Those in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen are eligible for partner visas to Australia. These visas, a component of the Family Stream immigration programme, enable a foreign partner to accompany their Australian partner within Australia to reunite couples.
820 & 801 (Onshore Partner) Visa
The Onshore Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 & 801) enables the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. Applying for both the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) and Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) simultaneously is the initial step towards obtaining the Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801). This permanent visa allows individuals to become permanent residents, work, study, access Medicare, sponsor family members, and, if eligible, attend free English language classes. Additionally, it opens the possibility to apply for Australian citizenship.
309 & 100 (Offshore Partner) Visa
The Offshore Partner Visa (Subclasses 309 & 100) enables the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. Applying for both the temporary and permanent visas together is required. The Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) is the first step towards getting the Permanent Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100) which allows individuals to stay, work, and study in Australia as permanent residents. Individuals can also travel to and from Australia multiple times, sponsor other family members, and access Medicare.
300 (Prospective Marriage) Visa
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) allows individuals to come to Australia and stay anywhere between 9 and 15 months from the date of visa grant, and marry their prospective spouse, after which they would need to apply for a Partner Visa. Individuals must be 18 years or above, have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. With this visa individuals can work and study in Australia, and travel to and from the country as many times as they wish during the validity of the visa.