Partner Visas 820/801 & 309/100 : The Complete Australian Partner Visa Guide

Filling out forms for a partner visa australia can feel like moving a mountain with a teaspoon. Don’t worry. We have your back.

Navigating the rules for a partner visa is rarely simple. Department updates arrive fast. Requirements shift. Mistakes happen.

Fortunately, expert help is close by. Whether you need a migration agent adelaide or a qualified migration agent australia, Skillage Nimbus simplifies the entire journey for subclasses 820, 801, 309, and 100.

1. Onshore vs Offshore: Which Pathway Applies?

Let’s keep things straightforward.

Onshore Streams: Subclass 820 & Subclass 801

  • Subclass 820: Temporary visa. You must be physically inside Australia when you apply.
  • Subclass 801: Permanent visa. Assessed roughly two years after your initial lodgement.
  • The Process: One combined application. One upfront government fee. Two stages.

Visa applicants reviewing paperwork together

Offshore Streams: Subclass 309 & Subclass 100

  • Subclass 309: Temporary visa. You must be outside Australia when you apply.
  • Subclass 100: Permanent visa. Granted after proving ongoing commitment two years later.
  • The Process: Also one combined application lodged from overseas.

Whether married or applying for a de facto visa, the core test remains identical: proof of a genuine and continuing relationship.

2. The Crucial ‘One-RFI’ Rule Update

Department of Home Affairs processing practices have changed. Case officers now apply the ‘One-RFI’ approach.

What does this mean for your application?

  • One chance: Officers generally issue only one consolidated Request for Information (RFI).
  • No staggered follow-ups: Gone are the days of small, piecemeal document requests. If police checks, financial records, or Form 888 declarations are missing, you receive one big warning.
  • Strict deadlines: Fail to respond comprehensively, and refusal follows quickly.

Close up macro photography of official Australian visa application documents

The takeaway: Front-load your evidence. Leave zero guesswork for the case officer.

3. Four Pillars of Relationship Evidence

Department case officers inspect four specific areas:

  1. Financial Aspects: Joint bank accounts, shared lease agreements, shared bills, pooled assets.
  2. Household Setup: Shared chores, mail delivered to the same address, household responsibilities.
  3. Social Context: Joint invitations, holidays together, statutory declarations (Form 888) from friends and family.
  4. Commitment: Wills naming each other, beneficiary nominations, communication logs during separation.

Organise every file clearly. Label each document. Tell your unique story without fluff.

4. Why Professional Guidance Matters

Getting a partner visa australia approved requires absolute precision. Small errors trigger delays. Omissions lead to harsh refusals under the ‘One-RFI’ rule.

Working with an experienced migration agent adelaide eliminates guesswork. We verify every statutory declaration, check every police certificate, and ensure your file meets strict Department standards before submission.

Need immediate clarity? Reach out to our team at Skillage Nimbus.


Learn More & Book a Consultation

Ready to secure your future in Australia? Do not leave your relationship proof to chance.

Book a Consultation with Skillage Nimbus right now to speak directly with an expert migration agent adelaide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Subclass 820 and Subclass 801?

Subclass 820 is the temporary partner visa granted when applying onshore. Subclass 801 is the permanent partner visa granted usually two years after lodgement, once your ongoing relationship is verified.

Can I include children in my partner visa application?

Yes. Eligible dependent children can be included in your combined application for subclasses 820/801 or 309/100, subject to standard family member criteria.

What is the ‘One-RFI’ rule?

It is a Department processing practice where case officers issue a single, comprehensive Request for Information for missing documents rather than multiple staggered requests. Complete initial lodgement is vital.

Do we need to be legally married to apply?

No. De facto couples who have been in a committed relationship for at least 12 months (or registered their relationship with an Australian state/territory) are fully eligible for partner visas.

How long does a partner visa take to process?

Processing times vary depending on the Department’s current caseload and the completeness of your application. Front-loading evidence significantly prevents unnecessary delays