The Australian partner visa is one of the most common — and most expensive — family visas in the world, with a government charge of over AUD 9,000 in 2026. It's also one where careful preparation genuinely changes the outcome. Here's an honest answer to what couples ask most.
How long does a partner visa (820/801) take?
Processing times vary widely depending on your circumstances and how well-prepared your application is, and they have historically ranged from many months to a couple of years. The single biggest thing within your control is the quality of your initial application: a well-structured evidence portfolio submitted from day one is repeatedly the difference between a faster grant and a long wait. For current processing time estimates, check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, and treat any quoted figure as indicative only.
Can I stay in Australia while my partner visa is processed?
Yes, if you apply onshore. When you lodge an onshore Subclass 820 application while you hold a substantive visa, you're generally granted a Bridging Visa A, which lets you remain in Australia lawfully while your application is processed — typically with work rights and, after a period, access to travel arrangements. This is one of the main advantages of applying onshore.
How much does a partner visa cost?
As of 2026, the government Visa Application Charge for a partner visa is over AUD 9,000 (commonly cited around AUD 9,365 for the combined 820/801 application). This is paid to the Department of Home Affairs, is non-refundable, and is separate from any professional fees. Given the amount at stake, this is a category where getting the application right the first time matters enormously — a refusal means losing that charge. (Figure current as of mid-2026; confirm the latest at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.)
What is the difference between the 820/801 and 309/100?
The Subclass 820/801 is the onshore pathway — you apply while you're in Australia, and you can generally stay while it's processed. The Subclass 309/100 is the offshore equivalent — you apply from outside Australia. Both follow the same two-stage structure: a temporary stage first (820 onshore, 309 offshore), then the permanent stage (801 or 100). Which one applies to you depends simply on where you are when you lodge.
What is the prospective marriage visa (Subclass 300)?
The Subclass 300 is for couples who intend to marry but aren't yet married or in a de facto relationship. It lets your fiancé(e) come to Australia, after which you marry and then apply for a partner visa. It's the right starting point for engaged couples who haven't yet lived together long enough to qualify as de facto.
What evidence do I need for a partner visa?
The Department assesses your relationship across four broad categories, and a strong application addresses all of them: the financial aspects of your relationship (shared finances, joint accounts, shared expenses), the nature of your household (living arrangements, shared responsibilities), the social aspects (how others see your relationship, joint activities, recognition by family and friends), and the nature of your commitment to each other (knowledge of each other's lives, your history, your future plans). The goal is to show a genuine, continuing, exclusive relationship — and the more consistent, well-organised evidence you provide across all four categories, the stronger your case.
Do I need to be married, or do de facto relationships count?
You don't need to be married. De facto relationships qualify, but as a general rule you usually need to have been in the de facto relationship for at least twelve months before applying (with some exceptions, such as registering your relationship in a state that allows it, or compelling circumstances). If you're engaged but don't yet meet the de facto requirement, the Subclass 300 prospective marriage visa may be the right path.
What happens if my relationship breaks down during processing?
This is a genuinely complex area with specific (and limited) provisions in some circumstances — for example, family violence provisions, or where there's a child of the relationship. If this affects you, it's important to get advice promptly rather than assume the outcome, because the rules are nuanced and the stakes are high.
This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Partner visa outcomes depend heavily on your individual evidence and circumstances — book a consultation with Sirat for advice specific to your relationship.