Partner Visa Australia Checklist 2026: What Applicants and Sponsors Need to Prepare
Applying for a Partner Visa in Australia is a process that needs a lot of preparation. Applicants and sponsors may have to provide identity information, evidence of their relationship, character documents, details of sponsorship and other supporting information relevant to their circumstances. Prospective applicants should also bear in mind that there is a visa application fee and possibly other charges.
Partner visa applications are usually made online via ImmiAccount, with paper applications being accepted only in limited cases by invitation. You can refer to the department's visa information page for more information, but for specific advice for your circumstances it is recommended to seek professional guidance from a migration agent.
Quick Partner Visa Australia Checklist
| Area | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Applicant | Identity, relationship history, health and character documents |
| Sponsor | Identity, sponsorship history, character information |
| Relationship | Relationship statement by sponsor and applicant, Form 888, financial evidence, household, social and commitment evidence |
This is a preparation guide, not a checklist. What evidence will be required will very much depend on your relationship. Each relationship is unique and with partner visas there is no 'one size fits all' checklist. If you are unsure of whether you have the right evidence or sufficient evidence to demonstrate your relationship, please seek professional advice from a Migration Agent. Applicants should use their ImmiAccount checklist and follow the step-by-step information for the relevant subclass.
Which Australia Partner Visa Pathway Applies?
The main streams are:
- Subclass 820/801 for applications lodged in Australia, or Subclass 309/100 for applications lodged outside Australia.
The 820 and 309 are temporary or provisional stages. You become eligible for permanent stage 2 years from lodgement of the initial application. You will be required to demonstrate again evidence of your ongoing and continuing relationship at the permanent stage.
What Documents Should Applicants and Sponsors Prepare?
The documents you need will depend on your visa pathway and personal situation. Examples of common areas include identity documents, evidence of relationship, and character information. The relevant sponsorship process also needs to be completed by sponsors. Home Affairs recommends sponsors provide the required police certificate(s) when lodging the Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia, or as soon as possible after.
What Relationship Evidence Should Be Included?
Home Affairs assesses your relationship against four pillars of a genuine ongoing and continuing relationship:
| Pillar | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Financial | Joint bank accounts, shared bills, loans, mortgage or lease documents |
| Household | Living arrangements, household responsibilities and joint correspondence |
| Social | Joint invitations, travel, shared activities and social recognition |
| Commitment | Communication while apart, knowledge of each other and future plans |
Evidence should match your circumstances and remain consistent with the information provided in the application.
Please note that this is a guide only. Please seek professional advice from a migration agent to assess your individual circumstances.
What Does a Partner Visa Australia Cost in 2026?
The cost of a Partner Visa in Australia depends on the visa pathway and individual circumstances. As of 2026, the Department of Home Affairs lists the Subclass 820 Partner visa application charge from AUD 11,710 for most applicants. Visa charges can change, and different rates or concessions may apply in some circumstances.
Additional charges may also apply when dependent family members are included in the application, and applicants may need to budget separately for expenses such as health examinations, police certificates, translations or other application-related requirements.
In addition to the visa application charge, applicants may need to include other expenses in their budget such as health examinations, police certificates, translation of documents, biometrics or other application-related costs where applicable.
For further information about Partner visa costs and the expenses that may apply to your circumstances, contact Aspect Migration for guidance before preparing your application budget.
How Do You Lodge the Application?
Partner visa applications are generally lodged through ImmiAccount. Supporting documents are uploaded there, and further documents can be attached after lodgement if required. Health examinations can also be completed after applying, following Home Affairs instructions.
Before You Apply
Before lodging a Partner visa application, it is important to understand the eligibility requirement, the relevant visa pathway, document requirements, relationship evidence and application process.
Because every applicant's circumstances can be different, professional guidance can help identify potential gaps and organise the application more clearly.
Aspect Migration supports applicants and sponsors by providing migration guidance based on their individual circumstances, helping them understand the requirements and prepare their application with greater clarity before lodgement.
FAQs
Do I need Form 888 for a Partner Visa?
Most definitely. Form 888 is used for supporting statements from people who know about the relationship.
Can I add documents after submitting my application?
Yes. Supporting documents can generally be uploaded through ImmiAccount after lodgement. If additional information is requested, make sure it is provided within the stated timeframe.
It is generally advisable to thoroughly prepare the application before lodging as it can help reduce the processing time. A migration agent's role is particularly important to ensure that your relationship evidence is thoroughly reviewed against the visa requirements. Migration advice can help identify gaps in evidence and strengthen your application.
Is the same checklist used for Subclass 820 and Subclass 309?
Not always. Subclass 820 and Subclass 309 are different Partner visa pathways, so document requirements can vary depending on the subclass and individual circumstances. Use the checklist provided for your specific application.
Do I need health examinations before lodging?
Health examination requirements can vary depending on the visa pathway and the applicant's individual circumstances. In some cases, examinations may be completed before lodgement, while in others they may be requested at a later stage of the application process. To understand the appropriate timing and requirements for your case, consider obtaining professional advice from a registered migration agent before arranging your health examination.
Want a checklist tailored to your own circumstances? Book a consultation with Aspect Migration and get guidance specific to your Partner visa pathway. You may also find our related guides useful: Australian Partner Visa Processing Time 2026, Australia Partner Visa: New Requirements and Changes in 2026, and Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa Eligibility Explained.
