Question 1

What is the application fee for a Partner Visa?

Accepted Answer

All Partner Visa applications have the same fee. As of 1 July 2025 the application fee is $9,365 (AUD).

Question 2

Is the Partner visa a temporary or permanent visa?

Accepted Answer

A Partner visa consists of two visa subclasses (one temporary and one permanent) which are applied for simultaneously. Generally, you will firstly be assessed for the temporary component of the visa. Once granted, the temporary visa will permit you to remain and work in Australia until a decision is made on the permanent visa. You will be eligible to be assessed for the permanent component of the visa two years after the Partner visa application was lodged. Individuals in a long-term relationship may be eligible to be considered for grant of the permanent visa and bypass the temporary component altogether.

Question 3

I hold a current visa and I’m in Australia, what if it expires before my Partner Visa is approved?

Accepted Answer

If you are in Australia and hold a substantive visa when we lodge your onshore Partner visa application, in most cases you will be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This BVA will allow you to remain in Australia during the processing of your Partner visa application. Please note that the BVA will not allow you to re-enter Australia if you depart during processing of your Partner visa. Please notify us immediately if you have travel plans during the processing of your Partner visa and we will apply for a Bridging Visa B to allow you to travel.

Question 4

Can I work in Australia during the processing of my Partner Visa if I applied onshore?

Accepted Answer

Your work rights will depend on what visa you held at the time you lodged your onshore Partner Visa application (and applicable conditions). Generally speaking, most people will have unrestricted work rights, once they have transitioned onto a BVA.

Question 5

Can I travel during the processing of my Partner Visa if I applied onshore?

Accepted Answer

If you hold a valid visa that allows multiple entries into Australia, you are free to travel in and out of Australia (subject to the limitations of that visa). Once you have transitioned onto a BVA, this will not allow you to re-enter Australia if you depart during processing. You will need to seek permission beforehand (therefore apply for a Bridging Visa B). Please notify us immediately if you have travel plans during the processing of your Partner visa and we will apply for a BVB to allow you to travel and re-enter Australia.

Question 6

Do I need to be married to apply for a Partner Visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no compulsory requirement for you to be in a married relationship before lodging a Partner Visa (subclass 309/100 or subclass 820/801). To be eligible to apply for a partner visa, you can be: married, or in a de facto relationship for 12 months before applying, or in a relationship that is registered under a prescribed Australian state or territory legislation, or have compelling and compassionate circumstances applicable to your relationship. In all cases, you must be in a genuine, ongoing relationship to the mutual exclusion of all others.

Question 7

What’s considered a de facto partnership for the purpose of a Partner Visa?

Accepted Answer

To be a de facto partner, you must be in a de facto relationship. You and your partner are in a de facto relationship if: you are not married to each other, you have a mutual commitment with your de facto partner to the exclusion of all others, your relationship is genuine and continuing, you live together or do not live permanently apart, you are not related by family. Usually you must be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months immediately before you apply for this visa. Time spent dating or in an online relationship might not count as being in a de facto relationship. The 12-month requirement will not apply if you can show us compelling and compassionate circumstances exist for you to be granted the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). The 12-month requirement also will not apply if: your partner holds or held a permanent humanitarian visa, your de facto relationship existed before we granted their visa, your de facto partner told us about the relationship before we granted their visa. It also will not apply if: you are in a de facto relationship with a partner who is an applicant for a permanent humanitarian visa, you have registered your relationship with an Australian authority such as a registry of births, deaths and marriages.

Question 8

Can my children study once my Partner Visa has been granted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, however, different States/Territories in Australia have different requirements and fees may be applicable. We strongly recommend that you explore this with the education provider directly or the applicable states education department.

Question 9

Do I need a health, character and/or English language assessment for my Partner Visa application?

Accepted Answer

You will need to undergo a health examination prior to the processing of your Partner Visa. We recommend that the health examination take place around 6-8 months after the lodgement of the visa application as they expire every 12 months and processing time can be longer. There is no requirement to pass an English test.

Question 10

Will there be any conditions once my Partner Visa is granted?

Accepted Answer

Offshore temporary Partner visas will be subject to the condition that first entry be made before a specified date. A Prospective Marriage visa will require you to get married within a specified time after the visa is granted. Other conditions may be applicable to children who have been included. ADI Immigration will let you know of these conditions upon visa grant. Most importantly, during the temporary component of your Partner Visa, a break down in your relationship can lead to cancellation. Immediately speak to ADI Immigration if this occurs.

Question 11

How long is my Partner Visa valid for once granted?

Accepted Answer

Your Partner Visa does not have an expiry date. However, the visa is granted with a 5 year travel facility. This means that unless you obtain citizenship, after the travel facility expiry you will require a further visa (such as a Resident Return Visa) to enter Australia.

Question 12

Can I include my children in my Partner Visa application?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you generally can include your children in your visa application. There are specific requirements for children over the age of 18 to demonstrate dependency.

Question 13

What if my relationship breaks down and I hold a Partner Visa (temporary)?

Accepted Answer

Your visa may be at risk of cancellation, however, it is highly dependent on many factors including the circumstances of the relationship breakdown. In some cases, you may retain your Partner visa. Please contact ADI Immigration to discuss this privately.

Question 14

Can I still apply for an Onshore Partner Visa if I have a “no further stay” condition on my current visa?

Accepted Answer

You might be able to request a waiver of the no further stay condition in some circumstances. A waiver must be approved before you can apply for this visa. Please speak to us if you need assistance.

Question 15

Can I lodge my Partner Visa application by paper?

Accepted Answer

No. You must apply online. You can apply by paper only in limited circumstances, and only by invitation.

Partner Visas

About Partner visas

Eligibility

General criteria for the applicant

General criteria for sponsors

De facto partners

Partner visa pathways

Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820 / 801)

Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309 / 100)

Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)

Frequently asked questions

Ready to talk through your partner visas?