Partner Visas for Spouses and De Facto Partners
A partner visa is built on evidence of a genuine, ongoing relationship. A strong application tells the story of your life together clearly and consistently. We help you organise that evidence and present it well, in English or Chinese.
The Partner visa is a two-stage process: a temporary visa first, then a permanent one. If you are in Australia, the application is for the 820 and 801. If you are outside Australia, it is for the 309 and 100. The department looks closely at the genuineness of the relationship, so how the evidence is presented matters.
- StagesTemporary, then permanent
- Onshore820 then 801
- Offshore309 then 100
- SponsorAustralian partner
Choose your pathway
Where you are when you apply decides the pathway. Both are two-stage, with one application.
- OnshoreYou are in Australia820Temporary801Permanent
One application, two stages
- OffshoreYou are outside Australia309Provisional100Permanent
One application, two stages
The four pillars of a genuine relationship
The department checks your relationship across four areas. Strong applications show all four, and the evidence agrees with itself.
- Financial
How you handle money together
- Joint accounts or loans
- Shared bills and expenses
- Who pays for what
- Household
How you share a home
- A shared address
- Lease or mortgage details
- Day-to-day arrangements
- Social
How others see you as a couple
- Family and friends who know you
- Joint invitations and events
- Time spent together in public
- Commitment
Your plans and support for each other
- Long-term plans
- Mutual care and support
- Regular, ongoing contact
Who this suits
Married couples where one partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
De facto couples, including same-sex couples, in a genuine and continuing relationship
Partners already in Australia on another visa, and partners overseas
Government application fees
Partner (820/801 and 309/100)
Main applicant$11,710
Additional applicant 18+$5,860
Additional applicant under 18$2,935
One charge covers both stages of the partner visa. The second stage (801 or 100) has no further application charge.
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- A genuine marriage or de facto relationship, generally with a shared life together
- A sponsor who is at least 18 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Evidence across the four areas, supported by statements from both of you
- Health and character requirements for you and any included family
How the process works
- 01Confirm your pathway and your eligibility
- 02Collect your relationship, identity and character evidence
- 03Lodge the single application with your sponsor’s details
- 04Respond to requests, health and police checks
- 05Receive the temporary or provisional visa, then apply for the permanent visa
Documents you will need
- Identity: passports, birth certificates, name changes
- Financial: joint accounts, bills, leases
- Social: photos, travel and messages, with statements from friends and family
- Police certificates and health examinations when asked
What to expect after you apply
- Onshore applicants are generally given a bridging visa while the application is decided.
- The department may ask for more evidence or an interview, so reply fully and on time.
- The permanent visa is a second stage, assessed later with updated evidence.
How we help
- Confirm eligibility and the correct pathway
- Plan and organise evidence, including statutory declarations
- Prepare and lodge the application, and respond to department requests
- Advise on the second stage and on changes in your circumstances
Common pitfalls
- Thin or inconsistent evidence of the relationship
- Overlooking one of the four areas, often financial or household
- Dates or addresses that do not match across documents
- Not planning for the second-stage application
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply while in Australia?
Yes, through the onshore pathway (820 then 801), depending on your circumstances. Applicants outside Australia use the offshore pathway (309 then 100). Your visa status and timing can affect which option is open to you, so we confirm this before you lodge.
Do we need to be married?
Not necessarily. De facto relationships can qualify, subject to requirements, including that you are living together as a couple on a genuine and continuing basis. We assess your situation and explain what you will need to show.
What does the two-stage process mean?
You apply once, and the temporary (820) or provisional (309) visa is granted first. The permanent visa (801 or 100) follows later, when the relationship is assessed again. Planning for that second stage from the start helps avoid problems, and we advise you on it.
What kind of relationship evidence is needed?
Evidence covers four areas: financial, social, household and commitment. Examples include joint accounts, how friends and family know you as a couple, shared living arrangements, and long-term support for each other. We help you organise it, including statutory declarations.
What if our evidence is limited, or we live apart for work?
Every relationship is different, and living apart does not automatically count against you. What matters is a clear, consistent picture of a genuine and continuing relationship. We discuss how to present your circumstances honestly and what additional evidence may help.
What happens if our circumstances change after we apply?
Changes such as a move, a new child or a relationship difficulty may need to be reported to the department and can affect your application. Please tell us promptly. Southern Stone advises on what to do, so you stay compliant and your options are protected.
Guides and checklists
Free PDF downloads from our client materials. Keep them for reference, and check with us if your circumstances differ.
- GuidePDF · 2026
Partner Visa Guide
July 2026 edition. Eligibility, the four relationship pillars, key documents, common refusal reasons and how we work.
- ChecklistPDF · 2026
Partner Visa Document Checklist
Generic documents, relationship evidence by category, and how to write your relationship statement.