Australia’s Partner visa program allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia either temporarily or permanently.

At Gateway to Australia Migration, we provide structured, evidence-based guidance for couples navigating the Partner visa process — ensuring applications are decision-ready, compliant, and strategically prepared.

Partner visas are document-intensive and carefully assessed. Proper preparation is essential to avoid delays, requests for further information, or refusal.

The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa is designed for couples who are engaged and intend to marry in Australia.

• Temporary visa granted offshore
• Allows entry to Australia to marry your sponsor 
• Valid for up to 9–15 months (subject to current settings) 
• After marriage, applicant can apply for Subclass 820/801 onshore
   

Applicants must:

• Be outside Australia at time of application and grant 
• Have met their sponsor in person 
• Intend to marry within the visa validity period 
• Demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship 
• Meet health and character requirements
   

Strong relationship evidence and clear future plans are critical for approval.

The Subclass 820/801 Partner visa is for applicants who are in Australia and either married to or in a de facto relationship with their sponsor.

This is a two-stage process:

• Allows the applicant to remain in Australia while the permanent stage is processed 
• Includes work rights and Medicare access (if eligible)
   

• Assessed approximately two years after initial application 
• Requires updated relationship evidence
   

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A genuine and continuing relationship 
• Shared financial responsibilities 
• Cohabitation or valid reasons for living apart 
• Social recognition of the relationship 
• Mutual commitment to a shared life
   

Careful preparation of relationship statements, statutory declarations, and supporting documents is essential.

 The Subclass 309/100 Partner visa is for applicants applying from outside Australia.

Like the onshore visa, it is processed in two stages:

• Granted offshore 
• Allows entry to Australia
   

• Assessed after approximately two years 
• Requires updated relationship evidence
   

Applicants must remain outside Australia at the time of visa grant for the temporary stage.

 The Partner visa process generally involves:

1. Detailed eligibility assessment 
2. Strategic document planning 
3. Preparation of relationship evidence across four key pillars:
    
   • Financial aspects 
   • Nature of the household 
   • Social recognition 
   • Commitment to each other
      

1. Sponsor approval
2. Visa application submission 
3. Ongoing updates (for permanent stage)
    

Partner visa applications are highly scrutinised. Consistency, credibility, and structured presentation are vital.

Insufficient relationship evidence  Inconsistent timelines  Limited cohabitation evidence  Previous visa refusals  Complex immigration history  Early professional advice can significantly reduce risk.

• Comprehensive eligibility assessment
• Structured evidence checklists
• Assistance drafting relationship statements
• Decision-ready document preparation
• Ongoing support through permanent stage
• Clear communication throughout the process
   

We understand that Partner visas are not just legal processes — they involve families, future plans, and life-changing decisions. Our goal is to guide you with clarity, care, and confidence.