Three short lessons on choosing onshore or offshore, building evidence across the four areas, and getting it right when you generally get one chance.
1Onshore or offshore?3 min
2The four evidence areas4 min
3Getting it right the first time3 min
About 11 minutes, with quick checks along the way. Taught by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2318164).
Lesson 1 of 3, 3 min
Onshore or offshore?
Lesson 1 videoOnshore or offshore?
video coming soon ✎
There are two partner visa pathways:
Onshore (820 then 801) — apply in Australia, if your current visa allows it
Offshore (309 then 100) — apply from outside Australia and be outside when the first visa is granted
💡
Since 25 July 2026, family visa applications made in Australia, for a visa granted in Australia, get the highest processing priority (Ministerial Direction 117).
Before travelling on a visitor visa, check its conditions. Many carry No Further Stay, and it's been announced for all future visitor visas.
Lesson 2 of 3, 4 min
The four evidence areas
Lesson 2 videoThe four evidence areas
video coming soon ✎
Home Affairs looks at your relationship across four areas:
Household — living together, shared lease, mail to the same address
Social — photos over time, invitations, travel, friends who know you as a couple
Commitment — communication history, future plans, knowledge of each other
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The strongest applications show a little in every area, not a lot in one. Hundreds of photos won't make up for no shared finances.
Quick check, 2 questions
Quick check
Question 1
Which application is likely to be stronger?
Question 2
Since April 2026, how many requests for more information should you generally expect?
Lesson 3 of 3, 3 min
Getting it right the first time
Lesson 3 videoGetting it right the first time
video coming soon ✎
Before you lodge
Agree one timeline of your relationship and use it everywhere
Make sure the sponsor completes their part at the same time
Get two Form 888 declarations from people who know you as a couple
Check every date matches across statements and documents
After you lodge
You'll usually get the temporary visa first, then the permanent stage about 2 years after applying. Keep adding evidence as your life together continues.
🎓
Well done.
You've finished Partner visa, decision-ready. Here are the key points to remember.
Key takeaways
Check your visa conditions before choosing onshore or offshore.
Show evidence across finances, household, social life and commitment.
Use one shared timeline for every statement and document.
Since April 2026, Home Affairs generally asks for more information only once.
Every situation is a little different. Here's your next step ↓
