What evidence do I need for an Australian partner visa application?

Australian partner visas (820/801 onshore, 309/100 offshore) require evidence across four categories: financial aspects of your relationship (joint accounts, shared expenses), nature of the household (shared address, cohabitation), social aspects (photos together, how you were introduced, recognition by friends and family), and commitment (future plans, knowledge of each other's personal history). The evidence requirement is substantial — weak documentation is the most common reason for partner visa requests for further information. Harbour City Migration guides you through exactly what is needed.

What is the difference between the onshore and offshore partner visa?

The onshore partner visa (subclass 820/801) is lodged when your partner is already in Australia. You receive a bridging visa to remain while it is processed. The offshore partner visa (subclass 309/100) is lodged when your partner is outside Australia and they must remain outside until the visa is granted (or until they hold a temporary visa that allows entry). The choice of pathway depends on where your partner is currently located and their current visa status. Harbour City Migration advises on the right pathway for your specific situation.

How long does an Australian partner visa take to process?

Partner visa processing times are among the longest in the Australian immigration system. The temporary stage (820 or 309) has recently been taking 18–36 months from lodgement. The permanent stage (801 or 100) is assessed after the two-year relationship period from lodgement (if you have been in a relationship less than 3 years at the time of application). Harbour City Migration keeps clients informed throughout the process and responds to any requests for further information from the Department.

Harbour City Migration Reviews — 4.8★ on Google | Sydney, Australia

About Harbour City Migration

Harbour City Migration specialises in family reunion and partner visa streams from Sydney CBD, helping reunite families across the globe with compassionate, practical advice.

Our research

ConsultancyCheck's own assessment, from public records and the company's own materials. This is our judgement — not a summary of student reviews.

Strengths

✓Specialist focus on family and partner visas — deeper expertise in this stream than generalist agencies
✓4.8 Google rating across 37 reviews — consistent client satisfaction in an emotionally sensitive visa category
✓Compassionate, relationship-led service approach — valued in family reunion cases where clients are separated from loved ones
✓Affordable fee range (AUD $1,500–$4,000) for partner and family visa services

Limitations

!Specialist family focus means limited support for skilled migration, employer-sponsored, or complex business visa matters
!No dedicated website found — limits initial research options for prospective clients

How Harbour City Migration get paid

AUD $1,500–$4,000

Confirm exactly what you will be charged, and what happens to that money if your visa is refused. Get it in writing before you pay anything. An agent that will not put its fees in writing is telling you something.

Who it suits

▸Australian citizens and permanent residents in Sydney seeking to bring a partner or spouse to Australia
▸Families working to reunite through parent, child, or other family stream visas
▸Couples in de facto or married relationships who need help compiling relationship evidence for a partner visa application

What they do

Specialisations

Partner VisasFamily MigrationCitizenship

Services

Partner Visa (820/801 and 309/100)Prospective Marriage Visa (300)Family Stream Visas

What students say

✓ 0 ConsultancyCheck reviewsG 4.8 · 37 Google reviews

Write a Review

Harpreet Kaur

a year ago

★★★★★

Truly the best experience! I went in feeling confused and stressed, but after speaking with them, I felt so clear and confident. Their advice was honest, helpful, and genuinely in my best interest. Whether you’re a student or looking for any visa guidance, they are the most trustworthy and knowledgeable advisors. Highly recommended..🙏🏻