Partner Visa Australia — The Complete 2026 Guide for Applicants
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.
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.