Many people hoping to obtain Australian permanent residence through a partner relationship get stuck at the first step: should they apply for 820, 309 or 300? Add to that confusion about what relationship evidence to prepare, how long processing takes, and what to do if you haven’t lived together for 12 months – it can be overwhelming.
1. Which of the Three Partner Visas Is Right for You?
Australian partner migration has two main pathways – onshore and offshore – plus a fiancé(e) stream.
(1) Onshore Partner Visa (820 → 801)
Lodgement location: Must be lodged inside Australia
Pathway: First granted the 820 temporary visa, then converted to 801 permanent residence (two-stage process)
Suitable for: Those already in Australia, in a married or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Key advantage: Immediately granted Bridging Visa A upon lodgement, allowing full-time work, study, and lawful stay in Australia while waiting for a decision
(2) Offshore Partner Visa (309 → 100)
Lodgement location: Must be lodged outside Australia
Pathway: First granted the 309 temporary visa, then converted to 100 permanent residence (two-stage process)
Suitable for: Those currently outside Australia, whose partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
(3) Prospective Marriage Visa (300)
Lodgement location: Must be lodged outside Australia
Visa validity: 9 months
Suitable for: Those already engaged and intending to marry in Australia and settle permanently
Subsequent pathway: Enter Australia within 9 months of approval → marry → apply for 820/801 onshore after marriage
In short: Apply for 820 if you’re in Australia, 309 if you’re offshore, and 300 if you’re not yet married but plan to marry in Australia.
2. Latest 2026 Processing Times (as of March)
| Category | Processing Time | Notes |
| 820 (Onshore Temporary) | 10–15 months | A fast track of 6–9 months was available late last year; processing has now returned to normal pace |
| 801 (Onshore Permanent) | 4.5 months – over 9 months | Cleaner, more complete applications are processed faster; some are approved in 4.5 months |
| 309 (Offshore Temporary) | 10–14 months | Steady processing, no significant backlog or acceleration |
| 100 (Offshore Permanent) | Approx. 9 months (from ready-for-decision date) | 50% of applications finalised within 9 months |
| 300 (Prospective Marriage) | 12–23 months | 50% approved within 12 months; 90% within 23 months |
Advice: Don’t rely only on the fastest times; prepare for the longest timeframe. More complete documentation gives you a better chance of being placed in the “fast track”.
Advice: Don’t rely only on the fastest times; prepare for the longest timeframe. More complete documentation gives you a better chance of being placed in the “fast track”.
Four Key Pillars Explained
The Department of Home Affairs does not rely on your claims – only on verifiable evidence. All four categories below are essential.
1: Joint Financial Commitments
Joint bank account: Must be actively used, with both partners’ salaries deposited and used to pay regular bills
Joint bills: Joint utilities (electricity, gas, internet), rental agreements, insurance policies
Joint assets: Co-owned real estate or joint loans
Insurance beneficiaries (if applicable): Naming each other as beneficiaries
Daily expense records: Receipts for shared spending, including daily transactions and travel
2: Evidence of Shared Household Responsibilities
Joint rental or property ownership documents proving cohabitation
Mail addressed to both partners at the same residential address (bank statements, driver licences, tax notices)
Joint care of children or pets: birth certificates, pet vaccination records, registration documents
3: Evidence of Social Interaction as a Couple
Form 888 statutory declarations: Completed by friends or family who know you well (preferably Australian citizens/PRs), stating how they know you and why they consider your relationship genuine
Records of shared social activities: Wedding and event photos, travel photos, invitations to events attended together, travel tickets and hotel bookings
Photos with both partners’ families: Demonstrating acceptance by both families
Social media interactions: May be used as supplementary evidence, not primary proof
4: Evidence of Mutual Commitment
Relationship history statements (love story): Written separately by both partners, detailing how you met, started your relationship, key milestones, and future plans
Wills or insurance policies: Naming each other as beneficiaries or heirs
Communication records during periods of separation: Chat logs, call records, etc.
Receipts for gifts exchanged between partners
Core principle: Do not submit only “one photo”. Build an evidence chain with a clear timeline, daily life traces, and third-party support.
4. Sponsor Eligibility: Not Everyone Can Sponsor
The sponsor must meet the following requirements:
Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Have no serious criminal record
If previously married or in a de facto relationship, provide proof that the prior relationship has legally ended (e.g. divorce decree)
5. Avoid Common Pitfalls: Frequently Asked Questions & Critical Risks
Q1: What if you haven’t lived together for 12 months?
Three solutions:
Register your de facto relationship: Register your relationship with a state or territory government in Australia, or get married – this exempts you from the 12-month cohabitation requirement
Strong supporting evidence: Prove inability to cohabit due to visa restrictions, work commitments, etc., with documentation showing a genuine and stable relationship
Apply for the 300 Prospective Marriage Visa first: Enter Australia, marry, then apply for 820
Q2: Can you leave Australia after lodging a 820 application?
Yes, but you must apply for Bridging Visa B in advance.Standard Bridging Visa A expires if you leave Australia.
BVB is usually granted for 3–12 months and must be applied for before departure.
Q3: What happens if the relationship breaks down while waiting for a decision?
Still in 820 or 309 stage: Usually results in visa refusal
Already at 801 or 100 stage: If the relationship ends due to family violence, the applicant may still obtain permanent residence (must provide evidence of family violence)
Q4: How much does a partner visa cost?
Fees current as of July 2025 (subject to small increases each 1 July):
Primary applicant: Approximately AUD 9,365 (covers both stages: 820+801 or 309+100)
Secondary applicant (18+): AUD 4,685
Secondary applicant (under 18): AUD 2,345
Q5: Are health examinations and police clearances required?
Mandatory documents include:
Health examination at an immigration-approved panel clinic
Police certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
Australian Federal Police (AFP) check for time spent in Australia