Corporate Migration Services
Partner Visas for Australia (subclass 820/801 and 309/100)
Navigating the migration process can feel overwhelming, but with MigrationBuro, you are never alone.
The Australian partner visa is available to married and de facto couples (including same-sex de facto couples) where one partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The visa comes in two configurations: onshore (820/801) for applicants already in Australia, and offshore (309/100) for applicants outside Australia.
Partner visa processing is measured in years, not months. The temporary stage (820 or 309) currently takes between eighteen months and three years for most applications. The permanent stage (801 or 100) follows approximately two years after the original application date. Planning the evidence base, the lodgement timing, and the bridging visa strategy is the work MigrationBuro does at the consultation stage.
ONSHORE vs OFFSHORE: WHICH PATHWAY APPLIES
Onshore (820/801): lodged while the applicant is in Australia on a valid visa. Triggers a Bridging Visa A with full work rights. The applicant can remain and work in Australia throughout the processing period.
Offshore (309/100): lodged while the applicant is outside Australia. The applicant must wait offshore for the temporary partner visa (309) to be granted before entering Australia on that basis.
Prospective Marriage Visa (300): a third option for de facto partners outside Australia who are not yet married. Allows entry to Australia to marry, after which the 820 can be lodged onshore.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN AUSTRALIAN PARTNER VISA
Step 1 Consultation
Consultation. We assess the relationship evidence, the sponsor circumstances, and the applicant visa history. We advise whether the evidence base is strong enough to lodge.
Step 2 Evidence preparation
Evidence preparation. A partner visa requires evidence across four categories: financial (joint accounts, shared expenses), social (shared activities, mutual friends), commitment (statements, future plans), and household (cohabitation evidence). We provide a detailed checklist specific to your relationship.
Step 3 Application lodgement
Application lodgement. We prepare the online application and lodge. For onshore applications, the bridging visa is triggered automatically at lodgement.
Step 4 Waiting period and Departmental requests
Waiting period and Departmental requests. We manage the waiting period, respond to any requests for further information, and keep you updated.
Step 5 Two-stage grant
Two-stage grant. The temporary visa is granted first. After two years from the original application date, the Department assesses for the permanent stage.
Speak to a Migration agent
Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.
Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.
Your Australian Visa application
Some frequently asked questions
Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.
How long does a partner visa take?
Currently eighteen months to three years for the temporary stage (820 or 309). The permanent stage (801 or 100) follows approximately two years after the original application date.
What evidence is required for a partner visa?
Evidence in four categories: financial (joint accounts, shared bills), social (shared activities, statements from people who know you as a couple), commitment (personal statements, future plans), and household (cohabitation evidence). Multiple documents in each category strengthen the application.
Can my partner work in Australia while the visa is being processed?
If the application is lodged onshore (820), the applicant is granted a Bridging Visa A with full work rights. For offshore applications (309), the applicant cannot work in Australia until the temporary partner visa is granted and they enter Australia.
Is there a minimum relationship length requirement?
For de facto relationships: twelve months before lodgement (unless compelling circumstances apply or the couple is registered in a recognised relationship). For married couples: no minimum duration.
Can same-sex couples apply for a partner visa?
Yes. The partner visa covers all genuine couple relationships regardless of gender.
Migration experience you can trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
