If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Australia Marriage Visa offers a legal pathway to reunite and settle in Australia.
Whether you’re legally married or in a de facto relationship, this visa category allows you to live, work, and eventually apply for permanent residency in Australia.
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This article explains the different types of marriage and partner visas, eligibility requirements, the application process, timelines, and what you can expect after arriving in Australia.
Types of Australia Marriage & Partner Visas
1. Partner (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 820)
- For applicants already in Australia
- First step toward permanent residency
- Valid until the permanent visa decision is made
2. Partner (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 801)
- Granted after two years of holding the 820 visa
- Offers permanent resident status
3. Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309)
- For applicants outside Australia
- First step in the offshore partner visa process
4. Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100)
- Follows the 309 visa
- Grants permanent residency after a two-year assessment period
5. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
- For engaged couples
- Allows entry to Australia to marry your partner
- Must marry within 9 months of visa grant
Who Can Apply?
To apply for any of these partner or marriage visas, you must:
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship
- Be married or in a de facto relationship (minimum 12 months unless registered)
- Be sponsored by your partner (must be an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible NZ citizen)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be 18 years or older
Key Benefits of Marriage/Partner Visas
- Live and work in Australia
- Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
- Permission to study in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
Required Documents for the Marriage Visa Application
The application involves two main components: the applicant’s documents and the sponsor’s documents.
Personal Documents
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificates
- Health check results
Relationship Evidence
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Joint finances (bank accounts, bills)
- Shared household proof (rental agreements, utility bills)
- Communication history (emails, messages, calls)
- Social evidence (photos, travel records, declarations from friends/family)
Sponsor’s Documents
- Australian passport or permanent resident proof
- Sponsorship form (Form 40SP)
- Character certificate if previously sponsored a partner
Application Process – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required personal, financial, and relationship evidence.
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Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount
All applications are submitted online through the ImmiAccount portal.
Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees
- Visa fee: Approx. AUD 8,850 for most partner visa applications (subject to change)
- Ensure both applicant and sponsor complete the required sections
Step 4: Wait for Processing
- Temporary partner visa (Subclass 820/309) takes 18 to 24 months
- Permanent visa (Subclass 801/100) is assessed two years after the initial lodgment
Step 5: Visa Grant and Entry (if offshore)
If applying from outside Australia, once the visa is granted, you can enter the country to begin your new life.
Processing Time and Tips
Visa TypeEstimated Processing Time
Subclass 820 (onshore) 21 – 29 months
Subclass 801 (PR) 10 – 20 months (after 820)
Subclass 309 (offshore) 16 – 28 months
Subclass 100 (PR) 8 – 20 months (after 309)
Subclass 300 (engaged) 12 – 18 months
Tips:
- Submit complete and accurate documents
- Keep updating evidence of your relationship
- Respond to all immigration inquiries promptly
Financial Requirements and Support
Unlike skilled migration programs, partner visas do not have strict income thresholds, but:
- Your partner must declare they can support you for the first two years
- There’s no financial bond required
- You can work full-time after visa approval to support yourself
After Visa Approval – Life in Australia
Access to Medicare
Once your visa is granted, you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare, Australia’s national healthcare program.
Work and Study Rights
You’re free to:
- Work full-time
- Enroll in educational institutions (you may pay international fees initially)
Apply for Citizenship
After becoming a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the residency and character requirements (generally after 4 years).
What If the Relationship Ends?
If your relationship ends during the visa process:
- Inform immigration authorities immediately
- You may still be eligible for the visa in special circumstances:
- Domestic violence
- If you have children with your sponsor
- If your partner dies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete relationship evidence
- Not updating immigration if circumstances change
- Assuming a tourist or visitor visa can be easily converted to a partner visa (it often cannot)
- Using unregistered migration agents
Final Thoughts – A Life Together in Australia
The Australia Marriage and Partner Visa pathways are designed to help genuine couples build a future together in one of the world’s most desirable countries. While the process can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, proper preparation, strong relationship evidence, and honest communication with immigration authorities will help you secure your visa and start your new life in Australia.
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