If you’re a Thai or foreign citizen living overseas who is in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Australian Partner Migration Visa allows you to live in Australia with resident rights. This visa is for couples who are in a provably genuine relationship and are ready to take the next step toward building a life together in Australia.
If you’re applying from outside Australia, the Australian visa process can be hard to follow and fraught with risk, especially if you’re unsure what proof you need. This guide walks you through each step so you can avoid mistakes and bring your partner to Australia swiftly and smoothly.
What is the Australian Partner Migration Visa?
The Australian Partner Migration Visa lets you live legally in Australia with important rights that are key to long-term settlement, provided you are legally married to an eligible sponsor or are in a de facto partnership with them. If you’re applying from outside Australia, the process happens in two stages: Subclass 309 and Subclass 100.
Subclass 309 is the temporary visa. It lets you stay in Australia while the government reviews your relationship. If they decide the relationship is genuine and stable, you may be granted Subclass 100, which provides permanent residency.
This visa only applies to applicants outside Australia. If you are already in the country, a different visa subclass applies. If you’re looking for other family visa types, the Australian family visa page gives an overview of those options.
Who can apply for the Australian Partner Migration Visa?
You can apply for the Australian Partner Migration Visa if you meet all of these conditions:
- You’re in a genuine relationship as a spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- You’re at least 18 years old when you apply
- You’re outside Australia when you submit the application and when the visa decision is made
- You pass health and character checks
- You’ve repaid any debts owed to the Australian government
- If you’re under 18, your sponsor must be your partner’s parent or legal guardian
Why apply for the Australian Partner Migration Visa?
Once granted the temporary partner visa, you can immediately move to Australia, stay with your partner, and begin building a life together while you wait for a final decision on your permanent visa.
You can work, study, and use some public healthcare while your permanent visa application is being assessed. If the second stage is approved, you’ll be allowed to stay in Australia permanently with resident status.
Where do you submit the application for Australian Partner Migration Visa?
You need to apply online using the Australian Government’s immigration website. The system will guide you through the steps and ask for documents that prove your relationship and identity. Make sure you are outside Australia when you apply. If you’re inside the country, this visa does not apply to you and you’ll need a different one.
You will also need to visit the VFS Australia Visa Application Center. This private company handles the processing of Australian visa applications from Thailand and collects biometric data, but the final approval still comes from the embassy.
When should you apply for the Australian Partner Migration Visa?
You should apply well before you plan your travel. The process can take many months, and delays are common if documents are missing or unclear. There’s no fixed deadline but you must be outside Australia when you apply when a decision is made.
If your current visa from another country is about to expire, don’t wait till the last minute. The sooner you apply with complete documents, the better your chances of you getting approved, and have time to hand any extra paperwork if required.
How does the Australia Partner Migration Visa process work?
You only need to submit one application for both stages of the Partner visa. If approved, you will first receive the temporary visa, subclass 309, which allows you to live in Australia while your relationship and application are reviewed.
If your relationship remains genuine and stable, you may be granted the permanent visa, subclass 100. Most people reach this stage about two years after applying, unless the relationship has already been long-term.
Before a final decision is made, you must pass health checks and submit police certificates from countries you have lived in. Your Australian partner must also show that they can support you in Australia.
Who can sponsor your Australia Partner Visa?
If you are the Australian citizen in the relationship, your role as the sponsor is important. To be the sponsor, you must be the applicant’s legal spouse or de facto partner, unless they’re under 18, in which case your parent(s) must be the sponsor(s).
As the sponsor, you must agree to support your partner for the first two years after they arrive. This means helping with housing, daily living costs, and English classes if needed. The government will also check your background. If you’ve had serious criminal charges or issues with past sponsorships, you may not qualify for the Australian Partner Migration Visa.
Can you include family members in your application?
You can include your dependent children or stepchildren in the same application, but each child must meet the same health and character checks as you. You’ll need to provide documents that prove your legal relationship, such as birth certificates or custody papers. If approved, your children will receive the same visa status as you.
Get Professional Help with Australian Partner Migration Visa
A poorly prepared visa application can lead to long delays, requests for more documents, or even rejection. Many applicants think their relationship speaks for itself, but immigration officers need clear evidence that follows strict rules and guidelines.
If you’re unsure how to present your case or confused by the legal wording, connect with Siam Legal’s Australian visa consultants and prevent your time and money from being wasted on a bad application. Siam Legal has been helping Thais and expats acquire settlement visas from Thailand to Australia and beyond for over 20 years, so we know what it takes to ensure a successful application.
Contact us today so we can help you get your Australian Partner Migration Visa application right from the start and build your new life without immigration obstacles.
Australia Partner Migration Visa FAQ
Do I need to be married to apply for the partner visa?
No. You can apply as a de facto partner, but you need to show that your relationship is genuine and has been ongoing for at least 12 months. That includes shared financial, household, and social evidence.
Can I work in Australia while my visa is being processed?
Yes. Once your subclass 309 visa is granted, you can work and study in Australia while you wait for the permanent stage to be decided.
How long does the visa process take?
Processing times vary, but the temporary visa (subclass 309) can take several months. The permanent visa (subclass 100) is usually assessed about two years after you apply.
What kind of evidence do I need to prove my relationship?
You’ll need documents like joint bank statements, lease agreements, photos together, travel records, and written statements from you and your partner. The stronger your evidence, the better.
Can I travel while waiting for my visa?
Yes, but you must be outside Australia both when you apply and when the subclass 309 decision is made. Once you get that visa, you’re free to travel.
What happens if my relationship ends during the process?
You must inform the Department of Home Affairs. They will review your situation and decide if your visa can continue. Not reporting changes could lead to cancellation.
How much does the partner visa cost?
The government sets the base fee, but the total cost can change depending on updates to the rules or extra steps needed for your case. Since these changes happen often, and costs aren’t always clear online, speaking with a migration professional is the safest way to avoid surprises and make sure you’re budgeting correctly.
LIVE SUPPORT
 CALLCall +66 2 254 8900 |  CHATChat with our representative |
