Partner visa

Permanent residency through an Australian partner. No points, no occupation list.

If you are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, the partner visa is a route to permanent residency that ignores your occupation, age and points score entirely. It runs in two stages: a temporary visa first (820 onshore or 309 offshore), then permanent (801 or 100) assessed roughly two years later.

Watch for thisThe single most common reason partner applications struggle is thin evidence in the early months of the relationship. Document from the start, even if you are not applying yet.

Grants: Temporary first, then permanent
Points test: None
Age limit: None (must be 18+)
Onshore: Subclass 820 then 801
Offshore: Subclass 309 then 100
Typical timeline: Around 2 years to the permanent stage

What you need

Be married to, or in a genuine de facto relationship with, an eligible sponsor.
For de facto: generally 12 months of cohabitation, unless the relationship is registered or compelling circumstances apply.
Evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship across finances, household, social recognition and commitment.
Health and character requirements for you and any dependants.

How it works, step by step

Start collecting relationship evidence from the beginning - joint accounts, leases, photos, statements from friends and family.
Decide onshore versus offshore; this affects your rights while you wait.
Lodge the combined application with your sponsor.
Keep evidence flowing during the waiting period for the permanent stage assessment.

Strengths

No occupation, points or English requirement
No age ceiling
Work rights while waiting (onshore)
Very high grant rates for genuine relationships

Trade-offs

One of the most expensive visa applications in the world
Long processing times
Evidence-heavy and intrusive
Relationship breakdown can end the application

Check whether this fits you →

Registered migration agents

We are building a directory of MARN-registered agents and immigration lawyers. Listings are checked against the public register before they appear.

How the directory works

Placement shown on the subclass 820/801 and 309/100 page.

General information, not migration advice. myPRJourney summarises publicly available information about Australian visas so you can understand your options. It does not assess your case, and it is not a substitute for advice from a registered migration agent (MARN) or Australian legal practitioner. Migration rules, occupation lists, income thresholds and state nomination criteria change frequently and sometimes without notice. This page was last reviewed on 21 July 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.