The partner visa can generally be divided into two application types, an onshore visa or an offshore visa. Both require the visa applicant to be sponsored by their partner who is an Australian Citizen; Australian Permanent Resident; or Eligible New Zealand Citizen.

 

Onshore Partner visa

Applicants for the onshore partner visa or combined subclass 820/801 Partner Visa may must be in Australia to make an application for the visa. The visa application process is a two-part process in which applicants will make an application for a temporary visa and a permanent visa at the same time.

The temporary visa if granted allows the holder to remain in Australia with their partner who has sponsored them, for the duration of the time it takes for the permanent visa to be processed. This is usually a two-year period. Holders of this visa may work, study and travel with this visa.

 

To consider an application for a partner visa, applicants must have an Australian (or Eligible NZ Citizen) partner to sponsor their visa; be able to show a committed and ongoing relationship with their partner/sponsor; and be in Australia at the time the application is made.

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Offshore Partner visa

Applicants for the offshore partner visa or combined subclass 309/100 Partner Visa may must be outside Australia to make an application for the visa. The visa application process is a two-part process in which applicants will make an application for a provisional visa and a permanent visa at the same time. The provisional visa if granted allows the holder to remain in Australia with their partner who has sponsored them, for the duration of the time it takes for the permanent visa to be processed.

 

This is usually a two-year period. To consider an application for a partner visa, applicants must have an Australian (or Eligible NZ Citizen) partner to sponsor their visa; be able to show a committed and ongoing relationship with their partner/sponsor; and be outside Australia at the time the application is made.

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