Lodging a decision-ready partner visa application is critical for skilled professionals seeking to migrate to Australia, as it significantly accelerates processing times while minimizing the risk of refusals. This comprehensive checklist synthesizes the latest 2025 requirements for Subclass 820/801 (onshore) and 309/100 (offshore) visas, emphasizing evidence organization strategies that satisfy the Department of Home Affairs’ “four pillars” relationship requirements.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you and your sponsor must demonstrate:
- Legal relationship status: Registered marriage or a de facto relationship exceeding 12 months (unless formally registered with state authorities)[1].
- Sponsor validity: An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen[2].
- Genuine commitment: Proof of shared financial responsibilities, social activities, cohabitation, and future plans[1][4].
Decision-Ready Documentation Checklist
Core Identity and Relationship Evidence
- Identity documents: Certified passport copies and birth certificates for both partners[1][2].
- Relationship evidence addressing the four pillars:
- Financial interdependence: Joint bank accounts, property leases/mortgages, or utility bills[1].
- Household management: Shared domestic responsibilities (e.g., childcare schedules, household bills)[4].
- Social recognition: Statutory declarations from witnesses, joint travel itineraries, and social event photos[2].
- Commitment duration: Timeline of relationship milestones (e.g., communication logs, joint tax filings)[1].
Mandatory Compliance Documents
- Police clearances: From every country resided in for >12 months during the past decade[1][2].
- Health examinations: Completed at panel-approved clinics with validity covering processing periods[1][3].
- Sponsor’s proof of status: Australian passport/PR certificate or NZ citizen evidence[2].
Supplementary Evidence (If Applicable)
- Previous relationship dissolution: Divorce certificates or death certificates of former partners[2].
- Dependent children: Birth certificates and proof of financial dependency for children >18[2][3].
Optimizing the Lodgement Process
- Complete forms:
- Application for migration to Australia by a partner (primary applicant)[2].
- Sponsorship for a partner (sponsor)[2].
- Digital submission: Lodge via ImmiAccount with scanned documents[1].
- Fee payment: AUD $9,095 (covers temporary and permanent stages; anticipate 2025-26 increases)[1].
Financial and Health Precautions
- Health insurance: Evidence of coverage for all applicants in Australia[2][3].
- Funds verification: While no fixed amount is mandated for partner visas, maintain bank statements showing sustainable support capacity[3].
Professional Guidance Advantages
Engaging a registered migration agent ensures:
- Evidence calibration: Tailoring documentation to the “four pillars” framework[4].
- Decision-ready packaging: Avoiding common errors like inconsistent dates or insufficient relationship proof[1][4].
- Fee efficiency: Agent-assisted applications start from AUD $550 for full preparation or $250 for document review[4].
Submitting a decision-ready application reduces processing delays from years to months by eliminating document requests and follow-ups. Prioritize certified translations for non-English documents and retain duplicates of all submissions. For continuously updated requirements, consult the Department of Home Affairs partner visa guidelines.
