If you are married to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, Australia offers partner visa pathways that can allow you to live together in Australia. While people often call it an “Australia marriage visa” or “spouse visa,” the official immigration system generally refers to these as Partner visas.
The right visa depends mainly on where you are when you apply and your relationship with your Australian partner. This guide explains the main requirements, costs, documents, and application process in simple terms.
What Is an Australia Partner Visa?
An Australian Partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible Australian sponsor to live in Australia.
There are two main pathways:
- Subclass 820 and 801: For applicants who apply while they are in Australia.
- Subclass 309 and 100: For applicants who apply from outside Australia.
The temporary visa is generally the first stage, followed by the permanent Partner visa. You normally apply for both stages together, although the permanent visa is assessed later.
If you are engaged or planning to marry your Australian partner, another option may be the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300). This allows an eligible person to come to Australia to marry their prospective spouse and then apply for a Partner visa.
Who Can Apply for an Australian Partner Visa?
Generally, you may be eligible if your partner is:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
You generally need to be either legally married to your partner or in a qualifying de facto relationship. The Department of Home Affairs assesses whether the relationship is genuine and continuing.
Being legally married does not automatically guarantee approval. You still need to provide evidence showing that your relationship is genuine and meets the visa requirements.
Main Partner Visa Requirements
One of the most important parts of an Australian Partner visa application is proving your relationship.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need evidence covering areas such as:
1. Genuine Relationship
You should be able to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing. Immigration authorities may consider the history of your relationship, how you communicate, your future plans and the circumstances of your marriage or partnership.
2. Shared Financial Life
Evidence can include joint bank accounts, shared bills, financial commitments, property ownership or other documents showing that you and your partner manage financial matters together.
3. Shared Household
Documents showing that you live together or have made genuine household arrangements can help support the application. Examples may include a shared lease, utility bills, correspondence or other household records.
4. Social Recognition
Photos, invitations, travel records and evidence showing that friends and family know about your relationship may help demonstrate that the relationship is genuine.
5. Commitment to Each Other
You may also provide evidence of your communication, important events you have shared, future plans and other circumstances demonstrating your long-term commitment.
The exact evidence required varies from one relationship to another, so applicants should follow the document requirements for their specific application.
Documents You May Need
A Partner visa application can involve a significant amount of documentation. Common documents may include:
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Marriage certificate, if married
- Birth certificate
- Evidence of your relationship
- Photographs and communication records
- Joint financial documents
- Household or accommodation evidence
- Travel records
- Police certificates, where required
- Health examination results, where required
- Documents relating to previous marriages or relationships, if applicable
- Sponsor-related documents
The Department of Home Affairs provides a document checklist and may request additional information during processing. It is important to submit clear and consistent evidence rather than simply providing a large number of documents.
Australia Partner Visa Cost
The Partner visa is one of Australia’s more expensive family visa categories.
As of 2026, the Department of Home Affairs lists the Partner visa application charge from AUD 11,710 for most applicants. The amount can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and eligible concessions.
This is not necessarily the total amount you will spend. You may also have additional expenses for:
- Medical examinations
- Police certificates
- Biometrics, if required
- Document translation
- Professional migration assistance, if you choose to use it
- Travel and other application-related expenses
Visa fees can change, so it is wise to check the official Department of Home Affairs fee information before submitting your application.
Onshore Partner Visa: Subclass 820 and 801
If you are already in Australia and are eligible to apply there, the usual pathway is subclass 820 followed by subclass 801.
The subclass 820 is the temporary Partner visa. It allows you to remain in Australia while your pathway to the permanent Partner visa is assessed.
The subclass 801 is the permanent Partner visa. In most cases, you must hold the temporary subclass 820 before receiving the permanent visa. The Department states that the permanent stage generally becomes eligible for assessment two years after the initial Partner visa application.
Offshore Partner Visa: Subclass 309 and 100
If you are outside Australia when applying, the relevant pathway is generally subclass 309 followed by subclass 100.
The subclass 309 is the temporary/provisional Partner visa and is the first step toward the permanent subclass 100 visa.
You must be outside Australia when you apply for the subclass 309. The permanent subclass 100 allows you to live in Australia permanently once you meet the relevant requirements.
How to Apply for an Australia Partner Visa
The application process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Choose the Correct Visa Pathway
First, determine whether you should apply through the onshore 820/801 pathway or the offshore 309/100 pathway.
Step 2: Prepare Your Relationship Evidence
Collect documents that demonstrate the history and genuine nature of your relationship. Try to organize the evidence logically and avoid contradictions between documents.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather identity documents, marriage documents, police certificates, health-related documents and sponsor information as applicable.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Partner visa applications are generally submitted online through ImmiAccount. You will need to provide the required information and pay the applicable visa application charge.
Step 5: Complete Health and Character Requirements
You may be asked to complete medical examinations and provide police certificates or other character-related documents.
Step 6: Respond to Requests
The Department may request additional documents or information during processing. Responding within the requested timeframe can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 7: Wait for the Decision
Processing times vary. The Department of Home Affairs advises that Partner visa applications can take longer than expected and recommends using its processing-time guide for an indication based on recently decided applications.
How Long Does an Australia Partner Visa Take?
There is no single guaranteed processing time for every Partner visa application.
Processing can depend on factors such as the completeness of your application, the quality of your relationship evidence, health and character checks, requests for additional information and the overall number of applications being processed.
For the permanent Partner visa stage, eligibility for assessment generally begins two years after the temporary and permanent Partner visas were initially applied for.
Final Thoughts
An Australia Marriage Visa is not technically the name of a specific Australian visa. For married couples, the main immigration pathway is usually the Partner visa, with the correct subclass depending on whether you apply inside or outside Australia.
The most important part of the application is demonstrating that your relationship is genuine, continuing and meets the relevant requirements. Preparing your documents carefully and providing consistent evidence can make the application process much smoother.
Because Australian visa rules, fees and processing arrangements can change, always check the latest requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before submitting an application.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Australian visa requirements, fees and processing times can change, so check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information before applying.
About Jordan
Jordan is a content writer at SushilHelps, covering legal topics such as car accidents, personal injury claims, medical compensation, and marriage visas. Jordan focuses on providing clear, practical, and easy-to-understand information to help readers navigate legal and immigration processes across major international destinations. He is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice, but his work is backed by thorough research and a commitment to accuracy. Spotted something that needs a correction? Let us know.