Applying for an Australian Partner Visa involves a lot of specific terms and acronyms that can feel overwhelming – especially when the language feels like it’s written for migration experts, not everyday couples. To help make sense of it all, I’ve pulled together the most important Partner Visa terms you’ll see in applications, legislation/policy, correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs, and immigration blogs (probably even my own!)
Whether you’re just starting your Partner Visa journey or deep into collecting evidence, this glossary will help you speak Partner Visa fluently.
General Partner Visa Terms
Partner Visa
It might seem obvious but a Partner Visa is a visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Eligible New Zealand Citizen to live in Australia.
Subclass
Think of this like the ‘code number’ immigration uses to refer to different types (e.g 820/801 or 309/100).
Sponsor
The Australian partner (or eligible New Zealand citizen).
Applicant
This is the person who is applying for the Partner Visa.
Onshore vs Offshore
Onshore is when the applicant is inside Australia, whereas Offshore means outside Australia.
Types of Partner Visas
Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)
- 820: Temporary Partner Visa granted first if lodged onshore.
- 801: Permanent Partner Visa assessed later (usually about two years after lodgement).
Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa)
- 309: Temporary Partner Visa granted offshore.
- 100: Permanent Partner Visa granted later, similar to 801 but for offshore applicants.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
A visa that lets the applicant enter Australia to marry their Australian partner (who then sponsors them for a permanent Partner Visa).
Relationship Vocabulary
Genuine and Continuing Relationship
This is a key requirement for Partner Visas – you must demonstrate your relationship is real (not just for visa purposes) and ongoing. This is assessed through evidence like shared finances, cohabitation, joint travel, photos, testimonies and more.
This refers to the four different categories immigration looks at when assessing whether you are in a genuine and continuing de facto or spousal relationship. This includes looking at the financial aspects of your relationship, nature of your household, the social aspects and your commitment to one another.
Spouse
Someone you are legally married to. The marriage must be valid under Australian law for the visa to be based on marriage.
A partner with whom you are in a genuine relationship as though you were married, even if you’re not legally married. For both the onshore and offshore Partner Visa, you’ll need at least 12 months of evidence of your de facto relationship (some exceptions apply).
Supporting Evidence & Statements
Also called a “love story” or “joint statement”. This is a written account by you and your partner describing how you met, how the relationship developed, your life together and plans for the future. It’s often one of the most important pieces of evidence in your application.
Cohabitation Evidence
Documentation showing you live together or share a residence – things like joint leases, utility bills or official letters. This supports relationship claims (especially for de facto cases).
A particular type of form that needs to be completed by friends and family in support of your relationship and application.
Other bits and bobs
ImmiAccount
The online portal used to lodge many Australian visas, including Partner Visas. It’s also where you upload evidence.
Processing Time
The period between lodgement and decision on your visa. This varies based on visa subclass and individual circumstances.
Visa Condition
Specific rules that apply to your visa (e.g., no work restriction, travel limitation).
Learning the language of Partner Visas is one of the biggest early hurdles applicants face – but once you know the key terms, everything else starts to make more sense.
If you ever get stuck on a word or phrase while filling out forms, gathering evidence, or reading advice, come back to this glossary. And if you think we need to add more terms, let us know!
IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication.
