Partner Visa Australia
Partner visa 820/801 and 309/100 pathways for spouses and de facto partners
Partner visa advice should match the couple’s location, timing and evidence
The menu refers to both major partner pathways: onshore subclass 820/801 and offshore subclass 309/100. The page should therefore explain both, not just one partner visa stage.
AIA helps couples organise relationship evidence, choose the correct pathway, identify sponsor or visa-status risks and prepare a matter that is easier to understand when assessed.
What drives the strategy
- Whether the applicant is in Australia or outside Australia at the relevant time.
- Whether the relationship is married, de facto or prospective marriage.
- Relationship evidence across financial, household, social and commitment factors.
- Current visa status, travel plans, prior refusals, sponsor checks and timing risks.
Partner pathways
Which partner visa route fits the situation?
Onshore Partner Visa 820/801
The onshore partner pathway generally starts with subclass 820 temporary partner visa assessment and moves to subclass 801 permanent partner assessment.
Offshore Partner Visa 309/100
The offshore partner pathway generally starts with subclass 309 provisional partner visa assessment and moves to subclass 100 permanent partner assessment.
Prospective Marriage Visa 300
A related pathway for engaged couples where the applicant is outside Australia and intends to come to Australia to marry before applying for the partner stage.
Evidence planning
Relationship evidence needs a clear structure
Financial and household evidence
Shared finances, expenses, living arrangements, mail, utilities and household responsibilities can help explain how the couple lives together.
Social recognition
Travel, photos, invitations, statements and public records can help show how the relationship is recognised by others.
Commitment over time
A relationship timeline, periods apart, communication records and future plans should be organised so the history is easy to follow.
Partner visa questions
Issues to settle before lodging
Relationship evidence and pathway selection should be reviewed together, especially where there are travel, status or prior visa issues.
Which partner visa pathway applies if the applicant is in Australia?
The onshore pathway usually involves subclasses 820 and 801. Current visa status, bridging visa consequences and travel plans should be reviewed before lodging.
Which partner visa pathway applies if the applicant is outside Australia?
The offshore pathway usually involves subclasses 309 and 100. The applicant location and processing consequences should be checked before choosing this route.
Is the Prospective Marriage visa part of the partner visa?
Subclass 300 is a separate but related visa for engaged couples. It can lead into a partner visa pathway after marriage, but it should not be treated as the same as 820/801 or 309/100.
What evidence matters most?
Evidence should explain the relationship history, household arrangements, financial aspects, social recognition and commitment over time. Weak or inconsistent evidence should be addressed before lodgement.
When is the permanent partner stage considered?
Home Affairs generally considers the permanent stage after the relevant temporary or provisional stage requirements and timing settings are met, using current relationship evidence.