Australian Partner Visa 2025: What’s Changed?

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Visa Pathway for Love and Life in Australia

If you’re planning to bring your partner to Australia or stay with them in the country, understanding the partner visa Australia options can be a game-changer. With updates in 2025 and clear eligibility requirements, navigating the partner visa system has become more streamlined — but still complex enough to warrant professional guidance.

Whether you’re in a de facto relationship, engaged, or married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, choosing the right visa is essential. At FTS Visa Services, our experienced migration agent helps individuals and couples confidently move through the Australian immigration process — especially when love is involved.

Let’s break down the three main types of Australian Partner Visas and help you determine which path may be best for your relationship.

1. Onshore Partner Visa – Subclass 820/801

The 820/801 visa is designed for couples already living together in Australia. This visa allows the applicant to stay in the country while their application is being processed and, eventually, grants permanent residency.

Key Features:

• Subclass 820: Temporary partner visa granted first.
• Subclass 801: Permanent residency follows after approximately 2 years (if relationship continues).
• You must be inside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
• De facto couples must usually prove they have lived together for at least 12 months, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Relationship Requirements:

All partner visa types assess the relationship based on four pillars:

• Financial Interdependence
• Social Recognition (friends/family know about the relationship)
• Shared Household Responsibilities
• Ongoing Commitment to a Life Together

Being onshore gives the advantage of staying close to your partner during the application period, but it also requires detailed documentation and often legal advice — something our Australia visa partner specialists assist with regularly.

2. Offshore Partner Visa – Subclass 309/100

The 309/100 visa suits couples who are currently living outside Australia. It’s a two-stage visa pathway that mirrors the onshore process, with the main difference being where the applicant resides at the time of application.

Key Features:

• Subclass 309: Temporary visa granted first while the applicant is outside Australia.
• Subclass 100: Permanent partner visa granted after two years, provided the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.
• Applicants must enter Australia within 12 months of the visa grant to proceed towards permanent residency.

This is a preferred option for couples who are already married or in a committed de facto relationship but are separated geographically due to work, study, or family obligations. If you’re unsure which visa suits your situation, speaking to a registered migration agent can clarify your eligibility quickly.

3. Prospective Marriage Visa – Subclass 300

Also known as the fiancé visa, the Subclass 300 visa is for couples who plan to marry in Australia but are not yet married or living together.

Key Features:

• Valid for 9 months from the date of entry into Australia.
• You must marry your prospective spouse (an Australian citizen or permanent resident) within this period.
• After marriage, you can then apply for a partner visa (820/801 or 309/100).
• You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.

This visa is ideal for those in long-distance relationships or those who have met online or during travel and plan to formalise the relationship in Australia.

Who Can Apply?

Regardless of which pathway you choose, all applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with an eligible sponsor (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen)
• Provide evidence of your relationship according to the four key pillars
• Meet health and character requirements

Also, it’s important to note that time spent dating or in an online-only relationship generally does not count toward being in a de facto relationship unless there’s supporting evidence of cohabitation or shared responsibilities.

Which Partner Visa Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your current situation:

Still unsure? The rules around partner visa Australia are detailed and every couple’s situation is unique. That’s where a registered migration agent like FTS Education & Visa Services can guide you step-by-step through eligibility, documentation, and timing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a dating relationship is enough: Immigration looks for shared life evidence.
• Inadequate proof of a de facto relationship: You’ll need joint bank statements, lease agreements, photos, communication logs, etc.
• Wrong timing or location at the time of application: Onshore vs offshore matters — apply from the wrong place and your application may be invalid.
• Delaying the marriage post-300 visa: You must marry within the 9-month window.

Let our experienced immigration consultants simplify this for you and help you avoid common roadblocks.

Why Choose FTS Visa Services?

At FTS Visa Services, we understand that no two love stories are the same — and neither are immigration pathways. Our team of registered migration agents works closely with couples to tailor partner visa solutions that are efficient, accurate, and aligned with current 2025 regulations.

We handle everything from eligibility checks and document preparation to submission, follow-ups, and appeals (if required). Our success stories include countless couples who are now living their happily-ever-afters in Australia.

Ready to Begin Your Partner Visa Journey?

If you’re looking for genuine advice and fast, reliable service for your Australia visa partner application, get in touch with our migration agent in Perth team today. We’re here to help you and your loved one take the next big step — together.

📞 Contact us now to book a consultation or get started online.