Australia's partner visa is one of the most expensive and time-consuming visa pathways in the world — and one of the most emotionally charged. The application fee alone is AUD $8,850 (approximately USD $5,700) as of 2026, and onshore processing can stretch to 24–36 months. This guide explains every stage, so you can plan and budget accurately.
Two Pathways: Onshore vs Offshore
Your location when you apply determines the subclass:
- Onshore (in Australia): Subclass 820 (temporary) → Subclass 801 (permanent)
- Offshore (outside Australia): Subclass 309 (provisional) → Subclass 100 (permanent)
Both pathways are a two-stage process. You apply once and pay once, but permanent residency is only granted after a mandatory waiting period — currently at least 2 years from the relationship start date or from the application lodgement date, whichever is later.
Cost Breakdown (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant visa application charge | $8,850 |
| Additional applicant aged 18+ | $4,430 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | $2,220 |
| Health examinations (per person) | $300–600 |
| Police clearances | $50–200 |
| Translation services (estimated) | $200–1,000 |
| Migration agent fees (optional) | $3,000–8,000 |
Total out-of-pocket cost for a couple with no children: approximately AUD $9,500–$12,000 without an agent, or AUD $14,000–$20,000 with professional help.
Processing Times
The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing time estimates, but actual times often exceed them:
- Subclass 820 (onshore, temporary): 18–28 months for 75% of applications; some cases exceed 36 months
- Subclass 309 (offshore, provisional): 14–26 months for 75% of applications
- Stage 2 (801/100 permanent): An additional 12–18 months after the 2-year waiting period
Bridging visa A is granted automatically upon lodging a subclass 820 application, allowing you to remain and work in Australia while waiting.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be in a genuine de facto (12+ months together) or married relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Same-sex couples are fully eligible. Key requirements:
- You must be in a committed relationship with shared life (finances, living arrangements, social recognition)
- Neither party can be in a migration-related relationship with another person
- Health and character requirements for both partners
Evidence: What You Need to Provide
This is where most applications succeed or fail. Evidence must cover four relationship aspects:
- Financial: Joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint lease or mortgage, tax returns showing same address
- Living arrangements: Lease agreements, utility bills, stat declarations from people who have visited your home
- Social: Photos together at social events and with family, joint social media presence, evidence friends and family know you as a couple
- Commitment: Communication records (texts, emails over time), travel together, knowledge of each other's personal history
Organize evidence chronologically and across multiple years. A thin file covering only recent months raises red flags.
The Two-Year Bar for New Relationships
If you have been together for less than 2 years at the time of application and have no children together, you will be granted a provisional visa first. Permanent residency is assessed at the 2-year mark and requires fresh evidence that your relationship is ongoing and genuine.
Bottom Line
The Australia partner visa is a marathon, not a sprint. Budget at least AUD $10,000 in fees and 2–3 years of processing. Build your evidence file continuously from day one of your relationship. Use our Australia visa guide and the visa checker to confirm your specific eligibility before lodging.