Partner visa.

The onshore pathway (subclasses 820 and 801) is for applicants who are already in Australia at the time of application and intend to remain here. Applicants are generally granted a bridging visa that allows them to stay in Australia while their application is processed. The offshore pathway (subclasses 309 and 100) is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application, or who choose to be assessed as offshore applicants. The applicant must be outside Australia when the temporary visa is granted. Both pathways ultimately lead to the same permanent visa outcome, but the timing, processing arrangements and interim conditions differ. You cannot switch freely between the pathways after lodgement — the subclass you apply under determines the rules that apply to your application.

Processing times vary and the Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative timeframes on its website, but these change frequently and individual cases can take significantly longer or shorter depending on circumstances. Historically, partner visa applicants have waited anywhere from one to several years for the temporary stage, and then a further period before the permanent visa is granted (which generally cannot happen until the relationship has existed for at least two years from the date of the original application). Rather than relying on published estimates, it is worth checking the Department's current processing time information at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and discussing your specific situation with a registered migration agent.

The Department assesses relationship genuineness across four areas. Financial aspects include evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared expenses, joint ownership of property or assets, and shared financial commitments. Social aspects include evidence that you are recognised as a couple by family and friends — this might include statutory declarations from people who know you both, photos of you together at social events, or evidence of joint attendance at family occasions. Household aspects cover living arrangements and shared domestic responsibilities — evidence of a shared address, shared household bills or a lease in both names. Commitment covers evidence of your awareness of each other's circumstances, your future plans together and the duration and continuity of the relationship. Stronger applications typically provide multiple pieces of evidence in each area rather than relying heavily on one category. If you have been living apart for a period, you may also need to explain why and demonstrate that you maintained your commitment during that time.

Yes. If the Department of Home Affairs refuses a partner visa application, the applicant generally has the right to seek merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), provided the application was lodged and assessed in the correct way. There are strict time limits for lodging a review application — typically 70 days from the date of the refusal decision letter — so it is important to act quickly. A registered migration agent can assess whether review is likely to succeed, help you understand what additional evidence might address the reasons for refusal, and assist with preparing the review application. In some cases, lodging a new application may be more appropriate than seeking review; an agent can advise on the better course of action based on your circumstances.

The partner visa application charge is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is paid at the time of application. The second instalment is paid before the permanent visa (subclass 801 or 100) is granted — this is a significant charge in its own right. Additional charges apply for each secondary applicant (such as dependent children) included in the application. The exact amounts are set by the Department and updated periodically; use the visa pricing estimator at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for current figures. On top of the government charges, migration agent fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and the agent's experience. It is reasonable to ask any agent for a written quote before engaging them.