If you're in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and looking to settle in Australia, the Partner Visa Australia is your legal pathway. While it can be an emotional and life-changing journey, navigating the visa system can also feel complex—especially with changing regulations, rising costs, and long processing times.

This article walks you through what the Australian Partner Visa is all about, including who qualifies, how much it costs, and what documentation you’ll need to prepare a strong application.

👫 What Is the Partner Visa Australia?

The Partner Visa Australia allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It’s designed to reunite couples and families and help them build their life together in Australia.

There are two types:

• Onshore Visa (Subclass 820/801) – For applicants already in Australia

• Offshore Visa (Subclass 309/100) – For those applying from outside the country

Each begins with a temporary visa, followed by a permanent residency visa after about two years, if the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

✅ Partner Visa Australia Requirements

To be eligible for the Australian Partner Visa, you and your partner must meet strict requirements to prove your relationship is legitimate. Here's what you need:

1. Eligibility Criteria

• You must be either married or in a de facto relationship (living together for at least 12 months)

• Both partners must be over 18 years old

• The sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• You must pass health and character checks

2. Relationship Proof

The Department of Home Affairs will expect you to demonstrate your relationship through four key aspects:

• Financial – Joint bank accounts, shared bills, financial commitments

• Social – Photos together, travel history, joint invitations, declarations from friends/family

• Household – Shared lease, utilities, responsibilities

• Commitment – Future plans, communication history, support through major events

The more evidence you can provide, the better your chances of success.

💰 Partner Visa Australia Cost (Updated 2025)

Applying for a Partner Visa Australia can be costly, so it’s crucial to plan financially before you apply.

Government Visa Application Fees (as of 2025):

• Primary applicant: $8,850 AUD

• Additional applicants (children): From $2,200 AUD each

There may also be other expenses:

• Medical examination fees

• Police clearance certificates (for each country you’ve lived in)

• Document translations (if applicable)

While the partner visa Australia cost may feel steep, remember this is an investment in your future and permanent residency.

⏳ Processing Times

The Australian partner visa isn’t fast, and times can vary depending on your application type and case complexity.

These are estimates and can change with processing backlogs and changes in immigration priorities.

📋 What Happens After You Apply?

If You’re Onshore:

• You’ll receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) which allows you to stay in Australia legally while your application is processed.

• In most cases, you can work and study on this visa.

If You’re Offshore:

• You must wait until your Subclass 309 visa is granted before entering Australia.

• Once in Australia and after two years, you can move to the permanent Subclass 100 visa.

👨‍💼 Should You Get Help From a Migration Agent?

Although you can lodge a partner visa application yourself, many people choose to work with a registered migration agent. Here’s why:

• They help avoid critical mistakes that cause delays or refusals

• They guide you on exactly what evidence to include

• They understand how to structure your application for success

This is especially helpful if your relationship involves long-distance, complex timelines, or past visa issues.

💬 Final Thoughts

Getting an Australian partner visa is a big milestone—but it comes with serious paperwork and a high price tag. The most important thing is to prove your relationship is real and built on commitment.

If you're clear about the partner visa Australia requirements, prepared for the partner visa Australia cost, and focused on gathering solid proof, you're well on your way to securing your future together in Australia.