Partner Visas
(Offshore and Onshore)
Are you looking to bring your partner to Australia?
A partner visa could be the answer.
These visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their spouse or de facto partner for permanent residence in Australia.
Australian Partner Visas
Partner visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their spouse or de facto partner for permanent residence.
The 820/801 pathway is for applicants in Australia, while the 309/100 pathway is for applicants overseas.
Both involve a temporary stage followed by permanent residence, subject to genuine relationship evidence.
Partner Visa subclasses 309 and 100
The Partner visa subclasses 309 and 100 are for applicants who are outside Australia and are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The subclass 309 is the temporary partner visa and the subclass 100 is the permanent partner visa.
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Partner visa applications are evidence-heavy. It is not enough to simply say that you are in a genuine relationship. You need to provide strong documents showing the history of the relationship, financial connection, household arrangements, social recognition and commitment to a shared life. Home Affairs describes the offshore partner visa pathway as allowing the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor to live in Australia.
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These applications can be particularly sensitive where couples have spent time apart, have limited joint documents, have cultural or religious marriage considerations, have previous relationships, or have complex immigration histories.
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GPS Migration Australia can help you understand what evidence is needed, prepare relationship statements and structure your application so it clearly explains your relationship to the Department.
Partner Visa subclasses 820 and 801
The Partner visa subclasses 820 and 801 are for applicants who are in Australia and are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The subclass 820 is the temporary partner visa and the subclass 801 is the permanent partner visa.
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This pathway allows eligible applicants to remain in Australia while their partner visa is being processed, usually with a bridging visa if the application is validly lodged before their current visa expires. Home Affairs describes the onshore partner visa pathway as allowing the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor to live in Australia.
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Partner visa applications require detailed evidence. The Department will look at whether the relationship is genuine and continuing, including financial aspects, household arrangements, social evidence and long-term commitment. Weak evidence, inconsistent dates, poor relationship statements or missing documents can create problems.
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The 820/801 pathway can also involve extra complexity if you have a No Further Stay condition, previous visa refusal, family violence issues, unlawful status, a short relationship history or limited evidence of living together. GPS Migration Australia can help you prepare a clear and well-supported application.
In Australia with an Australian partner?
Contact GPS Migration Australia to discuss your 820/801 partner visa pathway.
