Partner Visa
Partner visa program is split into two pathways:
- Onshore Pathway: Subclass 820 → 801
- Offshore Pathway: Subclass 309 → 100
Each pathway has a temporary stage followed by a permanent stage.
Prospective marriage visa - Subclass 300
Temporary Partner Visa (Offshore) - Subclass 309
Purpose:
This visa allows applicants outside Australia to enter and stay in Australia while awaiting the permanent Partner Visa (100)
Prerequisite:
- Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
- Must be married or in a de‑facto relationship with an eligible sponsor.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Must provide evidence of a genuine, ongoing relationship.
Rights & Benefits:
- Live, work, and study in Australia.
- Travel freely.
- Access Medicare (in some cases, depending on reciprocal agreements)
Conditions:
- Must enter Australia before the visa expires.
- Must maintain the relationship.
Permanent Partner Visa (Offshore) - Subclass 100
Purpose:
Grants permanent residency to applicants who previously held the 309 visa
Prerequisite:
- Must hold or have applied for Subclass 309.
- Must still be in a genuine, ongoing relationship.
- Usually assessed 2 years after the 309 application.
- Long‑term relationships may be fast‑tracked.
Rights & Benefits:
- Access to Medicare, Centrelink (waiting periods apply), and HECS‑HELP.
- Unlimited work and study rights.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship.
Conditions:
- Must continue to meet relationship requirements unless exemptions apply.
Temporary Partner Visa (Onshore) - Subclass 820
Purpose:
This visa allows applicants already in Australia to remain legally while their permanent Partner Visa subclass 801 is processed.
Prerequisite:
- Must be inside Australia when applying.
- Must be married or in a de‑facto relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Must provide evidence across finance, social activities, household, commitment.
Rights & Benefits:
- Live, work, and study in Australia.
- Access Medicare.
- Travel in and out of Australia freely.
Conditions:
- Must continue the relationship with the sponsor.
- Must notify D.O.H.A of any changes in circumstances.
Permanent Partner Visa (Onshore) - Subclass 801
Purpose:
Grants permanent residency to applicants who previously held the 820 visa.
Prerequisite:
- Must hold or have applied for Subclass 820.
- Must still be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with the sponsor.
- Must meet character requirements.
- Usually assessed 2 years after the 820 lodgement.
Rights & Benefits:
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- Access to Medicare, Centrelink (after waiting periods), and HECS‑HELP.
- Unlimited work and study rights.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship.
Conditions:
- Must continue to meet relationship requirements unless exemptions apply (e.g., family violence, death of partner).
- Must notify D.O.H.A of any changes in circumstances.
