Overview of Partner Visas
Partner visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The process generally involves two stages: a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa assessment.
- Onshore (Subclass 820/801): For applicants currently in Australia.
- Offshore (Subclass 309/100): For applicants outside Australia at the time of lodgement.
2026 Application Charges and Costs
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has updated the Base Application Charge for the 2025-26 program year. Costs vary depending on the visa subclass and the age of any dependent children included in the application.
| Visa Subclass | Main Applicant (AUD) | Additional Applicant (18+) | Additional Applicant (<18) |
| Partner (820/801 or 309/100) | $9,365 | $4,685 | $2,345 |
| Child (101/802) | $3,235 | $1,615 | $810 |
| Prospective Marriage (300) | $9,365 | $4,685 | $2,345 |
Note: Additional costs apply for medical examinations, police clearances, and biometrics. These fees are paid directly to the service providers and are subject to change.
Current Processing Time Benchmarks
Processing times are influenced by the volume of applications and the complexity of individual cases. The following 2026 benchmarks represent the 50% and 90% percentile processing periods as reported by the Department of Home Affairs.
| Visa Subclass | 50% of Applications | 90% of Applications |
| Partner 820 (Temporary Onshore) | 18 Months | 32 Months |
| Partner 801 (Permanent Onshore) | 8 Months | 17 Months |
| Partner 309 (Temporary Offshore) | 14 Months | 25 Months |
| Partner 100 (Permanent Offshore) | 10 Months | 19 Months |
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Partner Visa in 2026, you must meet the following core criteria:
- Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible partner who is at least 18 years of age.
- Relationship Status: You must be legally married or in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months (unless exempt or the relationship is registered).
- Health and Character: All applicants must meet strict health and character requirements, including providing police clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
- Location: You must be in the correct location (onshore or offshore) as dictated by the subclass you are applying for.
The Four Pillars of a Relationship
The Department of Home Affairs assesses the genuineness of a relationship based on four key pillars. Evidence must be provided for each:
- Financial Aspects: Shared financial commitments such as joint bank accounts, joint ownership of major assets, or shared household bills.
- Nature of the Household: Evidence of living together, shared housework responsibilities, and joint utilities or lease agreements.
- Social Aspects: Recognition of the relationship by family and friends, joint social activities, and travel together.
- Commitment to Each Other: The duration of the relationship, knowledge of each other’s personal backgrounds, and plans for a long-term future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I work in Australia while waiting for my Partner Visa?
A: If you apply for an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820), you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to work while your temporary visa is being processed.
Q: Do I need to provide a Mobile number for the application?
A: Yes, providing a current Mobile number and email address is essential for receiving updates and requests for further information from the Department.
Q: What happens if our relationship ends before the permanent visa is granted?
A: Generally, if the relationship ends, the visa application may be refused. However, there are specific provisions for cases involving domestic violence or if there are children of the relationship.
Q: Can I include my child on my Partner Visa application?
A: Yes, dependent children can be included. For 2026, the additional charge for a dependent child under 18 is AUD 2,345.
