Applying for this Visa

These pages provide information to help you understand and apply for this visa. Before you apply for this visa, you should also read the Partner Migration information booklet.
See: Booklet 1 Partner Migration (229KB PDF file)
See also: Addendum to Form 1127 – Booklet 1 - Partner Migration ( 40KB PDF file)

You must be outside Australia when:

• you apply for this visa
• your temporary Partner (subclass 309) visa is granted.

You may be either in or outside Australia when your permanent Partner (subclass 100) visa is granted.

Applying for temporary and permanent visas

You apply for both a temporary visa and a permanent visa by completing and lodging one application.

• If you meet all the legal criteria for the grant of the visa, you will be eligible for the grant of a temporary Partner (subclass 309) visa. This visa remains in effect until a decision is made on your permanent visa, which is usually considered two (2) years after you applied for your visa.
• If you still meet all legal requirements when your application is considered after the waiting period, you will be eligible for the grant of a permanent Partner (subclass 100) visa.

More information about second stage processing of Partner category visas is available.
See:
Information for Second Stage Partner Visa Applicants ( 82KB PDF file)
Frequently asked questions – Second stage partner visa processing (137KB PDF file)

Application charge

There is an application charge for this visa. This will usually not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful, or if you decide to withdraw your application after you have lodged it. The application charge covers you and all dependent family members included in your application.
See: Charges (Fees)

Note: You pay only one application charge even though:

• by completing the application form, you automatically apply for a temporary and permanent visa at the same time
• you include dependent members of your family unit in your visa application.

You do not need to pay a further visa application charge when your permanent visa is considered.

Other costs

You will be required to pay for any health examinations. You may be required to pay a charge for obtaining police checks. This charge varies from country to country. When you are required to obtain your own police checks, you are personally responsible for all arrangements. You should also be prepared to pay other costs associated with your application, such as the cost of translations of some documents.

Application checklist

The application checklist details the information and supporting documents that you and your sponsor must provide with your visa application forms.
See: Application document checklist Partner visa checklist (73KB PDF file)

Note: This checklist is only for the first stage of partner visa processing (if you do not already hold a temporary Partner (subclass 309) visa).  If you are the holder of a temporary Partner visa, the department will provide you with a second stage processing checklist when you are eligible for the permanent Partner visa.
See: After You Lodge Your Application

Application forms

Complete the application form and attach all necessary documentation.
See:
Form 47SP Application for migration to Australia by a partner (906KB PDF file)
Form 40SP Sponsorship for a partner to migrate to Australia (348KB PDF file)
Form 47A Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over (248KB PDF file)

Note: These forms are to be completed only if you are applying for a first stage partner visa (subclass 309).  You do not need to fill in these forms if you are already the holder of a temporary Partner (subclass 309) visa and you are eligible for a permanent Partner (subclass 100) visa.
See: After You Lodge Your Application

Information to help prepare your application

Information about certifying and translating documents, communicating with the department, using a migration agent, authorising another person to receive information from the department, and receiving assistance with your application.
See: Information to Help Prepare Your Application

Including dependent family members in your application

There is important additional information that you should read if you are lodging a visa application that includes dependent family members.
See: Including dependent family members in your application

You must provide evidence of their dependency on you.
See: Evidence of dependency

How and where to lodge your application

As the applicant, you must lodge the appropriate application forms, together with all necessary supporting documentation and application charges.

You can lodge your application with the nearest Australian immigration office overseas:

• by post
• in person.

See: Immigration Offices outside Australia

Note: At some Australian immigration offices overseas you may make an appointment to lodge your application in person.

After you lodge your application

Information about what happens after you have lodged your application.
See: After you lodge your application

Further details about partner visas

Further details about partner visas are available.
See: More Information