Partner Visa Australia Checklist: What You Need to Prepare

Applying for a partner visa in Australia requires more than just filling out forms. A partner visa checklist is essential, as it provides a comprehensive list of documents and steps required for a successful application. You’ll need strong evidence, supporting documents, and attention to detail—especially if you want to avoid delays or refusals. Gathering all necessary personal documents, such as identification and supporting materials, is a crucial part of the preparation process.

Partner Visa Australia Checklist checklist outlines exactly what’s needed to prepare a solid application, whether you’re applying onshore (subclass 820/801) or offshore (subclass 309/100).

Introduction to Partner Visas

A partner visa is designed for individuals who are in a committed de facto or married relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows the applicant, whether a spouse or de facto partner, to live in Australia with their loved one. The partner visa application process involves applying for both a temporary and a permanent partner visa at the same time, under the partner visa subclass. To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you are in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner at the time of application. Partner visas provide a clear pathway to permanent residency for those who meet the requirements, whether you are married or in a de facto relationship with an eligible partner. This process is open to both same-sex and different sex couples, ensuring that all genuine relationships are recognised under Australian migration law.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a partner visa, you must meet strict eligibility criteria set by the Australian government. You must be married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible New Zealand citizen. De facto partners are required to show that their relationship has been genuine and stable for at least 12 months before lodging the application, unless you have registered your relationship in an Australian state or territory. Sufficient evidence is essential—this includes proof of joint financial commitments, such as a joint bank account or shared bills, evidence of living together, and social recognition of your relationship. Both partners must also meet health and character requirements, which involve medical checks and police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16. Meeting these criteria is crucial for a successful partner visa application.

Partner Visa Subclass

The partner visa covers several visa subclasses, each designed for different stages of your relationship and migration journey. The temporary partner visa (subclass 820) allows the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily while their permanent partner visa (subclass 801) is processed. Once you have held the temporary partner visa and continue to meet all eligibility requirements, you may be granted the permanent partner visa, which provides full permanent residency rights. For couples who are engaged but not yet married, the prospective marriage visa (subclass 300) application offers a pathway to enter Australia, marry your partner, and then apply for a partner visa. Each partner visa subclass is designed to support genuine relationships and provide a clear route to becoming an Australian permanent resident or eligible new resident. The subclass 309 and 100 are offshore Partner visa applications.

Health and Character Requirements

All partner visa applicants and their sponsors must satisfy strict health and character requirements as part of the visa application process. This means undergoing a medical examination with an approved panel doctor to ensure you meet Australia’s health standards. In addition, you must provide police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since the age of 16. These checks are essential for character assessment and help demonstrate that you are of good character and pose no risk to the Australian community. Failing to meet these requirements can result in your partner visa application being refused, so it’s important to gather all necessary documents and complete these steps as early as possible.

Identity & Relationship Documents

You’ll need to prove who you are, and that your relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing.

Personal ID

• Passport (bio page)

• Birth certificate

• National ID (if applicable)

• Passport-sized photos (Australian standard)

• Police clearances from each country you've lived in for 12+ months since age 16

• Military service record (if relevant)

• Divorce or death certificates (if previously married)

Sponsor ID

• Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency

• Completed Form 40SP (sponsorship form lodged in the ImmiAccount after visa application lodgement)

• Sponsor’s police clearances (if required)

• Details of any previous partner visa sponsorships

Proof of Relationship

You must show that your relationship is a genuine relationship across four key areas: financial, social, commitment, and household. You can see an example statement here. This applies whether you and your partner are of the same or different sex.

Required Evidence of the Four Pillars of the Relationship

• Joint bank account statements or bills

• Lease, mortgage or utility accounts in both names

• Photos together across different times and places

• Travel history and itinerary documents

• Screenshots of messages or call logs (if relevant)

• Form 888 – Forms filled by family or friends, who know about your relationship

• Personal written statements about the relationship history (when and how you met, how things developed)

Forms & Partner Visa Application Documents

These are the core application documents the visa applicant and sponsor must submit:

• Form 47SP – Partner visa application (the main application form to be filled out in the ImmiAccount)

• Form 40SP – Sponsor form (part of the sponsorship application process after visa application has been lodged)

• Form 888s – Third-party statements from friend and family

• Visa status evidence (for onshore applicants), including details of your previous visa and whether your visa was ever cancelled

• Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence (at least 12 months of living together or a registered relationship)

After Lodgement

Once you’ve submitted your application, you may be asked to provide:

• Medical examination (from a panel doctor)

• Biometrics (depending on country of origin)

• Updated police clearances if requested

Translation & Certification

• Any non-English documents must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator (or approved translator overseas).

• Depending on submission method, some documents may need to be certified copies.

Partner Visa Australia Checklist Summary

Note:
If your current visa expires while your application is being processed, you may be granted a bridging visa (such as Bridging Visa A, B, C, or E) to maintain lawful status in Australia until a decision is made.

Final Notes

A well-prepared partner visa application takes time. You need to show the full picture of your relationship, not just tick boxes. Poor documentation is one of the most common reasons for refusal.

At Via Migration, we help couples present strong, decision-ready applications. If you're unsure where to start, or want to avoid mistakes, speak to a registered migration agent.

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