Partner Visa

Eligibility Criteria

The Partner visa (subclasses 820/801) lets the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. You may be eligible if you:

• Are in a genuine, ongoing relationship — married, or in a de-facto relationship (generally 12 months, with some exceptions).
• Are sponsored by your Australian partner, who must meet sponsorship requirements.
• Can evidence the relationship across its financial, household, social and commitment aspects.
• Meet health and character requirements.

Same-sex and opposite-sex partners are treated equally. It's a two-stage process — the temporary 820 first, then the permanent 801. Book a confidential consultation.

Required Documents

Partner applications are decided on the strength of your relationship evidence. You'll typically need:

Identity & relationship

• Valid passports for both partners
• Marriage certificate or evidence of a 12-month de-facto relationship
• Your partner's proof of Australian citizenship/PR

Four pillars of evidence

• Financial: joint accounts, shared bills, assets
• Household: shared lease/mortgage, mail to the same address
• Social: photos, travel, statements from friends and family (Form 888)
• Commitment: communication history and future plans

Police clearances and health examinations are also required.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Relationship review — we assess your relationship and identify the strongest evidence.
2. Sponsorship — your partner lodges the sponsorship application.
3. Combined lodgement — the 820 and 801 are lodged together with your evidence.
4. Bridging visa — you can usually remain in Australia while it's processed.
5. 820 grant — the temporary partner visa is granted.
6. 801 grant — permanent residency follows after the qualifying period.

Partner visas can take 12–30 months; thorough, well-organised evidence is the biggest driver of success.