There are primarily two types of Partner Visas available.  One is for applicants already within the country, applying for a Partner Visa onshore.  The other is for offshore applicants, applying for a Partner Visa outside Australia.

The Partner Visa – Onshore Application – is available to persons currently inside Australia provided there are no conditions attached to their existing substantive Visa which prohibits them from applying.

Once the application is lodged and, if approved, the applicant will receive temporary or provisional permanent residency. The applicant may be entitled to full work and study rights in Australia in addition to Medicare benefits. However, if the relationship breaks down during this period the applicant’s Visa may be revoked.

After two years on such a Visa the applicant’s relationship will be reassessed by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and if the relationship is still deemed to be genuine and continuing then the applicant will be granted a Partner Visa which, in effect, gives them permanent residency.

The Partner Visa – Offshore Applicants – works in a similar way but for the fact that the applicant cannot be clear when the Partner Visa application is lodged. Such applications usually have conditions to their visas restricting them from applying whilst in Australia.

Both married and de facto couples are eligible to apply for a Partner Visa provided they have been in a relationship for at least 12 months from the time the application is lodged. The onus is on the applicant to satisfy the Department that the relationship is genuine, committed and ongoing.