Things You Must Know Before Applying for the Australian Partner Visa

Want to live in Australia with your husband, wife or partner? Then these are the things you must know before applying for the Australian Partner Visa. Therefore, keep reading, because these points can save you from trouble later.

1.Know What the Visa Is

Are you the husband, wife or partner of an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen? Then this visa can let you live in Australia.

In most cases, you must be one of these:

• The spouse (married) of that person
• The de facto partner of that person

So, your partner must be one of these: an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

2. It Comes in Two Parts

The onshore Partner visa comes in two parts, but you do not need two applications. Also, you apply for both together.

• Partner visa subclass 820 (temporary) is the first step. It lets you live in Australia for a while.
• Partner visa subclass 801 (permanent) is the second step. It lets you live in Australia permanently.

You can stay on the temporary visa until your permanent visa application is finalised, or until you withdraw your application. The permanent visa is usually only for people who hold the temporary one. However, it is like a game with two levels. First you clear level one, then you move on to level two.

3. You Must Be in Australia

This is a big rule. For the visa in this post, you must be in Australia when you apply. If you are not in Australia, this visa is not the right one for you.

4. Check the Cost

Money matters, so let’s look at the cost.

• Most applicants: from AUD 11,710
• Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders: from AUD 1,955

You pay for both parts when you apply, so you do not pay again for the permanent visa.

Concessions apply in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026, a lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid application.

Want to know your exact cost? Use the Visa Pricing Estimator. But remember, it does not include the other costs linked to your visa.

5. Be Ready to Wait

Home Affairs says processing times for Partner visas vary. Some people may even wait longer than they expected. So please plan for this.

• Use the visa processing time guide tool to get an idea. It shows how long recently decided applications took.
• It is only a guide. It is not made for your own application.
• Applications are processed under Ministerial Direction 117. You can read more on the Family visa processing priorities page.

The permanent visa has its own wait. Its processing time starts from the date you become eligible. That date is two years after you applied for the temporary and permanent visas.

6. Know How to Apply

Here is how you lodge your application:

• Apply online through ImmiAccount
• If you have trouble, send the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form
• Paper applications are allowed in limited cases, and only if Home Affairs invites you

Be careful here. If you send a paper application and Home Affairs did not invite you to, it is not valid. They will not process it.

7. Papers You Need

Most importantly, keep all your papers ready before you apply. Hence, use the checklist inside ImmiAccount so nothing is missed. However, the Step-by-step tab on the visa page of the Home Affairs website can help you too.

8. Who Can Help You?

Not everyone is allowed to help with your application. Before you ask anyone, read the Home Affairs page called Who can help with your application. So, it is good to check first.

More Partner Visas

Home Affairs has more partner visas. So, have a look at them before you make your choice.

• Subclass 820 Partner (Temporary)
• Subclass 801 Partner (Permanent)
• Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional)
• Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant)
• Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage

Can’t decide which one is right for you? However, the Home Affairs visa finder can guide you to the one that fits you best.

Last Things to Check

Before you lodge, ask yourself:

• Is my partner eligible, and am I their husband, wife or de facto partner?
• Am I inside Australia right now?
• Have I checked the cost with the Visa Pricing Estimator?
• Am I ready for a long wait?
• Have I used the document checklist in ImmiAccount?
• Do I know who is allowed to help me?

Conclusion

A Partner Visa is a big deal for a couple, so it is good to learn the things you must understand before applying for the Australian Partner Visa. So, before you apply for the Partner Visa, learn the rules, keep some money aside, and be patient while you wait. So, don’t rush, and don’t skip any step. Besides, Home Affairs updates its website often, so check it again before you lodge.