Apply for

For spouses or de facto partners already in Australia who want to stay with their Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ partner and transition to permanent residency.

For spouses or de facto partners outside Australia who want to move to Australia to live with their Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ partner and gain permanent residency.

For engaged partners outside Australia who intend to marry their Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ partner in Australia, then later apply for a Partner visa.

Application can be in Australia or outside Australia.

Applicant must be outside Australia when applying, but the decision can be made whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia.

Must be outside Australia when applying. After that, the applicant can be in Australia or outside Australia.

Married or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor.

Married or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor.

Engaged to marry an eligible sponsor (fiancé(e) relationship). Marriage must occur within the visa validity.

Combined application for temporary 820, then permanent 801. PR is usually assessed at least 2 years after lodgement (timing can vary). Exceptions apply, and invitations can be received in less than 2 years.

Combined application for temporary 309, then permanent 100. PR is usually assessed after a qualifying period on the 309, at least 2 years after lodgement (timing can vary). Exceptions apply, and invitations can be received in less than 2 years.

Temporary visa (300) valid for 9–15 months. After marriage, you apply onshore for Partner 820/801 to move toward PR.

820: stay until a decision is made on the 801 permanent stage.

309: stay in Australia while the 100 permanent stage is processed. The expiry date is until the Subclass 100 is decided.

300: stay 9–15 months from grant to enter Australia, marry, and then lodge Partner 820/801.

Full work rights on the 820; Bridging Visa A linked to an 820 application allows work (often after applying for work rights if needed).

Full work rights on the 309 and 100 visas once in Australia.

300 holders can work in Australia during the visa validity.

While holding subclass 820, you can study but must pay as an international student. After granting 801, you may be eligible for domestic fees.

While holding subclass 820, you can study but must pay as an international student. After granting 801, you may be eligible for domestic fees.

Study allowed at own expense while holding the 300 visa.

820/801 are multiple-entry visas. While waiting on a bridging visa, you need a Bridging Visa B to travel and return.

309/100 visas are multiple-entry, allowing travel in and out of Australia while they are valid.

300 is a multiple-entry temporary visa – you can travel in and out of Australia during validity.

Usually eligible for Medicare once an 820 application is lodged and a suitable bridging visa is granted.

Medicare access generally available once holding the 309 (as a temporary partner) and then the 100 permanent visa.

Some 300 holders may access Medicare once they have lodged a Partner visa onshore; otherwise, they rely on private cover until then (case dependent).

Dependent children can be included in the application or added later if eligible

Dependent children can be included as secondary applicants on 309/100.

Dependent children can be included on the 300 visa and later on the Partner visa application.

When you are in Australia on a valid visa, in a genuine married or de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor, and able to meet health, character, and relationship evidence requirements.

When you are outside Australia, in a genuine married or de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor, and ready to move or join them in Australia.

When you are outside Australia, engaged to your sponsor, and genuinely intend to marry within the visa validity and then apply for a Partner visa.