*Updated May 2026 to reflect current Department of Home Affairs processing times and fee schedule.*
If you are not married, the de facto stream is the pathway that will apply to you, and the evidence it demands is different in important ways. I set those requirements out in full in the de facto partner visa guide, including the twelve month rule and the exceptions to it.
What is the Partner Visa?
The Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) is a two-stage temporary and permanent visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia indefinitely. The visa is granted in two stages: the temporary Subclass 820 is granted first, and the permanent Subclass 801 is granted approximately two years later once the Department of Home Affairs is satisfied that the relationship remains genuine and continuing.
I have been helping couples navigate partner visa applications for 27 years. In that time I have seen virtually every scenario — from straightforward married couples to complex de facto relationships, long-distance partnerships, and applications complicated by prior visa refusals or character concerns.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the partner visa in 2026: which subclass to apply for, what it costs, how long it takes, what evidence you need, the most common reasons applications are refused, and how to give yourself the strongest possible chance of approval.
*This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.*
Which Partner Visa Subclass Do You Need?
There are two main pathways depending on where you are when you apply:
Onshore: Subclass 820/801 (Partner Visa)
If you are in Australia when you apply, you lodge a combined application for the Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) partner visa. You receive the temporary visa first and, after approximately two years, are assessed for the permanent visa. While your application is being processed, you will generally be granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows you to remain in Australia with work rights.
Offshore: Subclass 309/100 (Partner Visa)
If you are outside Australia when you apply, you lodge a combined application for the Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) partner visa. You must be outside Australia when the temporary visa is granted.
Prospective Marriage Visa: Subclass 300
If you are engaged but not yet married, you may be eligible for the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa. This allows you to travel to Australia and marry your partner within 9 months, after which you can apply for the onshore partner visa (820/801) at a reduced application fee.
Processing Times (Updated April 2026)
Processing times have improved over the past 12 months, though they remain significant. The following times are based on the Department of Home Affairs published data and industry observations as at early 2026:
| Visa Subclass | Current Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 820 (temporary, onshore) | 12 – 20 months | From date of application |
| Subclass 801 (permanent, onshore) | 6 – 15 months | From eligibility date (2 years after 820 application) |
| Subclass 309 (temporary, offshore) | 12 – 21 months | From date of application |
| Subclass 100 (permanent, offshore) | 6 – 15 months | From eligibility date |
| Subclass 300 (prospective marriage) | 12 – 18 months | From date of application |
Important: These are indicative ranges. Your actual processing time will depend on the complexity of your case, the quality and completeness of your application, whether the Department requests additional information, and current processing priorities. Applications with incomplete documentation or adverse information will take significantly longer.
Tip: The single most effective way to reduce processing time is to lodge a complete, well-organised application from the outset. Applications that require multiple requests for information can add months to processing.
*Processing times are sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and industry data as at April 2026. Always verify current times on the [Department of Home Affairs website](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).*
What Does a Partner Visa Cost? (Complete Breakdown)
The partner visa is one of the most expensive visa categories. Here is a realistic breakdown of the total costs you should budget for:
Government Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base application charge | $11,710 | Primary applicant (from 1 July 2026) |
| Reduced fee for Subclass 300 holders | $1,560 (verify current amount — indexed 1 July 2026) | If you held a Prospective Marriage Visa |
| Additional applicant (18 or over) | $5,860 | Per additional adult applicant |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | $2,935 | Per additional child applicant |
| Second instalment (if applicable) | $5,090 | Only if functional English not met |
Other Costs to Budget For
| Cost Item | Estimated Range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical examination | $300 – $500 per person | Panel doctor fees vary by location |
| Police clearances | $50 – $150 per country | Required for every country lived in 12+ months since age 16 |
| Document translation (NAATI) | $50 – $150 per document | All non-English documents must be translated |
| Statutory declarations | Free | If self-prepared; solicitor witnessing may cost $20–$50 |
| Photographs and evidence preparation | $50 – $200 | Printing, organising, binding |
| Professional legal fees | Varies | Depends on complexity — a clear estimate is provided after initial consultation |
Total Realistic Budget
For a straightforward single-applicant partner visa, you should budget approximately $12,500 – $14,500 in government and third-party fees alone, before professional legal fees. For families with additional applicants or complex circumstances, the total can be significantly higher.
*Government fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are subject to change, typically on 1 July each year. Always verify current fees on the [Department of Home Affairs website](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Fees stated above are current as at April 2026.*
Who is eligible for the Partner Visa?
To be eligible for the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801), an applicant must satisfy all of the following criteria:
The Department does not require you to satisfy all four relationship assessment areas equally. The weight given to each area depends on your circumstances.
Evidence You Need to Prepare
| Evidence Category | Examples | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Financial | Joint bank accounts, shared lease/mortgage, joint bills, shared insurance | Strong — shows financial interdependence |
| Household | Photos of shared home, evidence of shared responsibilities, joint utilities | Strong — shows domestic life together |
| Social | Statutory declarations from friends/family, photos together, travel records, social media | Moderate to Strong — shows public recognition |
| Commitment | Communication records (calls, messages), future plans, relationship timeline, wills naming each other | Strong — shows long-term commitment |
| Legal | Marriage certificate, de facto registration, joint property ownership | Very Strong — formal legal recognition |
Tip: Quality matters more than quantity. A well-organised application with strong, relevant evidence is far more effective than a large volume of weak evidence. I recommend focusing on 3–5 strong pieces of evidence in each category rather than submitting hundreds of pages of marginal material.
Common Reasons Partner Visas Are Refused
Partner visa refusals are devastating — both emotionally and financially. Understanding the most common reasons for refusal can help you avoid them. Based on my experience handling partner visa cases 27 years, these are the most frequent grounds for refusal:
1. Insufficient Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
This is the single most common reason for refusal. The Department is looking for evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing — not a relationship of convenience entered into for migration purposes. Weak applications often have:
- Very few statutory declarations, or declarations that are vague and generic
- Limited financial evidence of interdependence
- Few photos or social evidence
- No evidence of communication during periods apart
What to do: Build your evidence portfolio systematically across all four assessment areas. Start collecting evidence well before you lodge.
2. Inconsistencies Between Applicant and Sponsor Statements
The Department will compare your statements with your sponsor's statements in detail. Inconsistencies — even minor ones about dates, how you met, or relationship milestones — can raise concerns about the genuineness of the relationship.
What to do: Before lodging, both partners should review each other's statements to ensure consistency. This does not mean copying — it means ensuring the facts align.
3. Non-Disclosure and PIC 4020 (Public Interest Criterion)
PIC 4020 allows the Department to refuse a visa if the applicant provided false or misleading information, or failed to disclose relevant information. This includes:
- Previous visa refusals or cancellations
- Previous relationships or marriages
- Criminal history
- Previous immigration applications in any country
A PIC 4020 refusal carries a three-year ban on most visa applications. This is one of the most serious consequences of non-disclosure.
What to do: Disclose everything. If you have adverse history, address it proactively in your application with supporting evidence and legal submissions. Non-disclosure is almost always worse than the underlying issue.
4. Failure to Meet Health Requirements
Medical issues can lead to refusal if the Department determines that your health condition would impose a significant cost on the Australian healthcare system or prejudice access to services for Australian citizens. Common issues include:
- Hepatitis B or C
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Conditions requiring ongoing treatment
What to do: If you have a health condition, seek legal advice before lodging. A health waiver may be available, and I can help you prepare the supporting evidence.
5. Sponsor Limitations
Your application can be refused if your sponsor:
- Has already sponsored two partners
- Has not waited the required five years between sponsorships
- Fails character requirements
- Has a history of domestic violence
What to do: Check your sponsor's eligibility before investing in the application. If there are limitations, seek legal advice about whether an exemption may be available.
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6. Applying with the Wrong Subclass
If you apply for the onshore visa (820/801) but are outside Australia at the time of application, or vice versa, your application will be invalid. This is a procedural error that cannot be corrected after lodgement.
What to do: Confirm your location and visa status before lodging. If you are unsure, seek advice.
7. Failure to Respond to Requests for Information
The Department may request additional information or invite you to comment on adverse information. If you do not respond within the specified timeframe (usually 28 days), the Department may make a decision based on the information available — which often results in refusal.
What to do: Monitor your ImmiAccount and email regularly. Respond to every request within the deadline, even if you need to request an extension.
April 2026 Evidence Rule Changes — What You Need to Know
In April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs issued a Partner Processing Newsletter that signalled a significant tightening of how partner visa applications are assessed. The key changes are:
One chance to respond. Case officers will now grant applicants only one opportunity to supply missing documents or respond to natural-justice concerns before making a decision. The previous practice of following up with applicants multiple times has ended. This means that if your application is incomplete at lodgement, you may receive a single request for information — and if you cannot respond adequately, the Department may proceed to a decision on the information available.
ImmiAccount is the only accepted communication channel. The Department has warned that supplementary emails to processing teams can delay outcomes. All correspondence must go through ImmiAccount. Do not email the Department directly about your case.
Document labelling matters. Poor document labelling in ImmiAccount is now specifically identified as a cause of processing delays. Label every document clearly and consistently.
Keep your evidence current. The Department expects applicants to update their relationship evidence every six to twelve months while waiting for the permanent stage. Outdated evidence — particularly expired overseas police certificates — is now a common refusal trigger.
The practical implication of these changes is clear: front-load your application with high-quality, well-organised evidence from the outset. Do not rely on the Department to ask for more. If your application is not strong at lodgement, the consequences are now more severe.
*Source: Department of Home Affairs Partner Processing Newsletter, April 2026.*
De Facto Relationships
You do not need to be married to apply for a partner visa. De facto relationships are recognised, but you must demonstrate that you have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless:
- You have a child together, or
- Your relationship is registered with a state or territory authority (e.g., NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages)
De facto registration is a powerful piece of evidence and I generally recommend it where available. It provides formal legal recognition of your relationship and can strengthen your application significantly.
Long-Distance Relationships
Long-distance relationships can qualify for a partner visa, but the evidence requirements are different. You will need to demonstrate:
- Regular and sustained communication (call logs, message history, video call records)
- Visits to each other (flight bookings, passport stamps, photos from visits)
- Future plans to live together
- Recognition of the relationship by family and friends in both countries
- Financial support or shared financial commitments despite the distance
The key challenge is demonstrating that the relationship is genuine and continuing despite the physical separation. I have successfully helped many long-distance couples obtain partner visas, but the evidence needs to be carefully curated.
How to apply for the Partner Visa
The application process for the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) involves the following key steps:
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
The applicant must confirm their location (onshore or offshore) and relationship status before selecting the correct subclass. Lodging the wrong subclass results in an invalid application that cannot be corrected after lodgement.
Step 2: Gather evidence
The applicant must compile evidence across all four relationship assessment areas — financial, household, social, and commitment — before lodging. Applications lodged with incomplete evidence are significantly more likely to receive a Request for Further Information, which extends processing time.
Step 3: Complete health examinations
The applicant must undergo a medical examination with a panel doctor approved by the Department of Home Affairs before or shortly after lodging. The examination must be completed within 28 days of the Department's request.
Step 4: Obtain police clearances
The applicant must obtain police clearances from every country where they have lived for 12 months or more since turning 16. Clearances must be current (generally within 12 months) at the time of lodgement.
Step 5: Lodge via ImmiAccount
The application must be lodged online through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The base application charge of $11,710 AUD (from 1 July 2026) must be paid at the time of lodgement.
Step 6: Receive Bridging Visa A
If the applicant is onshore, the Department will generally grant a Bridging Visa A with work rights within a short period of lodgement, allowing the applicant to remain lawfully in Australia while the application is processed.
Step 7: Respond to any Requests for Information
The Department may request additional evidence or invite the applicant to comment on adverse information. The applicant must respond within the specified timeframe (usually 28 days) or risk a decision being made on the information available.
Step 8: Temporary visa decision
If approved, the applicant receives the temporary partner visa (subclass 820). Processing time is currently 12–20 months from lodgement.
Step 9: Permanent visa eligibility and decision
Two years after the application date, the applicant becomes eligible for assessment for the permanent partner visa (subclass 801). The Department will assess whether the relationship remains genuine and continuing. Processing time for the permanent stage is currently 6–15 months from the eligibility date.
What happens after you lodge
My view as a practising immigration lawyer
Partner visa cases are rarely straightforward. The Department looks for genuine, ongoing commitment — and what constitutes sufficient evidence has shifted over the years. I have seen well-documented applications refused and thin applications approved. The difference is almost always in how the evidence is framed and presented, not simply the volume of documents submitted.
The most common mistake I see is applicants treating the evidence requirement as a checklist exercise — submitting large volumes of marginal material rather than a smaller set of strong, well-contextualised evidence. The Department's decision-makers are experienced. They can identify a genuine relationship from a carefully prepared application, and they can identify a contrived one from a poorly prepared one.
If you have adverse history — prior refusals, character issues, health concerns, or a complicated relationship history — address it proactively. Non-disclosure is almost always worse than the underlying issue.
*This commentary reflects my professional opinion based on 27 years of immigration law practice. It does not constitute legal advice for your specific circumstances.*
Frequently asked questions
Can a long-distance couple apply for a partner visa?
Yes. A long-distance relationship can qualify for the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801), provided the applicant demonstrates that the relationship is genuine and continuing despite the physical separation. Evidence must include regular and sustained communication records, visits to each other, future plans to live together, and recognition of the relationship by family and friends in both countries.
Does a de facto couple need to have lived together to apply?
A de facto couple must demonstrate that the relationship has existed for at least 12 months before the application date. Living together is strong evidence but is not strictly required if the relationship can be demonstrated through other means. The applicant must explain why the couple is not living together and provide alternative evidence of the relationship.
Can a sponsor who has previously sponsored a partner apply again?
A sponsor may sponsor a maximum of two partners in their lifetime, and there must be a minimum five-year gap between sponsorships. Exceptions may be available in limited circumstances. I would need to review the specific circumstances before advising on whether an exemption applies.
What is PIC 4020 and why does it matter?
Public Interest Criterion 4020 (PIC 4020) allows the Department of Home Affairs to refuse a visa if the applicant provided false or misleading information, or failed to disclose relevant information. A PIC 4020 refusal carries a three-year bar on most visa applications. This is one of the most serious consequences of non-disclosure. If you have adverse history, disclose it and address it proactively.
What happens if the Department requests more information?
The Department may issue a Request for Further Information (s.56 request) at any stage of processing. The applicant must respond within the specified timeframe, usually 28 days. Failure to respond within the deadline may result in a decision being made on the information available, which often results in refusal.
Can a partner visa be refused after the temporary visa is granted?
Yes. The permanent stage (subclass 801) is a separate assessment. The Department will assess whether the relationship remains genuine and continuing at the time of the permanent visa decision. If the relationship has broken down, or if new adverse information comes to light, the permanent visa may be refused.
Get expert guidance on your partner visa application
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Practitioner Note — Nilesh Nandan
Partner visa cases are rarely straightforward. The Department looks for genuine, ongoing commitment — and what constitutes sufficient evidence has shifted over the years. I have seen well-documented applications refused and thin applications approved. The difference is almost always in how the evidence is framed and presented.
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Questions & Answers
My partner and I have been in a long-distance relationship for 3 years. Can we apply for a partner visa?
Yes, long-distance relationships can qualify for a partner visa, but you will need to provide strong evidence that the relationship is genuine despite the distance — regular communication records, visits, future plans, and evidence of commitment. The key challenge is demonstrating that you have a genuine and continuing relationship.
Do I need to be living together to apply for a de facto partner visa?
You need to demonstrate that you have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months. While living together is strong evidence, it is not strictly required if you can demonstrate the relationship through other means. However, you will need to explain why you are not living together and provide alternative evidence.
Can my partner sponsor me if they have sponsored someone else before?
There are limitations on sponsorship. Generally, a person can only sponsor two partners in their lifetime, and there must be a five-year gap between sponsorships. There are some exceptions, and I would need to review your specific circumstances.