Partner visa screening framework

Partner eligibility

A two-minute screening of the baseline legal requirements for an Australian partner visa (820/801, 309/100 or 300). Indicative only - not legal advice. Checked against Home Affairs on 7 October 2026.

01

Relationship status

You must be married to, or the de facto partner of, your sponsor - both when you apply and when the application is decided.

02

Sponsor eligibility

Is your partner an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over?

03

Sponsor history

In the last 5 years, has your partner sponsored another partner, or been sponsored as a partner themselves? Or would this be their third partner sponsorship?

04

Where you will apply

05

Shared evidence

Do you have joint financial commitments - a lease, utilities or a shared bank account?

This screening is general information only, produces an indicative result and is not legal advice. Eligibility is confirmed in a consultation.

Behind the questions

What the screening actually tests

Relationship basis

Marriage, or a de facto relationship of at least 12 months immediately before you apply. The 12 months does not apply if the relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory authority, or if compelling and compassionate circumstances exist. De facto applicants must be 18 or over.

Sponsorship limits

Home Affairs must approve the sponsor, who must be 18 or over and may need to meet character requirements, including police checks. A sponsorship can be refused if it would be the sponsor’s third partner sponsorship, or if they sponsored a partner - or were sponsored as one - in the last 5 years, unless an exception applies.

Evidence depth

The relationship is assessed on its financial aspects, the nature of the household, its social aspects and your commitment to each other. Home Affairs only considers priority processing where all supporting documents are lodged with the application, and a request for more information adds time - so gaps at lodgement cost you.

Visa application charge from 1 July 2026: AUD 11,710 for most applicants for the 820/801, 309/100 and 300. A 300 holder who marries and applies for the 820/801 before the 300 ends pays AUD 1,955. The 300 is granted for 9 to 15 months. Estimate the full cost, including family members, with our fee calculator.
Sources

Screening is a start. Strategy wins

Turn an indicative result into a lodgement plan - book a consultation with an Australian migration lawyer.

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