A Partner Visa in Australia is designed for individuals who are in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa category allows the partner of an eligible sponsor to live, work, and study in Australia. There are several types of Partner Visas, but the most common ones are the Subclass 820/801 (Onshore) and Subclass 309/100 (Offshore) visas. Here’s an overview of these two types:
Onshore Partner Visa
(Subclass 820/801):
The Subclass 820 visa is the temporary partner visa that allows you to live in Australia with your partner while your permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) application is being processed.
To be eligible for this visa, you must be in a genuine and ongoing de facto relationship or married to your sponsor (the Australian citizen or permanent resident).
You must be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
The Subclass 801 visa is the permanent partner visa that provides indefinite stay in Australia with the same partner.
You need to meet additional criteria to transition from the temporary 820 visa to the permanent 801 visa, usually after a waiting period of two years from the date of application.
Offshore Partner Visa
(Subclass 309/100):
The Subclass 309 visa is the temporary offshore partner visa that allows you to enter and stay in Australia with your partner while your permanent offshore partner visa (Subclass 100) application is being processed.
To be eligible for this visa, you must be in a genuine and ongoing de facto relationship or married to your sponsor (the Australian citizen or permanent resident). You must be outside Australia when you apply, and the visa will also be granted while you are offshore.
The Subclass 100 visa is the permanent offshore partner visa that provides indefinite stay in Australia with the same partner.
Similar to the onshore partner visa, you need to meet additional criteria to transition from the temporary 309 visa to the permanent 100 visa, usually after a waiting period of two years from the date of application.
Requirements for Partner Visas:
You must be sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is usually your partner.
You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing. Evidence of this includes joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and a social commitment to each other.
You must meet health and character requirements.
You may be required to provide evidence of your financial capacity, including income and assets.
If you are applying as a de facto partner, you must demonstrate that you have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months.
