You just said “yes” to your loved one, or maybe you’ve recently tied the knot, and the excitement of planning your life together in Australia is in the air. Between celebrating, dreaming about your future, and imagining all the adventures ahead, the thing that makes you feel overwhelmed is feeling lost in the partner visa paperwork.
Temporary, permanent, onshore, offshore…which visa fits your situation? Each type has its own rules and requirements.
But don’t worry, don’t be confused. In this blog, we will break down all options clearly so that you can get an idea of which pathway is right for you and how to get started.
What Are Australian Partner Visas?
Australian partner visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
These visas mainly operate under two streams, depending on where your partner is inside Australia (Onshore) or outside Australia (Offshore) when applying.
Both of these streams involve two linked stages: a temporary grant followed by a permanent one.
- If your partner is inside Australia, you can apply for a Subclass 820 visa first, and after approximately two years from the application lodgement, you can apply for a Subclass 801 visa.
- If your partner is outside Australia, you can apply for a Subclass 309 visa first, and after approximately two years from the application lodgement, you can apply for a Subclass 100 visa.
Full Comparison Table
| Criteria | Subclass 820 (Onshore Temporary) | Subclass 801 (Onshore Permanent) | Subclass 309 (Offshore Temporary) | Must be inside Australia on the lodgement date |
| Application Stream | Onshore | Onshore | Offshore | Offshore |
| Visa Type | Temporary | Permanent | Temporary (Provisional) | Permanent |
| Where to Apply | Must be inside Australia on lodgement date | Assessed automatically (same application as 820) | Must be outside Australia on lodgement date | Assessed automatically (same application as 309) |
| Work Rights | Full work rights | Full work rights | Full work rights (from arrival in Australia) | Full work rights |
| Study Rights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medicare Eligibility | Yes | Yes | Yes (on arrival in Australia) | Yes |
| Travel In/Out of Australia | Yes (with conditions) | Yes (5-year travel facility) | Yes (multiple entry) | Yes (5-year travel facility) |
| Minimum Time Before Permanent Grant | N/A | 2 years from original 820 lodgement | N/A | 2 years from original 309 lodgement |
| Sponsor Must Be | Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen | |||
| De Facto Couples Eligible? | Yes (must show 12 months de facto, exceptions apply) | Yes | Yes (must show 12 months de facto, exceptions apply) | Yes |
| Pathway to Citizenship? | No (temporary) | Yes (after 4 years as permanent resident) | No (temporary) | Yes (after 4 years as permanent resident) |
| Gov. Application Charge (Base, 2025) | From AUD9,365.00 (covers both 820 & 801) | From AUD9,365.00 (covers both 309 & 100) | ||
How to Prove Your Relationship is Genuine for a Partner Visa?
One of the important steps to take into consideration while applying for a partner visa is proving your relationship and showing immigration authorities that your relationship is real, ongoing, and committed.
Here are the key elements:
- Your Relationship Story: Outline how your relationship began, developed, and became committed. Include key milestones.
- Financial Partnership: Evidence of shared finances such as joint accounts, bills, or loans, to show mutual support.
- Living Arrangements: Proof of cohabitation or explanations for temporary separations.
- Social Life Together: Photos, travel, events, and family interactions that reflect your life as a couple.
- Future Plans & Commitment: Clear demonstration of your long-term goals and emotional support for each other.
Presenting these elements thoughtfully strengthens your application and shows the Department that your relationship is genuine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Partner Visa
Even genuine relationships can face delays or refusals if the application isn’t handled correctly. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Weak or Disorganised Evidence: Provide strong, clear documentation across all aspects of your relationship.
- Applying in the Wrong Stream: Ensure eligibility based on your location on the lodgement day.
- Travelling Overseas Too Soon: Onshore applicants on a Bridging Visa should get professional advice before travelling internationally, as it can affect visa status.
- Ignoring Requests for More Information: Respond promptly to any requests from the Department. Missing deadlines can result in your application being decided on incomplete information.
- Using Unaccredited Translators: Only NAATI-accredited translations are accepted for non-English documents.
Need Expert Guidance for Your Partner Visa Journey?
Applying for a partner visa, whether temporary or permanent, onshore or offshore, can feel overwhelming. From selecting the right stream to preparing strong evidence and avoiding common mistakes, every step plays a crucial role in the process. But with the right guidance, you can move through the process with confidence and improve your chances of a successful approval.
So, if you want to avoid delays, reduce stress, and maximise your chances of success, Growmore Immigration is here to guide you at every step. Contact us now!
Email: info@growmore.one | WhatsApp: +61 434 202 021 | Phone: +61 3 8764 3334