The Australia Partner Visa, also called the Spouse Visa, allows foreign citizens to live in Australia with their partner. To be eligible, you and your partner must meet certain requirements.
In this post, we outline the key criteria for the Partner Visa for Australia, how to apply, and the essential documentation you’re required to present in your application.
Australia Partner Visa requirements
To qualify for the Partner Visa for Australia, you and your partner must meet specific criteria.
Your relationship with your partner must fall under one of the following categories:
- Spouse — you’re legally married
- De facto partner — you are in a committed relationship and live together
- Prospective Marriage Visa holder — you’re engaged and are planning to marry
Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand national. They must be willing to support you financially during your stay in Australia.
Each relationship type has specific requirements and evidence that must be submitted to prove its authenticity.
Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of the application. Additionally, you must meet health and character requirements, including undergoing a medical assessment and providing police clearance certificates.
Types of Australia Partner Visas
Australia’s Partner Visa is categorised into two main subclasses — 820 and 801. The visa you need will depend on your individual situation.
Subclass 820 (temporary Partner Visa)
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa allows you to live temporarily in Australia while waiting for a final decision on your permanent visa.
You must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted. Applications from travellers with an eVisitor visa, or working holiday permit are accepted, amongst others.
What happens after the 820 visa is granted?
After your temporary visa is granted, you’ll be able to reside in Australia while waiting for confirmation of your permanent Partner Visa application.
As a holder of the Subclass 820 visa, you can:
- Work in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Study at Australian institutions
- Travel in and out of Australia
Subclass 801 (permanent Partner Visa)
After holding a Subclass 820, you can transition to the Subclass 801 Partner Visa, which grants permanent residency.
Eligibility for this visa is assessed after your initial Partner Visa application.
Transitioning to the Subclass 801 Visa
After approximately 2 years, your application for the Subclass 801 visa will be reviewed. If granted, you will:
- Gain indefinite rights to live, work, and study
- Be able to access additional benefits, including some social security payments
- Sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas
What if the relationship ends during the 820 Visa period?
If your relationship ends before your Subclass 801 visa is granted, your visa might be at risk of cancellation.
However, exceptions apply in cases of domestic violence, or following the death of your partner. If your sponsor passes away, you might qualify to stay in Australia if you can prove substantial ties to the country.
Required documents: checklist for the Australia Partner Visa
You must provide certain documents to support your Australia Spouse Visa application, including:
- ID documents — passport, birth certificate, and any change-of-name documentation if applicable
- Proof of your relationship — marriage certificate, joint bank account statements, or evidence of shared assets
- Character documents — police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Health assessments — medical check-up certificates from your doctor to show you meet health requirements
In some cases, additional documents are required for your Spouse Visa for Australia. Depending on your individual circumstances, this could include evidence of financial dependency or joint travel history.
Proving your relationship
Relationship evidence is one of the most important components of a Partner Visa application. You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing with various types of evidence.
Key information to include in your application could be:
- Proof of shared financial commitments, such as joint accounts or loans
- Photos, or joint invitations to events
- Statements from friends or family confirming the relationship
- Evidence of living together, like shared utility bills or rental agreements
- Communication records between you and your partner
- Documentation that shows you have plans for the future
- Any documentation showing long-term intentions as a couple
A well-documented application that reflects a genuine relationship significantly increases your chances of approval.
Australia Partner Visa processing times
Processing times for 801 and 820 visas vary. Here’s a general idea of typical waiting times:
- Subclass 820 (temporary Partner Visa) — 20 to 24 months
- Subclass 801 (permanent Partner Visa) — 12 to 18 months after qualifying for 801 application
Processing times can vary depending on demand. You can see the latest estimations of waiting times for your visa on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
You’re advised to prepare and submit your application as early as possible.
