Partner visas. Choose the pathway your evidence supports.
Where you apply, where you are when a decision is made, and whether you are married, de facto or engaged all shape the pathway. Compare the three options below, or go straight to the one you are considering.
Compare the three pathways
General information only, not an eligibility assessment. Scroll the table sideways on smaller screens.
| Pathway | Where you apply | Initial stage | Permanent stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 820/801Onshore Partner Visa | In Australia, with eligibility to lodge a valid onshore application | 820 · Temporary | 801 · generally included in the original combined application |
| 309/100Offshore Partner Visa | Outside Australia, including accompanying applicants | 309 · Provisional | 100 · generally included in the original combined application |
| 300Prospective Marriage Visa | Outside Australia, including accompanying applicants | 300 · Temporary | Separate 820/801 application after marriage, if eligible |
How relationship evidence is considered
Evidence is generally weighed across four areas as a whole picture, not ticked off as a checklist.
01Financial arrangements
Explain shared expenses, financial support and commitments using evidence that reflects your real arrangements. Joint accounts are not a universal checklist item.
02Household arrangements
Explain where and how you live, household responsibilities and care arrangements. If living apart, explain the circumstances rather than creating an artificial shared address.
03Social recognition
Show how friends, family and others know your relationship through relevant statements, activities, visits and records.
04Mutual commitment
Explain the relationship’s development, ongoing communication, knowledge of each other and plans for a shared life. Consistency matters more than document volume.
Criteria are not identical
Each subclass has its own requirements. The 300 is for eligible couples intending to marry and requires a separate later partner application for the usual onward pathway. You do not have to stay in an unsafe relationship. Exceptions may allow some applications to continue after a relationship ends; eligibility depends on the subclass and circumstances. See the official family violence information (opens in a new tab).
General information only, not individual migration advice. See the Department’s partner visa information (opens in a new tab).
Partner visa questions
No. Qualifying de facto partners may be eligible for 820/801 or 309/100, subject to the usual duration requirement or an exception. The 300 pathway is for eligible couples intending to marry.
No. It establishes the marriage, but the relationship must also meet the relevant genuine and continuing relationship criteria. Evidence should reflect the couple’s real circumstances.
No. The Department considers the relationship as a whole. Evidence categories are not a checklist requiring identical bank, household or social arrangements from every couple.
Not by itself. Check the visa currently in effect and any bridging visa grant and conditions. An offshore partner application does not provide an Australian bridging visa.
Permanent-stage eligibility is generally considered two years after the original combined application—not two years after the temporary visa grant. Earlier consideration can apply to qualifying long-term relationships. This is an eligibility milestone, not a promised decision date.
You do not have to remain in an unsafe relationship. If the relationship ends, do not assume withdrawal or refusal is inevitable: family violence, a sponsor’s death or qualifying child-related circumstances may affect some applications. Eligibility depends on the subclass, stage and circumstances; obtain individual advice.
Times vary by pathway and circumstances. Refer to current Department guidance; an eligibility milestone is not a guaranteed processing time or grant date.
Your matter:
Partner & Marriage Visas.
Selected service · Partner & Marriage Visas
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your partner & marriage visas consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.