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Navigating Australia Partner Visa family migration pathways can be a rewarding yet complex journey for couples seeking to build a life together Down Under. Two prominent options for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens are the Partner Visa (subclasses 820/801 onshore and 309/100 offshore) and the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300). 

These visas cater to different relationship stages: the Partner Visa for those already in a committed marriage or de facto relationship, and the Prospective Marriage Visa for engaged couples planning to wed in Australia.

As of October 2025, significant updates have reshaped these programs. Fee hikes effective July 1, 2025, streamlined evidence rules for faster processing, and revised English language testing requirements from August 7, 2025, have made these visas more accessible yet costlier. 

Whether you’re in a long-term partnership or eagerly planning a wedding, understanding these options is crucial for a successful application.

Overview of the Partner Visa

The Partner Visa program is designed for spouses or de facto partners to join or remain with their Australian sponsor in the country. It operates on a two-stage process: a temporary visa first, followed by a permanent one after demonstrating the relationship’s ongoing genuineness, typically two years later.

Types and Subtypes of Partner Visas

There are two primary types based on location:

1. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801)
   • Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa): This provisional visa allows the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while the permanent stage is assessed. It’s for those already in Australia on a valid visa (e.g., tourist or student). Holders receive full work rights and access to Medicare.
   • Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa): Granted after the temporary visa, this provides indefinite stay, work, and study rights, plus eligibility for citizenship after four years. It includes family sponsorship rights for other relatives.
2. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclasses 309 and 100)
   • Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner Visa): For applicants outside Australia, this allows entry for a provisional stay. It’s similar to 820 but requires the applicant to be offshore at lodgment and grant.
   • Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa): The second stage, applied for after two years from the initial application, leading to permanent residency.

These subtypes ensure flexibility for couples at different stages of relocation. No major structural changes occurred in 2025, but processing efficiencies improved with relaxed evidence flexibility from July 1, 2025.

Overview of the Prospective Marriage Visa

The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is a temporary entry visa for fiancés intending to marry an Australian sponsor and subsequently apply for a Partner Visa. It’s unique as it bridges engagement to marriage, with a strict nine-month window post-grant to wed.

Types and Subtypes

Unlike the Partner Visa, the subclass 300 has no subtypes—it’s a single temporary visa. However, key features include:

• Temporary Nature: Valid for nine months from grant, during which the holder must enter Australia (if applied offshore) and marry the sponsor. No extensions are possible.
• Pathway to Permanency: Post-marriage, applicants must lodge a Partner Visa (820/801) onshore, benefiting from a reduced fee.
• Onshore/Offshore Flexibility: A pivotal 2024 update (effective July 1, 2024, and unchanged in 2025) allows applications and grants for those already in Australia on another visa, eliminating the need for departure. This change has boosted accessibility for couples mid-relocation.

The visa emphasizes genuine intent to marry, with no provision for de facto relationships without marriage plans.

Key Differences Between Partner Visa and Prospective Marriage Visa

The core distinction lies in relationship status: Partner Visas suit established couples, while the subclass 300 targets pre-marital commitments. Below is a comparison table highlighting major differences as of 2025.

This table underscores the Prospective Marriage Visa’s role as a precursor, often cheaper initially but requiring swift action.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is rigorously assessed for genuineness, health, and character. Both visas share sponsor requirements but diverge in relationship proofs.

Eligibility for Partner Visa

To qualify for subclasses 820/801 or 309/100:

• Sponsor Requirements: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18+, not in another relationship, and able to support financially (no strict income test since 2019).
• Applicant Requirements:
  • Genuine, ongoing spousal or de facto relationship (evidenced by joint finances, household, social recognition, commitment). For de facto, 12 months cohabitation unless compelling reasons.
  • Meet health and character checks (police clearances from all countries lived in >12 months since age 16).
  • Basic English (Functional level, see below).
  • Not previously sponsored (sponsor limited to two lifetime visas).
• Subtypes Specifics: Onshore applicants need a valid substantive visa; offshore must be outside at grant.

In 2025, updates allow more flexible evidence submission, like statutory declarations for missing documents, reducing refusals.