Jul 28, 2025
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Partner visa checklist in Australia: What to prepare before you apply

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The Australian Partner Visa serves as the primary route for people who want to reside in Australia with their spouse or de facto partner. The application process for a partner visa in Australia requires detailed documentation supported by substantial evidence. Immigration authorities require applicants to submit detailed documentation and compelling evidence demonstrating their genuine relationship.ย 

Advance preparation minimises the potential for application delays and costly resubmissions while avoiding rejection. 

1. Understand which partner visa youโ€™re applying for

The partner visa category includes two primary subclasses.

  • Subclass 820/801: Onshore application for those currently in Australia.
  • Subclass 309/100: The offshore visa application process applies to individuals who are situated outside Australia at the time of their application.

Both routes involve a two-stage process: An individual first receives a temporary visa under subclasses 820 or 309. And then they can apply for a permanent visa under subclasses 801 or 100 after two years if they remain in a relationship.

 2. Check your eligibility

You must first confirm eligibility before you start document preparation.

  • Your partner must hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency status or be a permanent eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
  • De facto couples need to have lived together for a minimum of 12 months to qualify unless they meet specific exemption criteria, such as having a registered relationship in designated states.
  • You must be over 18 years old.
  • Both you and your partner have to fulfil the necessary character and health standards.

3. Primary identity and immigration documents

You need to submit certified copies of documents while translating them, if needed, and scan them for submission.

  • The application needs a valid passport bio page for both the applicant and the sponsor.
  • Birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
  • National identity card (if applicable).
  • The application requires passport-sized photos measuring 45mm by 35mm for both the applicant and their sponsor.
  • Include all applicable legal documents verifying name changes, such as marriage certificates.
  • Travel history and past visas
  • The immigration process requires divorce or death certificates from a former partner when an applicant or sponsor has had a previous marriage.ย 
  • Parental consent to migrate to Australia for dependent children under 18.ย 

4. Relationship evidence โ€“ The cornerstone of your application

The Department of Home Affairs examines four primary aspects to determine the authenticity and ongoing nature of your relationship. 

A. Financial aspects

  • Joint bank account statements.
  • Shared bills or invoices (utilities, rent).
  • Evidence of financial support (transfers, shared purchases).
  • Joint ownership of significant properties such as homes and vehicles.

 B. Household aspects

  • Lease or mortgage documents showing cohabitation.
  • Both parties should correspond from the same address.
  • Demonstrating household duties shared between the partners. This can be done through text discussions about daily responsibilities.

C. Social aspects

  • Joint invitations, event photos, or travel together.
  • Social media records (discretion advised).
  • Relationship authenticity must be confirmed with statutory declarations from friends and family.
  • Couple memberships in clubs or groups.

D. Commitment

  • The visa application requires both the applicant and their sponsor to submit statements detailing their relationship history and future intentions.
  • The applicant must demonstrate continuing communication through emails and call logs while living separately.
  • Provide documentation like travel tickets and hotel bookings that show time spent together.

5. Statutory declarations and forms

  • Form 888: This form, used to verify the authenticity of your relationship, must be completed by two Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Applicant and sponsor personal statements outlining:

    – How did you meet?
    – List important dates and achievements from your relationship history.
    – You must show how your relationship involves practical and emotional support between you and your partner.
    – Your future plans together.
  • Form 80 and Form 1221: The application process might require you to submit security and character assessment forms.
  • Relationship Statutory declaration for a Visa applicant and the Sponsor.
  • Evidence of registered relationship (if applicable).

6. Sponsor-specific documents

The sponsor must provide:

  • Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
  • Passport and/or birth certificate.
  • Police background checks from Australia through the AFP and from other countries, if relevant, must be supplied.
  • Previous sponsorship history: A five-year interval between sponsorships is mandatory if your sponsor formerly sponsored a partner visa applicant unless exempted.

7. Health and character checks

Character requirements:

  • You need national police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for over 12 months during the past decade.
  • The Australian Federal Police is responsible for verifying your residency history in Australia.

Health requirements:

  • A panel physician approved by the Department will conduct the medical examination and chest X-ray.
  • A Health Assessment Processing ID will be provided once you complete your application to schedule a medical examination.

8. Translations and document certification

  • NAATI-accredited translators must perform document translations done in Australia, while qualified professionals should handle translations completed overseas.
  • Original and translated documents should be uploaded.
  • Approved individuals, such as Justices of the Peace, lawyers, post office workers or police officers, must perform document certifications when requested.

9. Organise and upload everything clearly

  • Create folders for each category: Organise documents into separate folders labelled Identity, Relationship Evidence, Stat Decs, Health & Police, and Sponsor Documents.
  • Use clear labels on files to include dates and brief descriptions for each document.
  • Avoid uploading duplicates or poor-quality scans.

10. Application fees and timing

As of 2025, the partner visa application fee in Australia stands at AUD $9,095. The fee applies to both the temporary and permanent visa stages. The processing duration for applications varies between 10 to 26 months based on the specifics of your situation and how fully you completed your application.

The partner visa application process serves as both a legal requirement and an emotionally significant personal experience supported by evidence. The immigration authorities require that applicants deliver a well-structured and convincing representation of their relationship facts. Your initial submission must be both complete and trustworthy to succeed.

Qualified migration agents in Australia can offer assistance if you find the evidence submission part of the visa process overwhelming and help you improve your application success rate. Following this checklist while preparing in advance enables you to submit a complete application that confidently demonstrates your true partnership.

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