Applying for a same-sex Partner Visa means showing that your relationship is genuine, committed and recognised under migration law. Immigration Gurus helps LGBTQIA+ prepare clear, well-supported applications with expert advice, practical guidance and personalised support from start to finish. Arrange a consultation today.
Same-Sex Partner Visa
Same-Sex Partner Visa For Spouses & De Facto Partners
Understanding same-sex Partner Visa in Australia
Same-sex couples can apply through Australia’s standard Partner Visa pathway. This allows an eligible spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to apply for temporary residency, with a pathway to a permanent one.
Immigration Gurus helps LGBTQIA+ couples prepare strong Partner Visa applications with clear, practical advice. Our registered migration agents will assess your circumstances, explain the right pathway, organise your relationship evidence and guide you through each stage with accuracy, care and realistic expectations.
Why choose Immigration Gurus to assist with your same-sex Partner Visa?
- Registered migration agents: We’re experienced Australian migration agents who understand Partner Visa requirements and how to present your relationship clearly.
- Personalised application advice: Get guidance shaped around your circumstances, relationship history, evidence gaps and the pathway that best fits your situation.
- Full evidence support: We help you organise relationship documents, statements and supporting material so your application is clear, consistent and complete.
- Clear expectations early: Know what’s realistic before you apply, with upfront advice on requirements, risks, timelines and likely next steps.
- Results-driven approach: We’re known for our strong preparation, practical strategy and quality advice to give your application the best possible foundation.
How we can help
Immigration Gurus has extensive experience in navigating Partner Visa applications. We can:
- Assess your eligibility for a Partner Visa based on your relationship, circumstances and migration history
- Review your relationship evidence and identify any gaps before your application is lodged
- Help organise documents that show your financial, social, household and commitment evidence
- Guide you through personal statements, relationship timelines and Form 888 supporting statements
- Prepare and lodge your Partner Visa application with accurate information and supporting documents
- Communicate with the Department of Home Affairs where required during the application process
- Provide clear advice if your relationship involves distance, limited shared history or complex circumstances
- Keep you informed of key steps, expectations and requested documents throughout the process
Partner Visa
Australia’s Partner Visa pathway helps eligible couples stay together when one partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
De facto or spouse visa
A de facto or spouse visa allows the spouse or de facto partner to live in Australia temporarily, with a pathway to permanent residency. Applicants may apply through the onshore Partner Visa subclasses 820 and 801, or offshore subclasses 309 and 100, depending on their circumstances.
Fiance Visa
The Fiance Visa is officially known as the Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300. It allows a person to come to Australia to marry their prospective spouse, then apply for a Partner Visa after marriage. This visa is for people intending to marry their partner and can lead to a permanent residency pathway through a later visa application.
The same-sex Partner Visa application process
Whether you’re applying as a spouse or de facto partner, the Partner Visa pathway usually involves a temporary visa stage followed by a permanent visa stage.
- Offshore applicants: This generally means applying for the Subclass 309 Temporary Partner Visa first, then progressing to the Subclass 100 Permanent Partner Visa.
- Onshore applicants: Couples usually apply for the Subclass 820 Temporary Partner Visa before moving to the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa.
The Temporary Partner Visa allows you to live, work and remain in Australia while the permanent stage of your application is being considered.
In most cases, you may be assessed for the permanent Partner Visa around two years after lodging the temporary application, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements and your relationship remains genuine and ongoing.
Speak to a registered migration agent about your same-sex Partner Visa
Immigration Gurus has been trusted for many years because we provide personalised, expert Partner Visa advice. When you engage our services, you get a friendly team that understands how much this application matters. With registered migration agents, clear and realistic expectations and a results-driven approach, we can help you understand your options and prepare properly for your same-sex Partner Visa application.
Book a consultation to ask us anything about same-sex Partner Visa in Australia, from eligibility and evidence to processing times, costs and next steps.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Direct Entry Stream
Agreement Stream
What our clients say
FAQs
Can I apply for a same-sex Partner Visa if we are in a de facto relationship?
Yes. Same-sex couples can apply through the standard Partner Visa pathway as de facto partners, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements. The Department of Home Affairs states that Partner Visas are available to the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. This applies to onshore and offshore Partner Visa streams.
How do I prove that my same-sex relationship is genuine for the visa application?
You need to provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This may include proof of living arrangements, shared finances, social recognition, communication, travel, photos, statements from family or friends and evidence of long-term commitment.
Can I apply for a same-sex Partner Visa if I am already in Australia on a different visa?
Yes, you may be able to apply onshore through the Partner Visa subclass 820 and 801 pathway if you are in Australia and meet the visa requirements. The subclass 820 lets the de facto partner or spouse live in Australia temporarily and is the first step towards the permanent subclass 801 visa.
How long does the same-sex Partner Visa application process take?
The Department’s March 2026 median processing time for Partner provisional/temporary visas is 18 months. The permanent stage is usually assessed after eligibility, typically around two years from the original application date, if the relationship remains genuine and continuing.
The processing times guide is updated monthly and gives indicative timeframes based on recently decided applications. Please note that it doesn’t guarantee when your application will be finalised, as timing depends on your circumstances, documents and Department priorities.
