If you're in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and looking to settle in Australia, the Partner Visa Australia pathway could be your solution. But navigating through visa subclasses — such as 309, 100, 820, and 801—can be confusing without a clear guide.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explain each subclass, eligibility criteria, application steps, costs, timelines, and tips for success — everything you need for your 2025 partner visa journey.

? What Is a Partner Visa in Australia?

The Partner Visa Australia allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. There are two major streams:

• Offshore stream (Subclass 309/100)

• Onshore stream (Subclass 820/801)

Let’s break them down in detail.

? Offshore Partner Visa Pathway: Subclass 309 and 100

✅ Subclass 309 – Temporary Partner Visa (Offshore)

Who it’s for: Applicants who are outside Australia when lodging their application.

Once granted, this visa allows you to:

• Enter and live in Australia temporarily

• Work and study in Australia

• Access Medicare

• Apply for the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) after 2 years

Key Requirements:

• Be outside Australia at the time of application and grant

• Be in a genuine and continuing relationship

• Be sponsored by an eligible partner

• Meet health and character requirements

Documents Needed:

• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)

• Proof of relationship (photos, messages, joint finances)

• Form 888s from Australian friends/family

• Medical and police clearances

✅ Subclass 100 – Permanent Partner Visa (Offshore)

This is the second stage of the partner visa process. It gives you permanent residency in Australia.

When to apply: Typically 2 years after applying for the subclass 309 visa (or earlier if the relationship has been long-term or includes children).

You must:

• Still be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with your sponsor

• Provide updated evidence of your relationship

• Not have withdrawn or had your 309 visa cancelled

Benefits of Subclass 100:

• Live in Australia permanently

• Access Medicare and Centrelink

• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

? Onshore Partner Visa Pathway: Subclass 820 and 801

✅ Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa (Onshore)

Who it’s for: Applicants who are inside Australia on a valid visa when applying.

Once granted, this visa allows you to:

• Stay in Australia temporarily

• Work and study

• Enroll in Medicare

• Await a decision on your permanent visa (subclass 801)

Key Requirements:

• Be onshore at the time of application

• Be in a genuine, committed relationship

• Sponsor must be eligible (not restricted from previous sponsorships)

• Health and character requirements

Tip: Once you apply for the 820 visa, you’ll be issued a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows you to stay in Australia legally while your visa is processed.

✅ Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa (Onshore)

This is the permanent visa stage following the grant of the 820 visa.

When to apply: Usually 2 years after your 820 visa application, unless you qualify for early assessment.

Requirements:

• Still be in a genuine relationship

• Provide updated proof of your shared life

• Continue to meet character requirements

Benefits of Subclass 801:

• Permanent residency

• Access to healthcare, Centrelink, and higher education loans

• Apply for citizenship when eligible

? Partner Visa Australia Checklist (For All Subclasses)

Here’s a general checklist for both onshore and offshore partner visa applications:

Relationship Evidence:

• Joint bank accounts

• Shared bills, rental agreements

• Travel together

• Wedding or event photos

• Personal statements describing your relationship

Sponsor Documents:

• Proof of citizenship or permanent residency

• Statutory declaration from the sponsor

• Character documents if required

Additional Documents:

• Form 888 from two Australian citizens/permanent residents

• Police clearance from each country you lived in (12+ months)

• Medical examinations (after request by immigration)

? Costs of Partner Visa Australia (2025)

As of 2025, partner visa application fees are:

• Main applicant: AUD $8,850

• Additional dependent (under 18): AUD $2,215

• Additional dependent (18+): AUD $4,430

Important: This fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages. You do not need to pay again for subclass 801 or 100.

⏳ Partner Visa Australia Processing Time (2025)

Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass, completeness of documents, and the relationship type.

Tip: Submitting a complete and well-organized application can help speed up the process.

? Partner Sponsorship Requirements

Your sponsor must:

• Be over 18 years of age

• Be an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible NZ citizen

• Not have sponsored another partner in the last 5 years (with some exceptions)

If they’ve sponsored multiple people in the past, additional scrutiny may apply.

❗ Common Reasons for Partner Visa Refusal

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

• Relationship not considered genuine

• Failing to meet health or character requirements

• Sponsor ineligible due to previous history

? Expert Tips for Success in 2025

• Start gathering evidence early – especially relationship proof

• Register your relationship if not married and short on cohabitation time

• Write detailed, heartfelt personal statements

• Submit certified translations for all non-English documents

• Consider consulting a partner visa consultant in Brisbane or a registered migration agent for professional help

Final Thoughts

Navigating the Partner Visa Australia process in 2025 may seem overwhelming, but breaking it down by subclass and requirements helps make the journey more manageable. Whether you apply from within or outside Australia, understanding the path between subclass 309 and 100 or 820 and 801 is key to planning your future.

Ensure you meet all criteria, organize your evidence properly, and stay honest throughout the process. When in doubt, seek expert guidance to avoid delays or refusals.