Love knows no borders—but visas do.
If you’ve fallen in love with someone from (or in) Australia and want to build a life together, chances are you’ve already stumbled across the Australian Partner Visa. It’s one of the most sought-after visa pathways, allowing couples to reunite and live together permanently in Australia.
But here’s the thing: applying for a Partner Visa is not a simple matter of filling out a few forms. It’s one of the most complex, expensive, and emotionally challenging visa applications in the Australian migration system.
So, before you take the plunge, here are five crucial things you need to know before applying for an Australian Partner Visa. Stick with me until the end. You’ll discover insights that can save you money, time, and heartache (plus one emotional truth most couples aren’t prepared for).
Key Takeaways
1 – The Partner Visa is about proving a genuine relationship – not just filling out forms. Your application is your love story in documentary form.
2 – Sponsor eligibility matters – past debts, criminal history, or previous sponsorship issues can block or delay approval.
3 – Strong evidence is required across four areas – financial, social, household, and future commitment. Gaps or weak proof can undermine your case.
4 – Timing is critical – lodging too late or without meeting criteria can cost you over AUD$9,000 in non-refundable fees.
5 – Expect close scrutiny – case officers will check timelines, compare your statements, and look for inconsistencies or red flags.
6 – Be prepared for long waits – 12–25 months is common, so use this time to keep building evidence and maintaining records.
7 – Professional help isn’t required, but can protect your case – migration agents and lawyers can save time, stress, and money by spotting risks early.
Planning to apply for an Australian Partner Visa can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Sellanes Clark Immigration Law Specialists, Carlos Sellanes and his team draw on decades of experience in immigration law to guide clients through every step with clarity and confidence. Visit our website to explore how we can help you prepare a strong application.
1. The Partner Visa Is About Your Relationship Story—Not Just Paperwork
When most people think of visas, they think of forms, identity documents, and checklists. And yes, all those matter. But with a Partner Visa, the Department of Home Affairs is looking for one thing above all: evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship.
That means your application is essentially your love story told through documents, statements, and proof. The immigration officer assessing your file doesn’t know you, your partner, or your history. Their job is to decide, based only on what you submit, whether your relationship is real—or just for convenience.
Sponsor Eligibility and Limitations
To sponsor a partner for an Australian visa, the sponsor must be:
· An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
· At least 18 years old
The Department of Home Affairs will assess the sponsor’s character, sponsorship history, and financial situation. As part of this process, sponsors must agree to support their partner financially and provide accurate information about the relationship.
Please note, sponsorship can be refused or withdrawn in certain situations, including if the sponsor has:
1 – Outstanding immigration debts
2 – Recent serious criminal convictions
3 – Previously had a sponsorship cancelled
4 – Owes child support or has a relevant criminal record
If your intended sponsor is affected by a sponsorship bar or other restrictions, it’s important to have a backup plan—this could mean nominating a different sponsor (if possible) or seeking professional immigration advice to explore waiver options or suitable timing.
Finally, be aware that providing inaccurate sponsor details can lead to visa refusal or even sponsorship bans, so it’s essential that all information is honest and up to date.
2. Australian Partner Visa requirements for proving your relationship
To be granted a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore), you must show evidence across four key areas:
1. Financial aspects – Do you share money, assets, or expenses?
Examples: joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint purchases.
2. Social aspects – Do your friends and family know about your relationship?
Examples: photos, social media posts, wedding invitations, statutory declarations from loved ones.
3. Nature of household – Do you live together and share daily life?
Examples: lease agreements, mail at the same address, joint utility bills.
4. Commitment to each other – Are you building a future together?
Examples: wills, superannuation beneficiaries, travel plans, or insurance policies.
Professional Advice: Start documenting your relationship early. Even small things like text message logs, plane tickets, or dinner receipts can help demonstrate continuity.
3. Timing Is Everything—And It Could Save (or Cost) You Thousands
Here’s a fact that surprises most couples:
The Partner Visa application currently costs AUD$9365. That’s before you add in medical checks, police clearances, translations, or migration agent fees.
Now imagine paying that kind of money—only to be refused because you applied at the wrong time. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think.
Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa Applications
There are two main ways to apply:
· Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): Apply while you are in Australia. You usually receive a Bridging Visa to stay until your application is decided.
· Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): Apply from outside Australia and wait overseas until it’s processed.
Which one is better? It depends on your situation. For example, if your partner is already in Australia on a tourist or student visa, an onshore application may be possible. But beware, you may be restricted by other factors such as unlawful status (visa has expired), visa conditions (no further stay condition) which makes the application far more complex.
Why timing matters so much
I’ve seen couples lodge applications hastily—just days before a visa expired—thinking they were safe. Instead, they triggered refusals because they didn’t meet eligibility rules.
Remember, the application fee is non-refundable.
Moral of the story? Don’t rush. Don’t delay. Get professional advice on timing before you lodge.
Immigration rules and partner visa requirements can change quickly, leaving many applicants uncertain about what’s truly expected. With over 20 years of inside knowledge from Australia’s Department of Immigration, Carlos Sellanes has built a practice trusted across the Asia-Pacific. Learn more about how Sellanes Clark Immigration Law Specialists supports families in reuniting and securing their future together by visiting our website today.
4. Be Ready for Scrutiny—Your Relationship Will Be Examined Closely
Let’s be clear: immigration case officers are trained to look for inconsistencies, gaps, or red flags in your partner visa application.
They’ll compare your answers to your partner’s, check timelines, and assess whether your story makes sense. If something doesn’t add up, they won’t hesitate to dig deeper.
Common red flags that delay or harm Partner Visa applications:
1 – Contradictions in how and when you met.
2 – Different living arrangements with little explanation.
3 – Minimal joint financial evidence.
4 – A rushed marriage or engagement.
5 – Big cultural, age, or language differences without context.
None of these automatically mean refusal. But they do mean you’ll need to explain your circumstances carefully and provide extra evidence.
Professional Advice: Draft your relationship statements separately but review them together before submission. Immigration doesn’t expect identical answers—but timelines and details must align.
And yes—immigration officers sometimes contact friends and family to verify your relationship. So, make sure your support network knows about your application and is ready to back you up.
5. Partner Visa Processing Times Are Long—So Plan for the Wait
If you’re hoping to apply today and be approved next month, here’s the reality: Partner Visa processing times is lengthy.
According to current policy:
· Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820): Often takes 15–19 months.
· Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309): approximately 12 – 25 months.
That’s a long time to wait. And while waiting, you’ll face big life questions:
1 – Can my partner work in Australia while waiting?
2 – What happens if my partner’s temporary visa expires?
3 – How do we handle long-distance if applying offshore?
Here’s the silver lining: once granted, the Partner Visa leads to permanent residency (subclass 801 or 100) and eventually Australian citizenship.
Professional Advice: Use the waiting period to strengthen your evidence. Keep documenting your relationship and update your records regularly.
Professional Help Isn’t Required—But It Can Save Your Case
A big question couples ask: Do we really need a migration agent or lawyer to apply for a Partner Visa?
Technically, no. Many people apply on their own. But here’s the reality: the Partner Visa is one of the most complex and heavily scrutinized visas in Australia. Even minor mistakes—like inconsistent dates or missing police checks—can lead to long delays or refusal.
A registered migration agent (RMA) or immigration lawyer can:
1 – Assess whether you’re eligible before you waste money.
2 – Help structure your evidence into a clear relationship narrative.
3 – Identify risks like Schedule 3 or health/character issues.
4 – Liaise with the Department if questions arise.
Think of it this way: you can cut your own hair, but would you risk it before your wedding day?
Professional Advice: If you do go solo, triple-check everything. Use the Partner Visa document checklist on the Department’s website and keep copies of every submission.
Bonus: The Emotional Toll, Nobody Warns You About
Here’s the part no government website will tell you: the Partner Visa process is emotionally draining.
Couples often feel like their lives are “on hold” while waiting. Plans to buy a house, have children, or even travel can feel uncertain. The financial stress of the visa fee alone can strain relationships. Add in long-distance separation (for offshore applicants), and emotions run high.
But here’s the silver lining: many couples say the process brought them closer. They learned patience, communication, and resilience. And when the visa finally came through? They celebrated not just a visa grant—but proof that their love was worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Partner Visa process is not easy. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging. But with the right preparation, couples can and do succeed every day.
To recap the five things, you must know before applying:
1. It’s about your love story, not just paperwork.
2. Timing can save—or cost—you thousands.
3. Your relationship will be closely scrutinized.
4. Processing takes time—so plan for the wait.
5. Professional help isn’t mandatory, but often invaluable.
If you’re about to begin this journey, remember: the Partner Visa isn’t just a legal application. It’s a commitment test. It will push your patience, your organization, and sometimes even your relationship. But if you’re ready, it’s also the pathway to building your life together in Australia.
So, are you ready to take the next step toward your happily-ever-after?
Your partner visa application is one of the most important steps you’ll take — and expert guidance can make all the difference. Since 2003, Sellanes Clark Immigration Law Specialists has been helping individuals and families achieve positive outcomes with care and precision. To discover how Carlos Sellanes and his team can support your journey, visit our website now.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Australian Partner Visa
1. How much does an Australian Partner Visa cost?
As of 2025, the visa application fee for a Partner Visa is AUD $9365.
This does not include additional costs such as health checks, police clearances, translations, or professional fees if you use a migration agent or lawyer. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date fees.
2. Which forms do you need to complete?
A: You will complete Forms 47SP and 40SP as part of most partner applications. Form 47SP is designed for visa applicant and form 40SP for Sponsor.
You may also complete health and character forms as directed by the Department.
3. How long does it take to process a Partner Visa?
Processing times vary, but on average:
· Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): 15 – 19 months.
· Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): 12 – 25 months.
Complex cases, missing documents, or high caseloads can cause delays.
4. Can I work in Australia while waiting for my Partner Visa?
If you apply onshore, you will usually be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while your Partner Visa is being processed. This typically gives you full work rights and sometimes study rights.
If you apply offshore, you must wait outside Australia until the visa is granted, unless you hold another valid visa that allows you to work.
5. Do I need to be married to apply for a Partner Visa?
No, you don’t have to be married. You may also qualify if you are in a de facto relationship (usually defined as living together for at least 12 months) or if you are engaged and planning to marry soon (in which case a Prospective Marriage Visa—subclass 300 might be more suitable).
6. What is the difference between a temporary and permanent Partner Visa?
The Partner Visa is a two-stage process:
· First, you are usually granted a temporary visa (subclass 820 onshore or 309 offshore).
· After a waiting period (generally two years), you can be assessed for the permanent stage (subclass 801 or 100).
In some cases—such as long-term relationships or couples with children—you may be eligible for direct permanent residency.
7. Can my Partner Visa be refused?
Yes, Partner Visas can be refused for reasons such as:
1 – Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
2 – Ineligibility due to visa conditions.
3 – Character or health concerns.
4 – Incorrect or inconsistent information provided in the application.
If refused, you may have the right to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), but this adds time and costs.
8. Do I need a migration agent or immigration lawyer to apply for a Partner Visa?
No, using a migration agent is optional. Many people apply on their own. However, because the Partner Visa is complex and expensive, professional guidance from a registered migration agent (RMA) or immigration lawyer can reduce risks and improve your chances of success.
Conclusion
The Australian Partner Visa is more than just an application—it’s a journey that tests patience, commitment, and organization. If you understand the requirements, time your application carefully, prepare strong evidence, and plan for the wait, you’ll be far better placed for success.
No border can stop love—but paperwork might try😊
Author Bio
Carlos Sellanes is the founder and principal of Sellanes Clark Immigration Law Specialists, an Australian firm established in 2003. Before launching the practice, Carlos spent more than two decades with Australia’s Department of Immigration, gaining unmatched insight into migration law and policy. Today, he leads a team recognised among the Top Ten Immigration Law Firms in the Asia-Pacific, offering expertise across skilled, family, and corporate visa categories. Through his blogs, Carlos shares practical updates and professional guidance to help clients navigate the complexities of Australian immigration with confidence. Learn more about Sellanes Clark Immigration Law Specialists.
