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PARTNER VISA — ONSHORE

OVERVIEW

The Partner visa (subclass 820/801) is for people already in Australia who want to build a life here with their Australian partner — whether married, or in a genuine de facto relationship, generally evidenced by at least 12 months of cohabitation. It’s one of the most commonly applied-for family visas in the country, and also one of the more heavily scrutinised.

Subclass 820/801 — for onshore applicants

We begin by understanding the employer’s workforce needs in detail, including the position, required skills and experience, team structure, operational environment and the qualities needed for the candidate to succeed. Where employer sponsorship may be required, migration considerations are assessed early so the recruitment strategy is aligned with a realistic visa pathway.

Subclass 309/100 — for offshore applicants

Candidates are sourced through MYAC’s local and international networks, including our database of more than 10,000 pre-screened candidates. Each candidate is assessed against the specific requirements of the position, including their qualifications, employment history, technical skills, practical capability, communication skills and overall suitability for the employer.

Subclass 820 — the temporary visa, granted first

We prepare targeted shortlists based on the employer’s actual requirements rather than simply forwarding available candidates. Inter Interviews may be conducted face-to-face, virtually or through MYAC’s international recruitment roadshows. Practical trials, trade testing and additional verification can also be arranged where appropriate.

Subclass 801 — the permanent visa, generally available after two years on the 820

We prepare targeted shortlists based on the employer’s actual requirements rather than simply forwarding available candidates. Inter Interviews may be conducted face-to-face, virtually or through MYAC’s international recruitment roadshows. Practical trials, trade testing and additional verification can also be arranged where appropriate.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE

Sponsor eligibility and the two-partner limit

The sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and must pass a character assessment as part of the application — a relevant history of family violence can see a sponsorship refused outright.

Case officers assess the relationship against four broad pillars of evidence — financial (joint accounts, shared debts), household (shared address, division of domestic duties), social (how the relationship is presented to family, friends and the community), and commitment (the nature of the household, plans for the future). A well-prepared file builds all four consistently, rather than leaning heavily on one.

You must be in a genuine spousal or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

You must be in Australia at the time of application

WHAT IT GIVES YOU

  • Live, work, study and travel without restrictions
  • A guaranteed minimum wage while working
  • Medicare access in most instances
  • Domestic student fees at Australian institutions
  • Eligibility to apply for citizenship once you meet residency requirements
  • The ability to sponsor family members under relevant programs

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

The strength of a Partner visa application rests almost entirely on the depth and consistency of the relationship evidence
provided. A well-prepared application typically includes:

Passport

Birth certificate

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Proof of name change (if applicable)

Divorce certificate (if applicable)

National identity card

Police clearance certificates from every relevant country

Form 80 — personal particulars for character assessment, if requested​

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

The strength of a Partner visa application rests almost entirely on the depth and consistency of the relationship evidence
provided. A well-prepared application typically includes:

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of name change (if applicable)
  • Divorce certificate (if applicable)
  • National identity card​
  • Police clearance certificates from every relevant country​
  • Form 80 — personal particulars for character assessment, if requested​
  • Statutory declarations from you and your partner covering how you met, your living arrangements, and your plans together
  • Joint bank statements or financial commitments — joint loans, shared expenses
  • Shared household documents — rental agreements, utility bills, lease agreements
  • Evidence of joint activities — photos together, travel itineraries, invitations to shared events
  • Evidence of joint activities — photos together, travel itineraries, invitations to shared events
  • Correspondence showing ongoing communication and planning together
  • Statutory declarations from friends and family who can speak to the relationship

The permanent stage — standard and streamlined

The 801 permanent stage is normally assessed around two years after the temporary 820 is granted, based on evidence the relationship remains genuine and continuing. Couples with a combined relationship of 5 or more years (married and/or de facto), or 2 or more years where there is a dependent child of the relationship, may qualify to have the permanent stage assessed immediately, without the standard wait.

Applying for a Partner visa? Relationship evidence is where most applications succeed or stall. Get advice on your specific case before you lodge

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