Bring Your Partner to Australia Fast-Track Your Path to PR

Compare partner visa options, processing times, and eligibility with expert help from MARA agents.

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Snapshot

Visa Types: Subclass 309, 100, 801, 820, 300

Points Tested?: No

Processing Time: 12–24 months for Subclass 820, 801, 4–12 months for Subclass 309, 100 and 9–12 months for Subclass 300

PR Pathways: Yes for Subclass 100, Subclass 801 and Subclass 820

Includes Family?: Yes — main applicant + dependent children

What is a Partner Visa?

A Partner Visa is an Australian visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is designed for couples who can prove they are in a genuine, ongoing relationship and plan to build their life together in Australia.

The Partner Visa is usually granted in two stages:

A temporary visa (Subclass 820 onshore or 309 offshore), allowing you to live, work and study in Australia.

Followed later by a permanent visa (Subclass 801 or 100) once you meet additional relationship and time requirements.

🧩 Visa Streams Overview

Visa Type	Onshore/Offshore	PR / Temporary	Approx. Wait Time
Subclass 309 – Partner Visa (Offshore)	Offshore	Temporary	12–18 months
Subclass 820 – Partner Visa (Onshore)	Onshore	Temporary	18–24 months
Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa (Onshore)	Onshore	Permanent	2 years (after 820)
Subclass 100 – Partner Visa (Offshore)	Offshore	Permanent	9–12 months
Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa (Offshore)	Offshore	Temporary	9–12 months

📊 Compare Partner Visa Options

Subclass	Category	Visa Type	Onshore / Offshore	Points Test	Processing Time	Family?	Age Limit	Sponsorship	Health & Character	PR Pathway	Fee	Balance of Family
Subclass 309	Temporary	Partner Visa	Offshore	No	12–18 months	Yes (dependent children)	None	Yes	Yes	Yes (after 2 years, apply for Subclass 100)	Moderate	Yes (for permanent)
Subclass 820	Temporary	Partner Visa	Onshore	No	18–24 months	Yes (dependent children)	None	Yes	Yes	Yes (after 2 years, apply for Subclass 801)	Moderate	Yes (for permanent)
Subclass 100	Permanent	Partner Visa	Offshore	No	9–12 months	Yes (dependent children)	None	Yes	Yes	Yes (Permanent)	High	Yes (for permanent)
Subclass 801	Permanent	Partner Visa	Onshore	No	2 years (after Subclass 820)	Yes (dependent children)	Must be under pension age	Yes	Yes	Yes (Permanent)	High	Yes (Permanent)
Subclass 300	Temporary	Prospective Marriage Visa	Offshore	No	9–12 months	Yes (dependent children)	None	Yes	Yes	No (Leads to Subclass 820)	Moderate	No (Permanent)

Eligibility Summary - Key Points

Must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident

For Subclass 801 and 100, a two-year wait after the initial temporary visa Subclass 820 / 309

Subclass 300 is a temporary visa that leads to Subclass 820 / 801 for PR

No points test for any of the partner visas

Step by Step Application Process for Partner Visa

Check eligibility with a MARA agent

Choose the right Subclass | 309, 100, 801, 820, 300

Gather required documents (identity, relationship proof, medical, police check)

Submit your application and wait

Track application status (Bridging Visa / PR transition)

Common Mistakes & Tips to Strengthen

Mistakes

Applying for the wrong visa subclass (e.g., 309 instead of 820)

Forgetting to include necessary documents

Applying without understanding bridging visa conditions

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Confirm the subclass with a MARA agent

Ensure your documents meet the requirements of your subclass

Review and understand bridging visa conditions before applying

Document Checklist Summary

Identity documents

Sponsorship forms Form 40

Police & medical clearances

Relationship proof | photos, joint financial records, etc.

Health insurance | if applying for Subclass 300

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my partner permanently to Australia?

Yes, after holding Subclass 820 or 309 for at least two years, you can apply for PR under Subclass 801 or 100.

Can I apply for a partner visa if we’re not married?

Yes, you can apply if you’re in a de facto relationship and meet the visa requirements.

Can I switch from Subclass 300 to Subclass 820?

Yes, once you marry your partner, you can apply for Subclass 820.

What documents do I need for a Partner Visa?

You need identity documents, proof of relationship, medical and police checks, and a health insurance policy if applying for Subclass 300.

📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert

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Why Trust Visa Advisor?

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.