Partner visa 2026 — key facts
- Application charge: AUD 11,710 for the main applicant (820/801 or 309/100), paid once for both stages.
- Onshore 820: around half of applications decided in about 21–22 months, and 90% within about 30 months (Department data, late 2026).
- Offshore 309: around half decided in about 21 months, and 90% within about 32 months.
- Partner places in the 2026–27 Migration Program: 41,500.
For many couples, the partner visa is the most important application they will ever make. It is also one of the most expensive and slowest. Here's what to expect in 2026 and how to prepare an application that is ready for a decision from day one.
Which partner visa?
- Subclass 820/801 — applied for in Australia. The 820 is temporary; the 801 is permanent.
- Subclass 309/100 — applied for outside Australia. The 309 is temporary; the 100 is permanent.
- Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage) — for engaged couples. You marry in Australia within nine months, then apply onshore for the 820/801 at a reduced charge.
You apply for both stages at once and pay one fee. The permanent stage (801 or 100) is assessed about two years after you lodge, when you will be asked to update your relationship evidence.
Costs in 2026
| Applicant | 820/801 and 309/100 |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | AUD 11,710 |
| Each additional applicant 18+ | AUD 5,860 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | AUD 2,935 |
| 820/801 lodged by a Prospective Marriage (300) visa holder | AUD 1,955 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs visa pricing table (updated July 2026). Budget separately for medicals, police certificates and translations.
Processing times
| Visa | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| 820 (onshore temporary) | about 21–22 months | about 30 months |
| 309 (offshore temporary) | about 21 months | about 32 months |
| 801 (onshore permanent, from eligibility) | about 6–8 months | about 19 months |
| 100 (offshore permanent, from eligibility) | about 9 months | about 21 months |
These figures come from the Department's published processing times in October–November 2026 and change monthly. Complete, well-evidenced applications are generally decided faster, because case officers don't need to request more information.
The evidence you need
Your relationship is assessed across four areas:
- Financial — joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint assets or loans.
- Household — living together, a joint lease or mortgage, shared responsibilities.
- Social — being known as a couple, joint travel and events, and statements (Form 888) from at least two people who know you.
- Commitment — how long you've been together, your plans, and your knowledge of each other's lives.
De facto couples generally need to have been together for at least 12 months before applying, unless the relationship is registered in an eligible state or territory.
Tips to avoid delays
- Lodge a complete application with all identity, relationship, police and health documents ready.
- Write clear, detailed relationship statements that match your evidence.
- Check your sponsor's eligibility early — there are limits on how many partners a person can sponsor and how often.
- If you are in Australia on a visitor visa, check for a "No Further Stay" condition before planning an onshore application.
- Keep collecting evidence while you wait — you'll need it for the permanent stage.
If a relationship breaks down because of family violence, special provisions may still allow the visa applicant to be granted permanent residence. Speak to a registered migration agent confidentially.
Our Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518800) prepares partner visa applications for couples in Australia and India. Learn more about family and partner visas or book a consultation.
