Partner Visa Australia: Types, Eligibility & Apply Guide 2026

The Partner Visa (subclass 190 and subclass 189) gives people the chance to move to Australia as a spouse, de facto partner or prospective spouse of an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. You can apply for an offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309 and 100), an onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) or a Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300).

The processing time for visas varies depending on the visa, the completeness of applications, and the applicant's situation, and eligibility requirements typically include relationship criteria, health criteria, character criteria, and sponsorship requirements. The Partners provisional/temporary category has a median processing time of about 17 months as of 2026 (applications may process more or less quickly). 

What Are the Different Types of Partner Visa Australia?

• Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) - Onshore: Partner Visa (Onshore) (subclass 820 & 801) is for eligible partners who are already living in Australia when they apply. The temporary stage is with subclass 820, and then the permanent stage is with subclass 801.
• Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100) - Offshore: For partners who are applying from overseas. Subclass 309 is the temporary visa (also known as the provisional visa), with the permanent visa being the subclass 100 visa.
• Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): For those who have been engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and are outside of Australia. It lets the applicant come to Australia and marry their intended partner prior to applying for a Partner Visa.
• Partner Visa Application Is Typically In Two Stages: temporary/provisional and permanent visa – but it is not guaranteed and depends on the circumstances of the applicant and visa subclass.

Expect Advice: If a page you're reading lists a "Business Partner Visa" as an official partner-visa category, treat that as a red flag — no such Home Affairs subclass exists.

Also Read: Australia Student Visa Processing Time After Medical: Guide

Is There a Business Partner Visa Australia?

• Australia does not have an official “Business Partner Visa”. The word is also sometimes employed informally to refer to visas granted to individuals wishing to start, run or invest in a business through a partnership. 

• Business visas are not included in partner visas. Generally, a partner visa is for a spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. There are various visa routes for business migration. 

• The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) does not accept new applications. This includes the old subclass 188 business and investment visa categories, which were closed, and visa applications previously lodged before 31 July 2024 remain in processing. 

• Older business visa holders might have permanent options. For instance, subclass 188 visa holders might be able to move to a Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888). 

• Depending on your situation, there are other visa options available for business, for example, skilled visas, employer-sponsored visas, or the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) for individuals who have an internationally recognised track record of exceptional achievement. 

• If you are referring to introducing a business partner to Australia, there are different types of visas available depending on the type of business partner they are: spouse/de facto partner, employee, business owner, investor, or skilled professional. 

Key Note: Don't let a genuine misconception sit uncorrected on your own site, this is exactly the kind of factual gap that damages trust if a reader checks Home Affairs and finds no matching visa.

What Is the Partner Visa Australia Processing Time in 2026?

• There Is No Set Processing Time For Australian Partner Visas. The processing time guide is updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs, and the period is merely an indicator of processing times for Home Affairs applications that have been recently decided.
• Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801): The subclass 820 visa is a temporary visa that is applied for first, followed by the subclass 801 visa. Normally, after two years, applicants can apply for assessment for the permanent stage. Normally, after two years, applicants are eligible to apply for assessment for the permanent stage.
• Provisional Subclass 309/100 Visa (Offshore): This is the first subclass that is followed by the subclass 100 visa. The permanent stage assessment is typically available two years after the initial application date.
• Processing Can Be Impacted By Priority: Processing priorities are that onshore Partner Visa applications will normally have a higher priority than offshore applications.
• Processing Time Can Take Longer Than Expected: Incomplete applications, further information requests, health and character checks, and the complexity of the relationship evidence can impact processing time.
• The Best Place To Find The Most Up-To-Date Timeframes: Applicants should refer to the official Global Visa Processing Times guide as processing times can vary by the day.

Pro Tip: Australia Visa Processing Time are published and revised by Home Affairs regularly; cite the data with a "current as of" date and revisit this table every content refresh cycle, not just when the page happens to get touched.

Also Read: e Visa Australia: Latest Eligibility, Time, Cost & Tips

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a De Facto Partner Visa Australia?

• Be In A Genuine And Continuing Relationship: The relationship with your de facto partner must be genuine and continuing.
• Your Partner Needs To Be Eligible: Your partner must normally be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Complete The Relationship Requirement: This is usually 12 months, where this requirement is set, of being in a de facto relationship before you apply. A dating relationship, or an online relationship, alone is not usually considered.
• Exceptions May Apply: The 12-month requirement does not apply in some humanitarian and compelling and compassionate situations, or if your relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory authority.
• Present Relationship Evidence: Relationships should be presented with evidence regarding financial, practical, social and commitment aspects.
• Age Requirement: Applicants with de facto relationships usually have to be aged 18 or over at the time of application.
• Satisfy Australia's Health and Character Requirements: You and appropriate family members need to meet Australia's health and character requirements.
• You Are Required To Have An Approved Sponsor – Your Australian partner is likely to be the sponsor for the Partner Visa.
• Complete Other Visa Requirements: Other visa requirements are also relevant, such as: there is no outstanding Australian Government debt; the Australian Values Statement having been signed, and relevant immigration-history requirements are met.
• Onshore Or Offshore Pathway: A de facto partner can be included on an application made in Australia under the subclass 820/801 pathway or from overseas under the subclass 100/309 pathway.

Advice by our Expert: A registered relationship (where your state or territory offers one) can shortcut the 12-month evidence requirement — worth checking before assuming you need a full year of documentation.

Also Read: Parent Visa Australia 2026: Costs, Processing Time & Your Options

What Is a Partner Bridging Visa Australia, and How Does It Work?

• A Partner Bridging Visa is not an additional visa subclass. For those who are eligible for a Partner Visa, a bridging visa may be obtained and be valid for a certain period of time while they await a decision on their Partner Visa application. 

• This is primarily for onshore partner visa applicants. If a Partner Visa application is lodged in Australia, a Bridging Visa may be issued, subject to the rules that apply, which will commence when the substantive visa ends. 

• It assists in maintaining lawful status. The bridging visa is one type of visa that can be used to help you remain in Australia until you have received a decision on your partner visa application. 

• The conditions you are subject to will vary depending on your bridging visa. The work rights, travel rights, and other conditions may differ. Please verify your visa status on VEVO. 

• A Bridging Visa A does not usually permit a person to leave and re-enter Australia during the period that they are waiting for their partner visa. If you need to leave Australia, a Bridging Visa B might be necessary. 

• The bridging visa is temporary, and it is not permanent residence. All application eligibility requirements must still be considered for the substantive Partner Visa application. 

• Please note, applicants are required to check the exact conditions, as they may change depending on the type of visa they hold and their circumstances, and on their visa grant notice and VEVO before commencing work or travel. 

Expect Advice: If you need to travel overseas while your partner visa is pending, apply for a Bridging Visa B before you leave — leaving without one can strand you outside Australia with no valid visa to return on.

Also Read: Spouse Open Work Permit Canada: Latest Experts Guide

How Do You Apply for a Partner Visa Australia?

• Select The Appropriate Partner Visa Category: You can apply for an onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) or an offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) if you're eligible.
• Determine Eligibility: Ensure you both are eligible for the relationship, sponsoring, health, character, and other visa requirements.
• Applying For A Partner Visa: normally, applications for a Partner visa will be made electronically using ImmiAccount.
• Fill Out The Online Application: Click on New application → Family → Stage 1 – Partner or Prospective Marriage Visa and give accurate information about you and your relationship.
• Gather Supporting Documents: Provide identity documents, relationship evidence, sponsor information, police certificates, and other documents requested for your specific visa. In general, documents that are not in English should be translated.
• The Visa Application Fee Must Be Paid: Your visa application will not be processed until the appropriate visa application fee has been paid.
• Submit The Application And Retain Your TRN Or Application ID – Your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) or Application ID will be provided when you submit the application and must be kept after submission. Your sponsor will require the TRN to finish their sponsorship application.
• Full Sponsorship: Your Australian partner needs to provide all the necessary information and supporting documentation required for sponsorship.
• Full Health And Character Assessments: Health checks and police certificates may be required for evaluation.
• Check On Your ImmiAccount: Keep an eye on the ImmiAccount for any missing documents or details and submit them within the time frame.
• Wait For The Visa Decision: The decision on your visa is made by the Department of Home Affairs, which you will be notified of via your nominated contact details. Permanent subclass 190 visa holders usually go for an assessment after 2 years from the visa application for the permanent phase of the visa.

Pro Tip: Don't treat your evidence file as "done" after lodgement. Home Affairs can request updated proof of an ongoing relationship at any point before the permanent stage is decided.

Also Read: Family Sponsored Visa Australia: Requirements & Guide 2026

What Happens If Your Partner Visa Application Is Refused?

• A Refusal Notice Will Be Issued: The Department of Home Affairs will inform you of the reasons for the refusal of your Partner Visa application and whether you have the right to request a review.
• When You Receive A Refusal Letter, Check Your Rights For Review As Soon As You Receive It: if the decision is reviewable, your refusal letter will include details on applying to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
• Deadlines May Apply: If you have a right to review, you must make the review within the time limits set out in your refusal notification.
• Give Evidence For The Review: Review proceedings may involve discussing the grounds of refusal and include appropriate evidence to demonstrate your eligibility and relationship.
• Visa Status Might Be Impacted: If you are in Australia, please verify your visa status and conditions on VEVO, especially if your Partner Visa application has been refused.
• Generally, The Application Fee Is Not Refunded: Home Affairs provides that the application fee for a Partner Visa is not refunded if an application is refused.
• Advice From A Professional May Be Useful: The reason for a refusal and the rights to have it reviewed differ, so in some cases, it may be helpful to seek advice from a registered migration agent or an Australian immigration lawyer, particularly if there are complex legal or relationship issues involved in the refusal.
• The Reasons For Refusal Do Not Mean That All Options Are Closed Off: depending on the circumstances of the refusal and the refusal decision, a right to review or even a further visa opportunity may exist. The refusal letter is the most important document that tells you what options you have.

Key Note: The appeal window is strict and starts from your refusal date, not from when you decide to act — get advice immediately rather than waiting.

Also Read: Australia Dependent Visa Processing Time Guide 

Conclusion

Overall, the Australia Partner Visa provides an important pathway for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.

Applicants may follow various pathways, either onshore subclass 820/801 or offshore subclass 309/100, and usually will have to satisfy a policy requirement to establish a genuine relationship and have the relevant policy requirements for sponsorship, health, character, and other factors met. The processing time may vary significantly depending on the circumstances and application.

If you need help understanding your Australia Partner Visa options and the application process, TerraTern can help you navigate the next steps with the right guidance.