Partner (Migrant) Visa

Introduction to Australian Partner Migration

Australia’s well-established partner migration policy ensures that distance is no longer a barrier to being together. If you plan to live in Australia and one partner is an Australian permanent resident or citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a partner visa. Australia’s partner migration program has enabled countless families to reunite and settle permanently in Australia, and has also helped many international relationships turn into lasting partnerships.

Australian partner migration applications can be lodged either offshore or onshore, depending on the applicant’s location and circumstances.

• Offshore applications:
       If the applicant is outside Australia and is in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian permanent resident or citizen, they may lodge a partner visa application offshore.
       If the couple is engaged, the applicant may first apply for a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), enter Australia to legally marry, and then apply for a partner visa. Alternatively, they may apply directly for a partner visa from overseas.

• Onshore applications:
       If the applicant is already in Australia and meets the requirements for partner migration, they may apply onshore. For example, students who form a genuine relationship after graduation, or visitors who meet their partner while in Australia, may apply for a partner visa provided the relationship is genuine, ongoing and meets immigration requirements.
  

Categories of Australian Partner Visas

• Offshore Partner Visa

Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) and Partner (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 100)

• Onshore Partner Visa

Partner (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 820) and Partner (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 801)

• Prospective Marriage Visa

Subclass 300

For additional visa information not covered here, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-offshore