Partner Visas Onshore and Offshore

Overview

Partner visas allow spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. These visas are divided into onshore and offshore categories:

• Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) – For applicants who are in Australia at the time of application. It provides a temporary visa (Subclass 820) leading to permanent residency (Subclass 801) after meeting eligibility requirements.
• Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) – For applicants who are outside Australia when applying. It grants a temporary visa (Subclass 309) and later permanent residency (Subclass 100) once requirements are met.

Both pathways require proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship, with eligibility assessed based on shared life commitments, financial responsibilities, and social recognition.

Benefits

• Live, work, and study in Australia while awaiting permanent residency.
• Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, once granted the temporary visa.
• Travel freely to and from Australia while holding the temporary visa.
• Include dependent children in the visa application.
• Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• No need for employer sponsorship, as the visa is based on a genuine relationship.