Not sure which Partner visa pathway applies to you? Answer three quick questions about your relationship and we'll point you to the pathway most likely to fit, whether that's the 820/801, 309/100, or a step you'll need to clear first.
Answer a few quick questions about your relationship and situation, and
we'll point you to the Partner visa pathway that's likely to
apply to you — modelled on the same logic used in the Department of
Home Affairs' own visa finder tool. This gives a general indication
only, not legal advice — for a proper assessment of your eligibility,
speak with one of our migration lawyers.
Question 1 of 315%
3 visa pathways might suit you
What is your relationship status with your partner?
Answer for the relationship as it stands today.
Question 2 of 345%
2 visa pathways might suit you
Is your partner an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen?
This is who would "sponsor" your visa application.
Question 3 of 470%
Have you been living together for 12 months or more, or is your relationship registered?
Home Affairs generally requires a de facto couple to have lived together for at least 12 months, unless the relationship is formally registered or there are compelling and compassionate reasons.
Last question90%
When your application is submitted, will you be inside or outside Australia?
This determines whether you'd apply through the onshore or offshore Partner visa pathway.
Likely pathway
Result
Subtitle
Your relationship may not yet meet the standard 12-month de facto
requirement. Exceptions exist — a registered relationship, or
compelling and compassionate circumstances — but this is exactly
the kind of thing worth checking with a migration lawyer before
you apply.
Description text.
Visa application charges and processing times change regularly
(fees are updated every 1 July, and processing times move month to
month), so we've deliberately left them out here rather than show
you a number that might be out of date. We'll give you current
figures as part of your free assessment.
Ready to check your eligibility properly?
Book a free consultation with our migration lawyers, or call 1300 207 442.
Frequently asked questions about the Partner visa pathway
Is this calculator's result a guarantee I'll get the visa?
No. This tool gives a general indication only, based on the answers you provide, and is not immigration or legal advice. Every case depends on individual circumstances. For a proper assessment of your eligibility, speak with one of our migration lawyers.
What happens if our relationship doesn't meet the standard requirements?
Options still exist, including relationship registration, compelling and compassionate circumstances provisions, or timing your application differently. A migration lawyer can assess your specific situation and identify the best way forward.
How long does a Partner visa take to process?
Processing times vary by pathway, individual circumstances and current Department of Home Affairs caseloads. Rather than quote a figure that changes regularly, we'll give you current, accurate timeframes when you speak with a migration lawyer.
How much does a Partner visa cost?
Visa application charges change on 1 July each year, and processing times shift month to month, so we don't display a figure on this tool that could quickly go out of date. You'll get current costs as part of your free assessment.
Does it matter whether I'm in Australia or overseas when I apply?
Yes. Where you are at the time of application determines whether you apply through the onshore (820/801) or offshore (309/100) pathway. Your location at other points in the process, including at decision, can also affect your options, so this is worth confirming directly with a migration lawyer.
Does my partner need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor me?
Yes. Your partner needs to be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen to act as your sponsor. If they don't currently hold one of these statuses, a Partner visa application isn't yet available to you and other pathways may need to be considered first.
What if we've been together less than 12 months and aren't registered?
You may not yet meet the standard de facto requirement, but exceptions exist. Registering the relationship where your state or territory allows it can resolve this immediately. Compelling and compassionate circumstances are assessed case by case. This is worth checking with a migration lawyer before you lodge.
How long do we need to have lived together before applying?
Home Affairs generally requires a de facto couple to have lived together for at least 12 months before applying, unless the relationship is formally registered with a state or territory, or there are compelling and compassionate circumstances. Married couples don't need to meet this 12-month requirement.
Do we need to be married to apply for a Partner visa?
No. You can apply as a married couple or as a de facto couple. If you're engaged but not yet married or living together, you may need the Prospective Marriage visa (300) instead, which requires marriage within the visa's validity period before a Partner visa application can proceed.
What's the difference between the 820/801 and 309/100 Partner visas?
The 820/801 is for applicants already in Australia at the time of application (onshore). The 309/100 is for applicants applying from outside Australia (offshore). Both lead to the same outcome, permanent residency as a partner, but the pathway, timing and where you need to be at each stage differ.
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Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our migration lawyers will get back to you as soon as possible.
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