Family & Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801 & 309/100)

Australia’s Family and Partner visa program helps reunite loved ones by allowing Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens to sponsor their spouse, de facto partner, or family members for migration. These visas are designed to create a clear pathway to permanent residency for eligible partners and family.

Partner Visas – Subclass 820/801 (Onshore) & 309/100 (Offshore)

The Partner visa is for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents. It’s processed in two stages — a temporary visa followed by permanent residency.

Subclass 820 / 801 – Onshore Application

• 820: Temporary visa (Stage 1)
• 801: Permanent residency (Stage 2 after 2 years)
• Apply while inside Australia

Subclass 309 / 100 – Offshore Application

• 309: Temporary visa (Stage 1)
• 100: Permanent residency (Stage 2 after 2 years)
• Apply while outside Australia

Key Benefits:

• Live, work, and study in Australia
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Include dependent children
• No employer sponsorship required
• Access to PR and citizenship pathway after eligibility period

Other Family Visa Types:

Parent Visa (Contributory and Non-Contributory)

• For parents of an Australian PR/citizen child
• Subclasses: 143, 173, 103
• May involve longer waiting periods or higher costs for faster processing

Child Visa (Subclass 101/802)

• For biological, adopted, or step-children of an eligible sponsor

Aged Dependent Relative, Remaining Relative & Carer Visas

• Special visa classes for relatives who are dependent on or supporting Australian citizens/PRs

Partner Visa Eligibility

• To apply, you must:
• Be in a genuine relationship with your Australian partner
• Provide evidence of shared life, financial commitment, and social recognition
• Be married or in a de facto relationship (12+ months)
• Pass health and character checks
• If in Australia: hold a valid visa and not barred by condition 8503
• If overseas: apply through the 309 stream

Required Documents

• For Partner Visa:
• Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence
• Joint financial documents (leases, accounts, bills)
• Travel history, photos, and shared social events
• Relationship statements from both partners
• Statutory declarations (Form 888)
• Proof of Australian sponsor’s citizenship or PR
• Health & police clearance certificates
• For Parent/Child/Other Family Visas:
• Birth certificates or adoption orders
• Proof of relationship to sponsor
• Dependency or carer documentation (if applicable)

Important Information

• Partner visa is a two-stage process: temporary first, then permanent
• Processing times may range from 12–24 months
• Work and study rights are available on temporary visa
• You may include dependent children in the application
• Sponsorship obligations apply to the Australian partner