Love is a journey, and for many couples, that journey crosses continents. If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or a permanent resident,  the Australian Partner Visa program can help you close the distance and start building a life together.

But where do you begin? Choosing the right visa is about more than ticking boxes—it’s about finding the option that best fits your relationship and your goals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key details to help you make an informed decision that brings you and your partner one step closer to being together in Australia.

What is a Partner Visa?

Simply put, a Partner Visa allows the spouse, de facto partner, or fiancé of an eligible Australian to live in Australia. But it’s not just a visa—it’s an opportunity to reunite, to support each other, and to create a future without the challenges of long-distance separation.

The program recognizes the diversity of relationships. Whether you’re married, living together as a de facto couple, or planning to marry soon, there’s a visa pathway that suits your situation. At its core, the Partner Visa is about enabling families and couples to stay together, strengthening the ties that matter most.

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

The Onshore Partner Visa is more than just a legal document—it’s a chance for couples already in Australia to stay together and build a shared future. If you’re married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, this visa allows you to remain in the country while applying for temporary and permanent residency. It’s designed to take the stress out of managing immigration challenges, so you can focus on what matters most: your relationship.

What makes this visa truly special is the security it provides. With a bridging visa in place, you can continue your life in Australia while waiting for the outcome of your application. It means you don’t have to face the emotional toll of being apart or the uncertainty of having to leave the country. Instead, you can spend this time together, strengthening your bond and settling into a routine that feels like home. It’s a relief for couples who value not just their future, but the moments they get to share along the way.

While the application process requires effort, it’s a meaningful step toward building your life together. Gathering proof of your relationship—photos, shared finances, or even letters from friends and family—can feel like revisiting your love story. It’s a way to show not just the government but also yourselves how far you’ve come. The time and energy invested in this process are worth it because, at the end of the day, this visa is about creating a future that feels stable, secure, and entirely yours.

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

For couples separated by geography, the Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) provides a way to reunite. This visa begins with the temporary Subclass 309, which permits the partner living abroad to join their loved one in Australia while awaiting the outcome of their permanent visa application.

Unlike the onshore option, this visa must be applied for while the applicant is outside Australia. After about two years of holding the temporary visa, the applicant can transition to the Subclass 100 permanent visa, provided they meet the ongoing requirements. This pathway is especially suitable for couples managing long-distance relationships and planning their move to Australia in stages.

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

If you’re planning to marry in Australia, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is designed specifically for fiancés. This visa allows the applicant to enter Australia with the intention of getting married within nine months of the visa grant.

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to marry and provide evidence of a committed relationship. Once married, the holder of this visa can transition to a Partner Visa, paving the way for long-term residency in Australia. This option is ideal for couples preparing for their wedding and future life together.

Each of these visa types serves a distinct purpose, ensuring couples can choose the option that best aligns with their needs and future plans. Whether you’re building a life together in Australia, reuniting after time apart, or planning your wedding, these visas offer a pathway to bring your love story to life.

Conclusion

Choosing the right visa is more than a procedural decision—it’s about envisioning the life you want to build together. While the application process might seem daunting, every form you fill out and document you gather is a step toward the future you both deserve.

Take this process one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Stay true to your story, be prepared, and keep your focus on the bigger picture: a life shared with the person you love in Australia.