What is the two-stage partner visa process?

Partner visas are applied for once but assessed in two stages. Stage 1 grants temporary residence — the 820 (onshore) or 309 (offshore). Stage 2 assesses your relationship again approximately 2 years after the temporary grant and, if the relationship is genuine and ongoing, grants permanent residence (801 or 100). You do not lodge a second application — the permanent assessment is triggered automatically. If your relationship ends before the permanent stage, you may not be eligible for the 801/100 unless family violence provisions apply.

How long does a partner visa take?

The initial temporary grant (309/820) is currently taking 2–4 years for most applicants. After the temporary grant, a further 2-year wait applies before the permanent stage is assessed. Total time from lodgement to permanent residence is typically 4–6 years. Complex cases, high-demand periods and requests for further information can extend processing significantly. Figures current as at 1 July 2026 — verify with Home Affairs.

What evidence is required for a partner visa?

DHA assesses the genuine nature of the relationship across four categories: financial (joint accounts, shared assets, bills), household (cohabitation evidence — lease, utilities, mail), social (photos, invitations, family and friend stat decs), and commitment (relationship length, communication records, future plans). No single category is determinative — the Department looks at the full picture. A strong application covers all four categories with 12+ months of evidence.

Can de facto partners apply for a partner visa?

Yes. De facto relationships are fully recognised for partner visa purposes. You must have lived together in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months immediately before applying — unless you are registered under a state or territory relationship register, or you have a dependent child together. There is no requirement to be married.

What is the Contributory Parent visa and is it worth it?

The Contributory Parent 143 visa costs approximately $48,415 in government fees per primary applicant as at 1 July 2026, with additional amounts for secondary applicants. In return, the queue is roughly 5–7 years. The non-contributory 103/804 has minimal government fees but a queue exceeding 30 years. For most families, the contributory pathway is the only practical option for permanent residence within a reasonable timeframe. Government fees must be verified with Home Affairs before lodging — they change periodically.

My partner visa was refused — what can I do?

A partner visa refusal made by a delegate (not the Minister) can generally be reviewed at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Strict time limits apply — typically 21 days from the date the decision notice is received. The ART conducts a merits review, meaning it can substitute a more favourable decision. If you have received a partner visa refusal, contact us immediately. Every day matters.

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Partner & Family Visas

Partner & Family
Visas Hub

Bringing your partner, family, or prospective spouse to Australia — partner visas, prospective marriage visas, and family reunification pathways.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

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Quick Answer

Partner and family visas include partner visa offshore (subclass 309/100), partner visa onshore (subclass 820/801) and Prospective Marriage (subclass 300), as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. Strong partner visa evidence is essential, and parent visas cover separate family pathways.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

Visa Categories

Partner, Parent, and beyond.

820/801Temp → Permanent

Partner Visa Onshore

For couples where the applicant is already in Australia. Grants temporary (820) then permanent (801) after approximately 2 years — one application, two stages.

2-stage — applied once, assessed twice

309/100Temp → Permanent

Partner Visa Offshore

For couples where the applicant is overseas at lodgement. The 309 grants temporary residence; the 100 permanent stage is assessed automatically after 2 years.

Applicant must be offshore at time of lodgement

300Engaged couples

Prospective Marriage

Enter Australia to marry your fiancé(e) within 9 months. After marrying, apply for the 820/801 partner visa from onshore. Must not already be married at lodgement.

Must marry within 9 months of entry

Figures current as at 1 July 2026 — verify with Home Affairs

Relationship Evidence

What the Department looks for

DHA assesses genuineness across four categories. No single category is decisive — a holistic picture is what wins.

Financial

Joint bank accounts
Shared credit cards or loans
Joint assets (property, vehicles)
Bills in both names
Tax returns showing shared finances

Covers 12+ months of shared financial arrangements

Household

Lease or mortgage in both names
Utility bills listing both parties
Official mail at same address (both parties)
Stat dec from person with knowledge of cohabitation

Demonstrates a shared domestic life — not just the same address

Social

Photos together over time
Social media acknowledgement
Joint invitations and event attendance
Stat decs from family and friends
Evidence of knowledge of each other's families

Evidence the relationship is known to and accepted by family and friends

Commitment

Length of relationship
Communication records (messages, calls)
Travel records and visits
Future plans (property, children)
Engagement or marriage evidence

Demonstrates a genuine, ongoing and exclusive relationship

Processing Reality

Processing time snapshot

Family visa queues are among the longest in Australia's migration system. Plan ahead.

Visa

Stage

Est. time

309 Partner (Offshore)

Temporary grant

2–4 years

100 Partner (Offshore)

Permanent grant (from 309)

2 further years

820 Partner (Onshore)

Temporary grant

2–4 years

801 Partner (Onshore)

Permanent grant (from 820)

2 further years

300 Prospective Marriage

Visa grant

6–12 months

143 Contributory Parent

Permanent grant

5–7 years

173 Contributory Parent Temp

Temporary grant

2–3 years

870 Sponsored Parent (Temp)

3-year grant

6–12 months

103 / 804 Parent

Non-contributory queue

30+ years

101 / 802 Child Visa

Permanent grant

12–24 months

Figures current as at 1 July 2026 — verify with Home Affairs. Processing times are estimates based on published DHA data. Complex cases extend these timelines. The non-contributory parent queue exceeding 30 years is not a typo.

Common Questions

Partner & Family FAQs

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Partner visa decisions turn on the quality of relationship evidence across all four categories. Our registered agents review your evidence profile before lodgement — identifying gaps before DHA does.

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General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Partner & Family
Visas Hub

Bringing your partner, family, or prospective spouse to Australia — partner visas, prospective marriage visas, and family reunification pathways.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.