Planning to build your life in Australia with your partner?
It gets your partner the Australian visa, but the Australian partner visa application asks for a lot of documentation. You'll need to prove your relationship is genuine, gather financial records, complete health checks, and meet character requirements. Processing times can stretch to two years or longer, which is why understanding the whole process and getting the basics right from the start matters a lot.
Well, if you are feeling overwhelmed and looking for information to get through it, then this blog is all you need.
This guide walks you through everything you need for both onshore (subclass 820/801) and offshore (subclass 309/100) applications. Whether you're married or in a de facto relationship, we'll cover the essential partner visa Australia requirements so you know exactly what to prepare.
Here's what we'll cover:
- Who's eligible and what the basic requirements are
- The full partner visa document checklist for Australia for both you and your sponsor
- What kind of relationship evidence australia visa officers want to see
- Health and character documentation you'll need
- How the partner visa australia step by step process actually works
- Common mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)
Let's get started.
Types of Australia Partner Visas
Australia offers different partner visa options depending on where you are when you apply and your relationship status.
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
This is for couples where the applicant is already in Australia when they lodge their application. The onshore partner visa Australia checklist involves a two-stage process:
- Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa): This is your initial visa, giving you temporary residency while your relationship is assessed. You can live, work, and study in Australia while waiting.
- Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa): About two years after your initial application, you become eligible for permanent residency if you're still in a genuine relationship with your sponsor.
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
If you're outside Australia when applying, you'll follow the offshore partner visa Australia checklist. This also has two stages:
- Subclass 309 (Provisional Partner Visa): Your temporary visa that lets you enter and stay in Australia while the permanent visa is being processed.
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa): Usually granted around two years after your 309 application, giving you permanent residency status.
The key difference here is that you'll typically need to wait offshore until your initial visa is granted, though processing times vary.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
Planning to marry your Australian partner but not married yet? The prospective marriage visa might be right for you. This temporary visa lets you:
- Come to Australia for up to 9 months
- Get married to your prospective spouse
- Apply for a partner visa Australia (820/801) once you're married
The partner visa checklist for applicants on this pathway differs slightly, as you'll need to show a genuine intention to marry rather than existing relationship evidence.
Australia Partner Visa Eligibility Checklist
Before applying for an Australia Partner Visa, make sure all the following eligibility conditions are met:
Relationship Eligibility
- You are married to or in a de facto relationship with your partner.
- The relationship is genuine and continuing.
- You are not in another relationship.
- You and your partner are committed to a shared life.
De Facto Relationship Requirements (If Not Married)
- You have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months
- You can show evidence of living together or strong reasons for living apart.
- Relationship is legally recognised (if applicable in your country)
- Exemptions apply if the relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory.
Sponsor Eligibility
Your partner must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Willing to act as your official sponsor
- Able to meet sponsorship obligations
Previous Relationship & Sponsorship Limits
- The sponsor has not sponsored two previous partners.
- The sponsor has not sponsored another partner in the last five years.
- Any previous sponsorship limitations are disclosed.
Age & Legal Requirements
- Both partners are 18 years or older.
- Marriage (if applicable) is legally valid under Australian law.
- Relationship complies with Australian family law.
Health & Character Requirements
- You meet Australia’s health requirements.
- You meet character requirements.
- Police clearance certificates are available from all required countries.
Location Requirements
- For onshore applications (Subclass 820/801): you are in Australia at the time of application.
- For offshore applications (Subclass 309/100): you are outside Australia when applying.
Intention to Live Together
- You and your partner intend to live together permanently in Australia.
- You can demonstrate long-term plans as a couple.
Australia Partner Visa Document Checklist (Core Documents)
1. Identity Documents (Applicant & Sponsor)
Applicant
- Current passport (bio-data page)
- All previous passports (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
- National identity card (if issued by the country of origin)
- Passport-size photographs (recent)
Sponsor
- Current passport (bio-data page)
- Birth certificate (if available)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs (recent)
2. Relationship Evidence Documents
If Married
- Marriage certificate
- Wedding photos
- Marriage registration proof (if separate)
If in a De Facto Relationship
- Evidence of living together
- Joint lease or rental agreement
- Utility bills showing the same address
- Registered relationship certificate (if applicable)
Financial Evidence Documents
- Joint bank account statements
- Shared expenses (rent, utilities, groceries)
- Evidence of joint assets (property, vehicle, investments)
- Evidence of shared liabilities (loans, credit cards)
- Money transfers between partners (if applicable)
- Insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries
Household Evidence Documents
- Joint lease or mortgage documents
- Correspondence sent to the same address
- Household bills in both names
- Statements explaining shared household responsibilities
Social Evidence Documents
- Photos together across the relationship timeline
- Joint invitations (weddings, events, holidays)
- Travel bookings taken together
- Social media screenshots (if relevant)
- Statements from friends and family confirming the relationship
Commitment Evidence Documents
- Personal relationship statements from both partners
- Evidence of long-term plans together
- Wills or superannuation beneficiary nominations
- Evidence of emotional and financial support
- Proof of continued contact during any periods apart
Sponsor Documents
- Sponsorship form (online submission)
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Evidence of the sponsor’s residential address
- Sponsor’s employment or income details (if provided)
- Previous sponsorship disclosures (if applicable)
Health Documents
- Health examination referral (HAP ID)
- Medical examination results (as requested)
- Chest X-ray and blood test reports (if applicable)
Character Documents
- Police clearance certificates from: Country of citizenship or any country lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
- Character declarations
- Military service records (if applicable)
Your Complete Partner Visa Australia Checklist (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for an Australian partner visa can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. This partner visa Australia checklist is designed to walk applicants through the process step by step, covering eligibility, documents, evidence, and application stages.
Step 1: Confirm the Right Visa Stream for Your Situation
The first step in the partner visa Australia step-by-step process is identifying the correct visa subclass.
- Applicants inside Australia usually apply for Subclass 820/801,
- while those outside Australia apply for Subclass 309/100.
The onshore partner visa Australia checklist and offshore partner visa Australia checklist differ slightly based on location at the time of application, so confirming this early is essential.
If you are legally married, you will follow the Partner Visa Australia checklist for married couples. If not married, you must meet the de facto requirements.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Before You Apply
This partner visa Australia eligibility checklist requires the relationship to be genuine, exclusive, and ongoing. Both partners must be over 18, sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Understanding the partner visa Australia requirements early helps applicants avoid refusals or unnecessary delays.
Step 3: Prepare Your Partner Visa Document Checklist Australia
Document preparation is where most applications succeed or fail. A complete partner visa document checklist for Australia includes identity documents, relationship documents, sponsor documents, and supporting evidence. This Australia partner visa document checklist ensures immigration officers can clearly assess the relationship.
Step 4: Build Strong Relationship Evidence That Supports Your Case
One of the most critical parts of the application is evidence. The partner visa Australia evidence checklist focuses on proving a genuine relationship. This includes financial evidence, household arrangements, social recognition, and long-term commitment.
Applicants in de facto relationships must provide clear de facto relationship proof in Australia, while married applicants should include a legally valid marriage certificate in Australia.
Step 5: Create Your ImmiAccount and Lodge the Application
All applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount. This stage of the partner visa application checklist Australia involves completing the visa form accurately and uploading documents under the correct categories. Following an Immi account partner visa checklist helps ensure nothing is missed or incorrectly uploaded.
Step 6: Submit the Sponsor Application Separately
In addition to the main application, the sponsor must lodge a separate sponsorship form. This Partner visa Australia checklist for sponsors includes identity documents, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and sponsorship declarations. Sponsors must also understand their legal obligations under Australian immigration partner visa rules.
These steps are requested by immigration after lodgement and must be completed promptly.
Step 7: Form 888 and Statutory Declarations
Applicants are required to submit a statutory declaration partner visa Australia documents, commonly known as Form 888 partner visa. These statements from friends or family help demonstrate social recognition and strengthen the proof of a genuine relationship in Australia.
Step 8: After Lodgement, What Happens Next
After submission, applicants should regularly check ImmiAccount for updates. This stage includes ongoing assessment, possible requests for further documents, and preparation for the permanent stage. Understanding the partner visa Australia processing steps helps applicants stay calm and prepared during waiting periods.
Wrapping Up!
When you follow a structured checklist, prepare your documents carefully, and provide genuine relationship evidence, the process becomes far more manageable and less overwhelming.
Every relationship is different, and small details often make a big difference in how an application is assessed. Taking the time to get things right from the beginning can help reduce delays, stress, and unnecessary back-and-forth with immigration.
If you are looking for professional support, our team at Visafast Migration Consultancy can help, a Registered Migration Agent based in Adelaide. We assist applicants with Partner Visa applications by offering clear guidance, document checks, and end-to-end support.
Having experienced advice can be especially helpful when your situation involves complex evidence or specific eligibility concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the checklist different for subclass 820 and 801 partner visas?
Yes. The partner visa Australia checklist, subclass 820 801, differs slightly. Subclass 820 requires initial relationship evidence, while Subclass 801 requires updated proof of a continuing and genuine relationship.
2. Can I apply for a partner visa in Australia without an agent?
Yes. Many applicants apply using an Australia partner visa checklist without an agent by carefully following the partner visa application checklist Australia and submitting complete documents through ImmiAccount.
3. Is there a separate checklist for sponsors?
Yes. The Partner visa Australia checklist for sponsors includes proof of citizenship or PR, identity documents, sponsorship declarations, and documents meeting partner visa sponsor requirements in Australia.
4. Is the checklist different for onshore and offshore partner visas?
Yes. The onshore partner visa Australia checklist and offshore partner visa Australia checklist differ mainly by visa subclass, applicant location, and bridging visa conditions, while document requirements remain largely the same.
