arrangements and the division of chores and responsibilities. Social evidence includes joint invitations, travel together, and statements from friends and family who can attest to your relationship. Evidence of commitment includes the length of the relationship, knowledge of each other's circumstances, and any periods of separation and how you stayed in contact.
De facto applicants generally need to show they have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless the relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory. Building a thorough, well-organised body of evidence from the outset is the single most effective way to avoid delays and reduce the risk of refusal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the onshore and offshore partner visa?
The onshore partner visa (820/801) is for applicants who are inside Australia when they apply and are granted the temporary visa. The offshore partner visa (309/100) is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application. Both lead to permanent residency and carry the same combined application charge.
How much does an Australian partner visa cost?
The combined partner visa application charge is approximately $9,095 for the main applicant, covering both the temporary and permanent stages. Additional charges apply for including dependent children. The Contributory Parent visa is considerably more expensive due to its second visa application charge.
How long does a partner visa take to process?
Partner visas typically take 12 to 24 months to process, though times vary based on the completeness of your evidence and the Department's workload. Providing comprehensive relationship evidence at lodgement is the best way to avoid delays.
Do de facto partners qualify for a partner visa?
Yes. De facto partners qualify provided they can show a genuine relationship that has existed for at least 12 months before applying, or that the relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory. Same-sex de facto relationships are recognised on the same basis.
What is the balance-of-family test for parent visas?
The balance-of-family test requires that at least half of a parent's children live permanently in Australia, or that more of their children live in Australia than in any other single country. Meeting this test is a key eligibility requirement for the Contributory Parent visa.
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