Understanding Family & Partner Visas in Australia

Bringing a partner or family member to Australia is one of the most personal applications you will ever make. It is also one of the most evidence-heavy. A genuine relationship can still be refused if the application doesn't show that relationship clearly — which is why preparation matters so much.

Which partner visa applies to you?

The right visa depends mainly on where you are when you apply and the nature of your relationship:

• Onshore partner visa (subclasses 820 and 801) — for applicants who are in Australia when they apply. The 820 is temporary; the 801 permanent visa is usually assessed around two years after you apply.
• Offshore partner visa (subclasses 309 and 100) — for applicants outside Australia, following the same two-stage approach.
• Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) — for couples who intend to marry in Australia, allowing the applicant to travel here, marry, and then apply for a partner visa.

Married and de facto couples can both apply. De facto couples generally need to show they have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before applying, although registering your relationship can sometimes satisfy this requirement.

What evidence does the Department look for?

Decision makers assess your relationship across four broad areas:

1. Financial — joint accounts, shared bills, shared assets and how you manage money together.
2. Household — living together, sharing responsibility for the home and day-to-day life.
3. Social — how you present as a couple to family and friends, joint travel, invitations and photos over time.
4. Commitment — your knowledge of each other, plans for the future, and time spent together or in contact while apart.

Statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple, along with both partners' own statements, tie this evidence together into a clear story.

The strongest applications don't just include documents — they explain what those documents show.

Sponsorship, health and character

Your partner sponsors you and must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Sponsors are assessed too, and there are limits on how many partners a person can sponsor. Applicants must also meet health and character requirements, including police certificates from countries where they have lived.

Common mistakes that cause delays

• Lodging before the evidence is ready, then responding to requests for more information.
• Gaps or inconsistencies between your statements, dates and documents.
• Not explaining periods of living apart, or cultural circumstances that affect how your relationship looks on paper.
• Missing the right visa while onshore — some visa conditions (such as "No Further Stay") can stop you applying in Australia.

Family visas beyond partners

Australia also offers visas for parents, children and other relatives, including contributory and non-contributory parent visas, child visas and carer visas. Waiting times and costs vary widely between them, so it's worth getting advice on which pathway is realistic before you commit.

How we can help

We assess your situation, recommend the right visa, and help you build a complete, well-organised application — so the people who matter most can be together in Australia with far less stress along the way. Book a consultation to talk it through.