{"id":985,"date":"2026-04-02T12:52:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebpimmigrationconsultant.com\/?p=985"},"modified":"2026-04-02T12:52:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:52:43","slug":"%e6%be%b3%e6%b4%b2%e9%85%8d%e5%81%b6%e7%a7%bb%e6%b0%91%e5%85%a8%e6%94%bb%e7%95%a5%ef%bc%9a%e4%b8%89%e7%a7%8d%e7%ad%be%e8%af%81%e6%80%8e%e4%b9%88%e9%80%89%ef%bc%9f2026%e5%b9%b4%e5%ae%a1%e7%90%86","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebpimmigrationconsultant.com\/en\/%e6%be%b3%e6%b4%b2%e9%85%8d%e5%81%b6%e7%a7%bb%e6%b0%91%e5%85%a8%e6%94%bb%e7%95%a5%ef%bc%9a%e4%b8%89%e7%a7%8d%e7%ad%be%e8%af%81%e6%80%8e%e4%b9%88%e9%80%89%ef%bc%9f2026%e5%b9%b4%e5%ae%a1%e7%90%86\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Australian Partner Migration: How to Choose Between the Three Visas?\n2026 Processing Times + Four Key Relationship Evidence Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"



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\u2019t lived together for 12 months \u2013 it can be overwhelming.

1. Which of the Three Partner Visas Is Right for You?

Australian partner migration has two main pathways \u2013 onshore and offshore \u2013 plus a fianc\u00e9(e) stream.

(1) Onshore Partner Visa (820 \u2192 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 \u2192 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 \u2192 marry \u2192 apply for 820\/801 onshore after marriage

In short: Apply for 820 if you\u2019re in Australia, 309 if you\u2019re offshore, and 300 if you\u2019re not yet married but plan to marry in Australia.


2. Latest 2026 Processing Times (as of March)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Category<\/td>Processing Time<\/td>Notes<\/td><\/tr>
820 (Onshore Temporary)<\/td>10\u201315 months<\/td>A fast track of 6\u20139 months was available late last year; processing has now returned to normal pace<\/td><\/tr>
801 (Onshore Permanent)<\/td>4.5 months \u2013 over 9 months<\/td>Cleaner, more complete applications are processed faster; some are approved in 4.5 months<\/td><\/tr>
309 (Offshore Temporary)<\/td>10\u201314 months<\/td>Steady processing, no significant backlog or acceleration<\/td><\/tr>
100 (Offshore Permanent)<\/td>Approx. 9 months (from ready-for-decision date)<\/td>50% of applications finalised within 9 months<\/td><\/tr>
300 (Prospective Marriage)<\/td>12\u201323 months<\/td>50% approved within 12 months; 90% within 23 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Advice: Don\u2019t rely only on the fastest times; prepare for the longest timeframe. More complete documentation gives you a better chance of being placed in the \u201cfast track\u201d.


Advice: Don\u2019t rely only on the fastest times; prepare for the longest timeframe. More complete documentation gives you a better chance of being placed in the \u201cfast track\u201d.

Four Key Pillars Explained\nThe Department of Home Affairs does not rely on your claims \u2013 only on verifiable evidence. All four categories below are essential.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1: Joint Financial Commitments

Joint bank account: Must be actively used, with both partners\u2019 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\u2019 families: Demonstrating acceptance by both families
Social media interactions: May be used as supplementary evidence, not primary proof

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cone photo\u201d. 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\u2019t 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 \u2013 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\u201312 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




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