Australia Partner Visa & Spouse Visa – Subclasses 300, 820, 801, 309 and 100

Planning to join your partner in Australia? If your partner is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to explore an Australian Partner visa or Prospective Marriage visa, depending on your relationship and circumstances.

Educate Migrate helps applicants understand the different Australian partner visa pathways, eligibility requirements, relationship evidence and supporting documentation.

What Is an Australian Partner or Spouse Visa?

Australian Partner visas allow eligible spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. The appropriate pathway depends on your relationship, your location when applying and whether you intend to marry your prospective spouse.

Types of Australian Partner and Spouse Visas

1. Prospective Marriage Visa – Subclass 300

This visa is for eligible applicants who are outside Australia and intend to marry their prospective spouse in Australia. If granted, it allows the visa holder to travel to Australia to marry their intended spouse within the visa validity period. After marrying, they may be able to apply for a Partner visa, subject to the applicable requirements.

2. Onshore Partner Visa – Subclasses 820 and 801

This pathway is for eligible spouses and de facto partners who apply while in Australia.

• Subclass 820: The temporary stage of the onshore Partner visa pathway.
• Subclass 801: The permanent stage for applicants who meet the relevant requirements.

You generally need to be in Australia when applying for this pathway. Your current visa status and any visa conditions should be checked before lodging an application.

3. Offshore Partner Visa – Subclasses 309 and 100

This pathway is for eligible spouses and de facto partners applying from outside Australia.

• Subclass 309: The provisional stage of the offshore Partner visa pathway.
• Subclass 100: The permanent stage for applicants who meet the applicable requirements.

You must generally be outside Australia when applying for the subclass 309 visa. The permanent stage is assessed according to the relevant requirements and your circumstances.

Who Can Apply for an Australian Partner Visa?

Eligibility depends on your relationship, your partner’s status in Australia and the requirements of the relevant visa subclass. Generally, you may be able to explore a Partner visa if:

• Your partner is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• You are legally married or meet the applicable de facto relationship requirements, depending on the pathway.
• Your relationship is genuine and continuing, as required by the relevant rules.
• You can provide supporting evidence of your relationship.
• You and your sponsor meet the applicable sponsorship, health, character and other requirements.

Additional requirements apply to the Prospective Marriage visa, including requirements relating to your intended marriage. Meeting general criteria does not guarantee a visa grant.

What Documents May Be Needed?

Requirements vary by visa subclass and personal circumstances. Supporting documents may include:

• Identity and civil documents: passports, identity documents, birth certificates where required, marriage certificates, and documents relating to previous marriages or relationships where applicable.
• Relationship evidence: evidence of shared financial responsibilities, living arrangements, household responsibilities, social aspects of the relationship, mutual commitment, communication and photographs where relevant.
• Sponsor and other documents: evidence of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship, permanent residency or eligible New Zealand citizenship, sponsorship documents, police certificates, health examinations and other documents requested by the Department.

Evidence should be genuine, consistent and relevant to your circumstances. The Department may request further information during assessment.

Why Choose Educate Migrate?

Choosing an appropriate visa pathway and preparing relationship evidence can be complex. Educate Migrate helps applicants understand the available options and the requirements that may apply to their circumstances.

• Understand the differences between Partner and Prospective Marriage visa pathways.
• Review general eligibility requirements relevant to your circumstances.
• Understand the types of relationship evidence that may be relevant.
• Organise supporting documents and understand the application stages.
• Find official resources for current visa requirements.

Our founders bring first-hand experience of living in Australia and progressing through the Australian migration journey. Every applicant’s circumstances are different, and eligibility and outcomes depend on the applicable rules and individual application.

Discuss Your Australian Partner Visa Options

Planning to join your spouse, de facto partner or fiancé in Australia? Contact Educate Migrate to discuss which visa pathways may be relevant to your circumstances.

Important Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Australian immigration rules and documentary requirements can change. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements. Eligibility and visa outcomes depend on the applicable rules and individual circumstances.

Official information: Partner visa overview | Onshore Partner visas | Offshore Partner visas | Prospective Marriage visa