Australia Partner Visa Guide 2025: Complete Onshore and Offshore Overview

Migrating to Australia through a partner visa remains one of the most popular pathways for couples in 2025. Whether you're married, in a de facto relationship, or engaged, Australia's partner visa system offers opportunities to unite with your loved one permanently. This guide will break down the differences between the onshore and offshore partner visa options, outline the application process, eligibility requirements, estimated costs, and processing times, all updated for 2025.

A partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The process typically involves two stages — a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa. The two main categories are:

• Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): Apply while you are inside Australia.
• Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): Apply while you are outside Australia.

Each pathway eventually leads to permanent residency if the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Application Location

• Onshore: You must be physically in Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
• Offshore: You must be outside Australia when applying and when the temporary visa (Subclass 309) is granted.

Bridging Visa Availability

• Onshore: Applicants receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing them to remain in Australia while waiting.
• Offshore: No bridging visa; the applicant must remain offshore until the temporary visa is approved.

Processing Flexibility

• Onshore: Greater flexibility to stay with your partner during processing.
• Offshore: Suitable if you cannot enter Australia easily or prefer to remain in your home country.

Eligible Sponsors

• Australian citizen
• Australian permanent resident
• Eligible New Zealand citizen

Relationship Requirements

• Marriage: Must be legally married.
• De Facto Relationship: Must have been in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months prior to application, unless there are compelling circumstances.
• Engagement: Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is a separate pathway for engaged couples.

Evidence of a Genuine and Continuing Relationship

• Joint financial responsibilities (bank accounts, assets, insurances)
• Shared household arrangements
• Social recognition of your relationship (photos, invitations, joint travel)
• Mutual commitment to a shared life

Health and Character Requirements

• Medical examinations
• Police clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years

Sponsor Obligations

• The sponsor must agree to provide support, including accommodation and financial assistance, for two years after the visa grant.

Stage 1: Temporary Partner Visa Application

• Onshore: Subclass 820
• Offshore: Subclass 309

The applicant submits all relationship evidence, sponsor form, health checks, and police clearances at this stage. If granted, the applicant can stay and work in Australia (or enter Australia for offshore applicants).

Stage 2: Permanent Partner Visa Application

• Onshore: Subclass 801
• Offshore: Subclass 100

Two years after submitting the initial application, the permanent stage is assessed. Additional evidence is required to show that the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.

Decision-Ready Applications

Submitting a complete application with all required documents upfront significantly speeds up processing times in 2025.

Visa Application Charges (VAC)

• Main applicant: AUD 8,850 (approx.)
• Additional applicant (over 18 years): AUD 4,430
• Additional applicant (under 18 years): AUD 2,215

Other Potential Costs

• Health examinations: AUD 350–500
• Police certificates: varies by country
• Document translations (if necessary)
• Migration agent fees (optional): AUD 2,000–5,000

It is important to budget properly because visa fees are non-refundable if the application is refused.

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

• 25% of applications: 6 months
• 50% of applications: 10 months
• 75% of applications: 16 months

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

• 25% of applications: 7 months
• 50% of applications: 12 months
• 75% of applications: 20 months

Times can vary based on the completeness of the application, country of origin, and individual circumstances.

Prepare Strong Relationship Evidence

Gather detailed evidence across all areas — financial, social, household, and commitment aspects. Third-party declarations and timelines are very useful.

Respond to Department Requests Promptly

Any additional information requests must be answered quickly to avoid delays.

Maintain Regular Communication

For offshore applicants, consistent communication with your partner is crucial. Keep screenshots, emails, chat records, and call logs.

Keep Relationship Genuine and Stable

Major disruptions in the relationship during the visa process can negatively affect the application.

Consider Professional Help if Needed

While not mandatory, consulting a registered migration agent can help ensure your application is strong and complete.

COVID-19 Policy Continuations

Some leniencies introduced during the pandemic, such as allowing offshore applicants to be in Australia at the time of visa grant, may continue in limited cases through 2025. Always check the latest announcements.

Family Violence Provisions

If the relationship breaks down due to family violence, applicants may still be eligible for the permanent visa stage under specific provisions.

Death of a Sponsor

If the sponsoring partner passes away, the applicant might still be eligible if they can demonstrate that the relationship was genuine before the death.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a partner visa is a significant step that can lead to a lifelong future together in Australia. Understanding the distinctions between onshore and offshore applications is critical in choosing the right path for your situation. In 2025, the partner visa program remains robust but demands thorough preparation, attention to detail, and a sincere demonstration of your relationship. With the right planning and documentation, you and your partner can successfully navigate the journey to permanent residency and build a new life in Australia.