So, you’ve fallen in love—and now you’re dreaming of building a life together in Australia.

Whether you're already living here or planning your next big move, applying for a Partner Visa is one of the most important—and personal—applications you’ll ever submit.

But where do you begin?

If you’ve already searched Partner Visa Australia, you’ve probably seen just how overwhelming it can feel. There’s no shortage of forms, fees, and frustration. 

It’s easy to get lost in the fine print—and even easier to make mistakes that could delay or damage your application.

This guide won’t walk you through the entire process (that’s what we’re here for), but it will give you the clarity you need to take your next step—with confidence, not confusion.

What Is a Partner Visa?

A Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Eligible New Zealand Citizen to live in Australia. It’s one of the most common ways for couples to live together long-term in Australia—but it’s also one of the most scrutinised.

Why? Because you're not applying to study, work, or travel. You're applying based on love. And you’re applying for Permanent Residency.

And that means the government must be convinced that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

And to do that, they need more than just your word.

Get the Free Guide: Download our Ultimate Guide to Partner Visas

Types of Partner Visas in Australia

There are three main pathways, and choosing the right one is the first big decision you’ll make.

1. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

You apply from inside Australia and are granted a Bridging Visa while you wait. Perfect for couples already living together in Australia—but there are strict conditions (especially if you’re on a Visitor Visa).

We go into all the details in our Tourist Visa to Partner Visa post.

2. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

You apply from outside Australia. This is the standard pathway for many international couples. You don’t have access to a Bridging Visa, but many couples travel to Australia using other visas during processing.

We explain more in our blog that compares Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa.

3. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

This visa is designed for couples who are engaged and want to marry in Australia. For some couples who want to marry in Australia, it’s the perfect stepping stone to permanent residency.

Read more in our Prospective Marriage Visa vs Partner Visa comparison.

Want help choosing the right pathway? Book a free call with our team 

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a Partner Visa, you must be:

• In a married or de facto relationship
• With an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Eligible New Zealand Citizen, and
• Able to prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing.

But eligibility isn’t always black and white.

Every couple’s story is different. Some have been together for years. Others are newly committed but living apart. Some have kids. Some don’t. Some are culturally traditional. Some aren’t.

That’s why we always start with a strategy call to figure out where you stand, and how to make your application as strong as it can be.

Not sure where you stand? Start with Episode 1 of our Podcast: Partner Visa Essentials

What Evidence Do You Need?

Evidence is everything in a Partner Visa application—but what counts as good evidence?
The answer is… it depends.

There are broad categories the Department looks for (financial, social, household, and commitment), but what that looks like will be unique to you. There’s no official checklist, no golden template.

That’s why we’ve written a full article on What Counts as Evidence. Spoiler: it’s not just joint bank accounts.

In fact, one of the most common mistakes we see is people submitting mountains of paperwork that doesn’t actually prove what it needs to.

So don’t guess. And don’t download that random template from a well meaning (but unqualified) stranger on an online group.

Need help sorting your evidence? Book a free call with our experienced team or grab our Free Guide to Partner Visas.

What is a Relationship Statement?

If the evidence is the bones of your application, your relationship statement is the heart. It’s your chance to tell your story—in your words.

• When did you meet?
• How did your relationship grow?
• What does your life look like now?
• What are your plans for the future?

This isn’t just a love letter. It’s a legally important document that has to hit the right points, align with your evidence, and feel consistent across both of your statements.

We’ve helped hundreds of couples write theirs, and we’ve seen firsthand how a strong statement can transform a Partner Visa application.

Ready to write your Relationship Statement? Grab our Relationship Statement Guide.

Partner Visa Processing Times in 2026

The most common question we get is how long will it take?

We break down current processing times in this article.

In reality? Our experience with our clients in 2026 is that processing can take anywhere from 3 to around 14 months.

Yes, that’s a wide range. That’s because your timeline will depend on a whole range of factors including your relationship type, how complete your application is, whether you’re asked for more information, and how complex your case is.

We share detailed updates in our Monthly Processing Updates on Youtube. And we go into a lot more detail in our Partner Visa Podcast.