Spending Christmas Apart? How a Partner Visa Can Help You Start the New Year Together
📌Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩💼Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)
Christmas is often a time of connection — shared meals, familiar traditions, and moments spent with the people who matter most.
For some couples, however, December is also a time of reflection. Distance becomes more noticeable — a gentle reminder of plans still unfolding and goals yet to be reached.
If you’re spending Christmas apart from your partner due to visa arrangements, you’re certainly not alone. Many couples experience this while navigating migration pathways and use this time of year to pause, reassess, and think more seriously about their future together.
A common question we hear is:
“How can we live together in Australia?”
For many couples, the next step begins with understanding the Australian Partner Visa — and preparing for it with clarity and the right guidance.
Understanding Australia’s Partner Visa Options
Australia’s Partner Visa program allows spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live, work, and build a future together in Australia.
While the goal is straightforward, the process itself can be complex. Partner Visa applications may be lodged onshore (inside Australia) or offshore (outside Australia). The most suitable option depends on each couple’s circumstances.
Below are the main Partner Visa pathways available.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is for couples who plan to get married in Australia.
Once the Subclass 300 visa is granted:
The applicant has nine months to marry their Australian partner
Multiple entries to Australia are allowed
The applicant can work and study in Australia
After marriage, the applicant can lodge a Partner Visa application onshore
This visa is commonly used by engaged couples who are not yet married or in a de facto relationship.
Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) – Offshore
The Subclass 309 Partner Visa is an offshore application. This means the applicant must be outside Australia at the time of lodgement and decision.
This pathway follows a two-stage process:
Subclass 309 (Temporary) allows the applicant to enter and live in Australia with their partner
Subclass 100 (Permanent) is assessed at a later stage
With a Subclass 309 visa, applicants can:
Live with their partner in Australia
Work and study
Enrol in Medicare
After 309/100 application we can apply for Visitor visa to bring your partner early in Australia. Depending on the situation, there are better chances of success after the applications.
Eligibility is based on being in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) – Onshore
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is lodged while the applicant is already in Australia.
This pathway also has two stages:
Subclass 820 (Temporary)
Subclass 801 (Permanent)
Applicants on the Subclass 820 visa can:
Live, work, and study in Australia
Enrol in Medicare
Remain in Australia while the permanent stage is assessed
As with offshore applications, the relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
Subsequent Entrant and Dependent Partner Visas
In some cases, a spouse or partner may be included as a dependent on another visa. This is often called a subsequent entrant visa.
These visas are for the spouse or partner of someone who holds one of the following visas:
Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa
Subclass 500 – Student Visa
Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity Visa
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
For dependent visas, the relationship must still be genuine and ongoing. Requirements depend on the main visa holder’s visa type and each couple’s situation.
The Four Pillars of a Genuine Relationship
For all Partner and dependent visa applications, the Department of Home Affairs assesses relationships across four key pillars. Strong evidence in each area is important.
1. Financial Aspects of the Relationship
Evidence that you and your partner share financial responsibilities, such as:
Joint mortgage or lease agreements
Joint loans for major assets
Joint bank account statements
Household bills in both names
2. Nature of the Household
Evidence showing how you live together and share daily responsibilities, including:
Statements explaining how housework is shared
Household bills or mail in joint names
Documents showing shared responsibility for children
Proof of living arrangements
3. Social Aspects of the Relationship
Evidence that others know about your relationship, such as:
Invitations addressed to you as a couple
Proof of shared friendships
Evidence of joint social, cultural, or sporting activities
Travel records together
Notifications to organisations or authorities about your relationship
4. Commitment to Each Other
Evidence showing long-term commitment, including:
Knowledge of each other’s background and family
Combined aspects of your lives
Ongoing communication when apart
Confirmation that you are not related by family
Why Preparation Matters
Partner Visa applications are detailed and can take time. Document requirements and eligibility can vary depending on each couple’s situation.
Without proper guidance, even genuine couples may face:
Processing delays
Requests for more information
Uncertainty about the correct visa pathway
This is why getting professional advice early can make a real difference.
How We Can Support You
At Nationwide Migration and Education, we assist couples at all stages of their Partner Visa journey — from early advice to full case management.
Our support includes:
Assessing your circumstances and eligibility
Identifying the most suitable Partner or dependent visa
Guiding you on relationship evidence preparation
Managing your visa process professionally
Our goal is to provide clarity, reduce stress, and help couples plan their future together with confidence.
Start the New Year With a Clear Plan
If spending Christmas apart has prompted you to think more seriously about the year ahead, now is a good time to seek clarity.
Understanding your Partner Visa options allows you to plan with purpose and take informed steps toward living together in Australia.
📅 Book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent to discuss your Partner Visa options and receive advice tailored to your circumstances.
⚠️Disclaimer
Visa rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This blog is intended as general guidance only. For personalised advice based on your individual circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
