Which partner visa pathway may apply to your relationship?
The main distinction is usually whether the applicant is applying through an onshore partner pathway, an offshore partner pathway or a prospective marriage pathway. Relationship evidence, sponsor eligibility and immigration history also matter.
What RightWay can help you understand
- Whether the applicant is in or outside Australia for the relevant pathway
- Whether the relationship is a marriage, de facto relationship or prospective marriage
- Sponsor eligibility and sponsorship history
- How to organise relationship evidence across financial, household, social and commitment factors
- Current visa status, application timing and any complicating immigration history
Common pathways or topics
The main onshore partner pathway.
The main offshore partner pathway.
A temporary visa for an eligible person intending to come to Australia to marry their prospective spouse.
Relationship evidence is more than a marriage certificate
Partner visa applications commonly require evidence showing the history and ongoing nature of the relationship. Evidence planning should reflect the actual relationship rather than a generic checklist.
Timing and location can change the pathway
Where the applicant is located, what visa they currently hold, any conditions on that visa and previous immigration history can affect the available process.