Partner Visa

Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa (Offshore)

Subclass 820 – Partner Visa (Temporary) (Onshore)

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Partner Visa

Reunite with Your Loved One in Australia: Partner Visas Subclass 309 & 820
At VisaOne, we know what kind of skill, determination, and meticulousness it takes to represent a partner visa with Immigration. With a proven track record of successes in partner visas, our legal team are expert defenders for our case applications with the Department of Immigration and at the AAT-MRT.
Love knows no borders — and Australia’s Partner Visa program is designed to bring couples together, whether you’re overseas or already inside Australia. The Subclass 309 and Subclass 820 visas are two powerful pathways that allow spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency.
If you are looking to sponsor your partner or be sponsored, you likely have many questions. Our team is here to answer your questions. Give us a call or scroll further down to learn top tips on how to get a partner visa!

What Are the Subclass 309 & Subclass 820 Partner Visas?

✔ Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa (Offshore)
This visa lets you, as the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, move to Australia and live here temporarily.
✔ Subclass 820 – Partner Visa (Temporary) (Onshore)
This visa lets you, as the spouse or de facto partner, stay in Australia temporarily while your application for permanent residency is processed.

Both visas serve as the first step in a two-stage process that can lead to permanent residence — Subclass 100 (for 309) or Subclass 801 (for 820) — typically after around two years once eligibility criteria are met.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if you are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This includes:

Married couples, or
De facto couples (including those in registered partnerships where applicable)

To qualify, you must show that your relationship is genuine and continuing — typically with strong evidence such as shared financial commitments, household arrangements, social recognition, and long-term commitment.

Key Difference: Where You Apply Matters

- Onshore (Subclass 820)
If you are already in Australia on a valid visa, you can apply for the Subclass 820 partner visa without leaving the country. Once lodged, you will usually be granted a Bridging Visa that lets you stay lawfully in Australia while your partner visa is processed.

- Offshore (Subclass 309)
If you are outside Australia, the Subclass 309 visa is your option. You must be offshore both when you apply and when the visa is granted. This temporary visa lets you enter and live in Australia while you wait to be assessed for the permanent visa (Subclass 100).

Visa Processing & Permanent Residency Pathway

Both the Subclass 309 and Subclass 820 visas involve two stages:

Temporary Visa Grant — You receive either the 309 (offshore) or 820 (onshore) visa.

Permanent Visa Assessment — After about two years from the date you lodged the application, you can be assessed for the permanent partner visa (100 or 801) — provided your relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

This pathway allows couples to stay together while building a future in Australia — whether you’re closing the distance abroad or already living together in Australia.

Benefits of Partner Visas 309 & 820

Live Together in Australia
Enjoy living together in Australia — either by moving here (309) or staying here (820).

Work, Study & Medicare Access
Both visas typically allow holders to work and study in Australia, and access the country’s healthcare system (Medicare).

Includes Dependents
You can include eligible dependent children in your visa application.

Pathway to Permanent Residency
After meeting relationship and eligibility criteria (usually over about two years), you can progress to the permanent partner visa — Subclass 100 (for 309) or Subclass 801 (for 820).

Why Choose These Visas?

These partner visas aren’t just temporary permissions — they offer a real path to permanent life in Australia with your partner. They are perfect for couples who want to:

- Be together in Australia as soon as possible
- Build a future in Australia as permanent residents
- Enjoy work, study, and healthcare rights while the process unfolds

Whether you are abroad planning to join your loved one, or already in Australia together, the Subclass 309 and 820 Partner Visas provide flexible and structured pathways to make your life together a reality.

Partner Visa Quick Tips

Getting Started with a Partner Visa Application
TIP #1: PARTNER VISA APPLICATIONS REQUIRE STRONG EVIDENCE

Never shortcut a partner application by putting the bare minimum evidence together.

Be comprehensive with your evidence that encompasses your social life, your financial habits, your daily life together and plans for the future.
TIP #2: DON’T BE VAGUE

Don’t be vague about key dates in your relationship. Be as specific as you possibly can about the dates in your application.

Key dates to include are:

- when you met
- when you committed to the relationship
- when you moved in together and
- when you got engaged or married (if applicable)
TIP #3: CHECK YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE

The prospective marriage visa requires just as much evidence and work as a partner/spouse visa case.

Be prepared to complete a full relationship statement.

The relationship statement serves as a foundation for your visa. We recommend putting aside 6 hours to complete the statement with your partner. A sufficient relationship statement is 4 to 8 pages long.

Why Use VisaOne?

100% Free Consultation

Your first initial consultation is free of charge.

Accurate Visa Advice

Get accurate legal advice on the visa pathways that best suit your situation.

Registered Migration Agents

Our agents are OMARA registered immigration agents.

Fast Response

Speak to a visa expert in less than 24 business hours after sending a message.

Legal Representation

Your case is represented by a registered immigration agent with the Department of Home Affairs. Our agents are highly skilled in liaising with the Department of Home Affairs during decision time.

Maximise Your Success

Give your visa the best chances of success with an experienced agent. We know which parts of your case to strengthen and omit to give you the highest chance of success.

Help With Visa Appeals

Got a visa refusal and unsure what to do next? Find out whether you can turn things around in an appeal.

Planning For PR

Start planning for your steps towards gaining Australian Permanent Residency.

Explore Your Visa Options Today 

Get accurate eligibility advice on your visa situation first time round. A VisaOne Migration Agent will get in touch with you in 24 business hours.
100% Free Consultation

Explore Your Visa Options Today 

Get accurate eligibility advice on your visa situation first time round. A VisaOne Migration Agent will get in touch with you in 24 business hours.
100% Free Consultation

Customer Reviews

"RAPID RESPONSE RATE"

Excellent continuous personal contact. Rapid response rate and I liked the continuity of dealing with the same member of staff who knew my position so well. Clear instructions and kept well informed.
Idunn
United Kingdom
189 Skilled Independent Migration

"I AM VERY PLEASED WITH YOUR SERVICES"

What a great news!! I am so happy to have my visa!! Thank you so much for all of your help since last year. It means a lot to me. And I would be very happy to help you with feedback since I am very pleased with your services! Thank you so much again for your assistance all throughout the process. You really do a great job!! :) Have a great day.
Alexis
France
820 Partner Visa

"NOW WE CAN PLAN OUR FUTURE"

Wow. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Now we can plan our future. Buy a house and start a family. With all my heart, I would sincerely like to thank you for all you have done for us. I was so worried I was moving to Malaysia. I will fully recommend visa one to any one in need of a visa.
Junior
Malaysia
Subclass 461

Explore Your Visa Options Today 

Get accurate eligibility advice on your visa situation first time round. A VisaOne Migration Agent will get in touch with you in 24 business hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered migration agent?
Registered migration agents are allowed to provide immigration advice and assistance, including help lodging visa applications.

Migration agents must be qualified and demonstrate to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) that they:
- have sufficient knowledge of migration law and procedures
- are a person of integrity
- are a fit and proper person to provide immigration assistance

Furthermore, migration agents can advise if your visa application is likely to succeed, but they do not make visa decisions and cannot influence outcomes. Only the Department of Home Affairs makes decisions about visa applications.

Please note, it is against the law for someone in Australia who is not registered with the OMARA to provide you with immigration assistance. Some migration agents work for voluntary organisations and provide services for free. Most migration agents charge a professional service fee.

In conclusion, a registered migration agent helps you prepare your visa application for lodgement.
What is the difference between a migration agent and a migration lawyer?
Migration agents, registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) can:
- Provide advice on visa requirements
- Assist with lodging visa applications
- Deal with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf

Migration agents typically complete a 12-month certificate or diploma in Australian Migration Law with a tertiary institution. Following this, they are able to register with OMARA and practise as a migration agent.

However, many lawyers are also migration agents. If a lawyer wants to become a migration agent and practise immigration law, they must also register with OMARA. Furthermore, immigration lawyers usually retain dual registration to provide immigration advice and assistance. However, unlike migration agents without legal qualifications, immigration lawyers can also appeal cases in courts such as the Federal Court or High Court.

Overall, here are the key similarities and differences between migration agents and immigration lawyers:

Migration Agents

Immigration Lawyers

Qualifications

Completed a 12 month certificate or diploma in Australian Migration Law
Completed a law degree and Practical Legal Training

Registration

Registered with MARA
Registered with the Legal Admissions Board, the Law Society, and MARA

Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Can assist with visa applications and merits review in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Can assist with visa applications and merits review in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Other Courts

Cannot assist with appeals to Australia Courts
Can assist with appeals to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia (FCCA), the Federal Court of Australia (FCA), and the High Court of Australia
Therefore, it is important to ensure the migration agent or lawyer you engage is qualified for your specific case.
Why use a professional visa service? Why use a migration agent or lawyer?
Cost Effective
With about 100 visa subclasses available in Australia, it can be hard to navigate which visa subclass is most appropriate for you. It may seem like you are saving money by completing the application yourself. However, if your application is refused, it can be very costly. Some visa applications can cost more than $8,000AUD. Refunds for lodging the application are only available in limited circumstances. Furthermore, if you are a business or employer, you must also pay the SAF Levy. The SAF Levy contributes to the [Skilling Australians Fund](https://www.employment.gov.au/skilling-australians-fund) to help support Australian jobs. A refund for this levy is also only available in limited circumstances if the Department of Home Affairs refuses your application. In addition, if you appeal your case in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, this could also increase your costs.

Avoid Lengthy Delays
An experienced migration agent or immigration lawyer can prepare your application and make it ‘decision ready’ for the case officer assigned to your matter. If you have left out any important information or documents in your application, it could delay the process. You may receive:
- A request for information (RFI)
- Invitation to comment [PIC 4020] (https://legalvision.com.au/what-is-public-interest-criteria-4020/) or
- A request to respond to natural justice letters.

If you are unsure how to reply to these letters or what to do in these situations, it can be an overwhelming and a stressful experience. A well-prepared application is more likely to be successful.

Expertise
The Department often refuses visas because employers and individuals do not meet the eligibility criteria. Investing in an initial consultation to explore your eligibility and visa options with your migration agent or lawyer will confirm:
- Your suitability
- Your likely prospects of success
- The costs involved
- The process and duration

Each case is different and can present its own unique challenges and obstacles. Therefore, a migration agent or lawyer will identify the legal issues in your case and present you with practical solutions.

Take Out The Stress
There is no doubt that migrating is a stressful experience. When you use a migration agent or migration lawyer, you are guided each step of the way.

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Visa Subclasses We're Experts In

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Partner Visa
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You can also find out your visa options free of charge on the Australian Home Affairs website at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder

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