
Partner Visa
At Step Ahead Immigration, we understand that every relationship is unique. That’s why we provide tailored, compassionate support to ensure your Partner Visa application is handled with the highest level of care and precision.
Our team of Registered Migration Agents brings deep expertise and meticulous attention to detail, guiding you through the complex visa process from start to finish. We help you meet all the critical requirements for a successful application, including:
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Demonstrating a genuine, long-term, and mutually committed relationship.
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Meeting sponsorship requirements, including no prior sponsorships in the restricted period and maintaining a clean criminal history.
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Providing comprehensive supporting evidence to prove the legitimacy of your relationship.
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Demonstrating good character and overall good health.
With a 100% Partner Visa success rate, we’re confident in our ability to help you achieve the outcome you deserve.
Book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our expert Registered Migration Agents today—and let us guide you on the path to building your future together in Australia.
Below are the various onshore and offshore pathways for Partner Visa explained in detail:
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Subclass 820 & 801 - Partner Visa
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Subclass 309 & 100 - Partner (Provisional and Migrant) Visa
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Subclass 300 - Prospective Marriage Visa
Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801)
This visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
You apply for the temporary and the permanent partner visas together.
This is an Onshore Visa and has to be applied in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
In most cases, to be eligible for a Partner Visa, you must be the spouse (married) or de facto partner of one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
1. Subclass 820 – Partner Visa (Temporary):
This visa allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily while their permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) is being processed.
Key Features:
- Temporary visa that serves as the first step toward permanent residency.
- Must be in Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
- Leads directly to the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801), assuming all criteria are met.
Stay Period:
- You can remain in Australia while your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) is being processed or until you choose to withdraw your application.
2. Subclass 801 – Partner Visa (Permanent):
This visa allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently.
It is typically granted to individuals who already hold the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) and have met all the necessary requirements during the waiting period.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Must currently hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820)
- Full work, study, and healthcare rights
- Pathway to Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Stay Period:
- Indefinite – You can live, work, and stay in Australia permanently.
For more information, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Partner (Provisional & Migrant) Visa (Subclass 309 & 100)
This visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
You apply for the temporary and the permanent partner visas together.
This is an Offshore Visa and you must reside outside of Australia at the time of application.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
1. Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa:
This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily. Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner visa (subclass 100).
Key Features:
- Temporary visa that serves as the first step toward permanent residency.
- You must be outside Australia at the time of application.
- Leads directly to the permanent Partner visa (subclass 100), assuming all criteria are met.
Stay Period:
- Temporarily until your permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) application is finalised or you withdraw your application.
2. Subclass 100 – Partner (Migrant) Visa:
The visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, live in Australia permanently. It is usually granted to people who hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309).
Key Features:
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Must currently hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309)
- Full work, study, and healthcare rights
- Pathway to Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Stay Period:
- Indefinite – You can live, work, and stay in Australia permanently.
For more information, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
If you plan to travel to Australia to marry your prospective spouse, the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) allows you to enter and stay in Australia for up to 9 months to formalise your relationship.
Key Features:
- Stay in Australia for up to 9 months.
- Work, study, and travel in and out of Australia freely during this period.
- Must marry your sponsor (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) within the visa validity.
- After marriage, you become eligible to apply for the Partner visa (subclass 820) for permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- You must intend to marry your prospective spouse.
- You must have met your prospective spouse.
- You must be over 18.
- You must be outside of Australia when you apply for this visa, along with any family that apply with you.
- Your must be in or outside Australia when we decide your temporary visa.
For more information, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Other Visa Services
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Student / Postgraduate Visa
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Skilled Migration Visa
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Employer Sponsored Visa
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Parent Visa
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Travel / Visitor Visa