How to Secure Your Australian Partner Visa: A Complete Guide
- Leading Edge
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Bringing your loved one to Australia is a life-changing milestone. However, navigating the Australian Partner Visa application can feel like trekking through a mountain of paperwork. Between Subclass 820/801 (onshore) and 309/100 (offshore) streams, the complexity is real—but it is manageable with the right strategy.
Whether you are newly married or in a long-term de facto relationship, this guide breaks down the essential steps, eligibility criteria, and expert tips to ensure your application is "decision-ready."
The Australian Partner Visa Roadmap: 6 Essential Steps
The Department of Home Affairs looks for one primary thing: proof that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Here is the standard workflow for a successful lodgment:
Document Collection: Gathering evidence across four pillars—financial, social, household, and commitment.
Lodge Application: Submitting your forms and paying the visa application charge (VAC) via ImmiAccount.
Health & Character Checks: Completing Bupa medical exams and obtaining police clearances for all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months.
Processing Period: Staying patient while a Case Officer reviews your file.
Requests for Information (RFI): Responding quickly if the Department asks for updated photos or more recent joint bills.
Visa Grant: Receiving your notification for temporary and, eventually, permanent residency.
Why Evidence Matters
The Department doesn't just take your word for it. You need hard evidence, such as joint lease agreements, shared bank accounts, and statutory declarations (Form 888s) from Australian citizens who know you as a couple.
Expert Tip: Leading Edge Migration in Perth specialises in auditing your evidence before submission to ensure there are no "red flags" that could cause a refusal.
Do You Qualify? Key Partner Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820, 801, 309, or 100), you must satisfy these core criteria:
Relationship Status: You must be legally married or in a de facto relationship (usually living together for at least 12 months, unless you have registered your relationship).
Sponsorship: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Health & Character: You must pass the "character test" (no significant criminal record) and meet strict health requirements.
Shared Life: You must demonstrate a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others.
3 Common Challenges (And How to Solve Them)
Even the most committed couples face hurdles during the Partner Visa process. Here’s how to handle them:
Challenge | The Solution |
Incomplete Evidence | Use a checklist. If you don't have a joint bank account, provide evidence of regular bank transfers to each other for household costs. |
Periods of Separation | If you lived apart due to work or travel, provide logs of daily communication (WhatsApp, video calls) to prove the relationship continued. |
Long Processing Times | Ensure your application is "decision-ready" at the time of lodgment to avoid back-and-forth emails with Case Officers. |
Why Use a Migration Agent in Perth?
While you can technically apply on your own, the high cost of the visa (currently over $9,000 AUD) makes a refusal financially devastating. Leading Edge Migration is recognised as a premier partner visa specialist in Western Australia for several reasons:
Strategic Planning: They identify the best visa pathway for your specific timeline.
Accuracy: They ensure every Form 80 and 1221 is filled out without contradictions.
Stress Reduction: They act as the point of contact with the Department of Home Affairs, so you don’t have to worry about missing an important email.
Start Your Journey Today
Securing your future in Australia starts with a single, well-prepared step. Don’t leave your relationship’s future to chance—professional guidance can be the difference between a visa grant and a stressful appeal.
Ready to bring your partner home? Contact Leading Edge Migration today for a comprehensive eligibility assessment and take the stress out of your Australian Partner Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions: Australian Partner Visa
1. How long does the Australian Partner Visa take to process?
Processing times vary depending on the subclass (820/801 or 309/100) and the quality of your application. Currently, most applications are processed within 12 to 22 months. You can reduce delays by submitting a "decision-ready" application with all health and character checks completed upfront.
2. Can I apply for a Partner Visa if we have lived together for less than 12 months?
Yes, in certain circumstances. While the standard de facto requirement is 12 months of cohabitation, you may be exempt if you have registered your relationship with a state or territory government (like NSW, or VIC) or if you have a child together.
3. What is the cost of an Australian Partner Visa?
As of late 2024/early 2025, the Department of Home Affairs application charge (VAC) starts at $9,095 AUD for most applicants. This does not include costs for medical exams, police checks, or professional migration agent fees.
4. Can I stay in Australia while my visa is being processed?
If you apply for an Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) while on a valid substantive visa (like a visitor or student visa), you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This allows you to remain in Australia with full work rights until a decision is made.
5. What happens if my Partner Visa is refused?
A refusal can be devastating, but it isn't always the end. You may have the right to appeal the decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). If you receive a refusal, it is critical to contact a migration agent like Leading Edge Migration immediately, as there are very strict time limits for lodging an appeal.
6. Do I need a Migration Agent to apply?
While not legally required, the Australian Partner Visa is one of the most expensive and scrutinised visas in the world. Using a Qualified Migration Agent in Perth ensures your evidence is presented correctly, minimising the risk of losing your application fee due to a simple error.
Need Personalised Advice?
Every relationship is unique, and so is every visa application. If you have a complex history or are unsure if you meet the 12-month de facto requirement, Leading Edge Migration can help.
Don't risk your future on a "DIY" application. At Leading Edge Migration, our Registered Migration Agents in Perth provide expert strategy, document checklists, and a thorough review of your relationship evidence to ensure your application stands the best chance of success. Don't risk your future on a cut-price agent with no track record. Join the hundreds of couples who have successfully started their lives together in Australia with our help.
📞 Call us: +61 08 9221 8472
📍 Perth Office: Unit 3, 239 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
📩 Email: info@leadingedgemigration.com.au
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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