2025, the Australian Government has provided important updates for partner visa 309 applicants, holders, and 820 applicants and holders. These key updates will affect application processes, timelines, and fees! It’s important for couples to familiarize themselves with this new information. This article will summarize the updates, changing landscape, and provide useful information to help couples with navigating these important partner visa pathways in 2025.

Partner Visa 309 and Partner Visa 820 Explained

The partner visa 309 (temporary offshore) and partner visa 820 (temporary onshore) represents a key step for partners/spouses of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizen(s) to seek to live in Australia. While a partner visa 309 permits partners/spouses outside of Australia to join their partner in Australia, the partner visa 820 is for partners/spouses that are already in Australia. Both visas are the first steps to move onto permanent residency, ultimately leading to the Partner (subclass 100 or 801) visa. To be eligible applicants are required to demonstrate a genuine/ongoing relationship, meet health/character considerations, and are required to supply supporting evidence of the couple’s life together! Key 2025 Updates

25 Updates

In 2025, the Department of Home Affairs introduced several important updates affecting partner visa 309 and partner visa 820 applications:

1. Fee Adjustments: Please note that as of 1 July 2025, cost increases have been announced for visa application charges. Therefore, couples should be mindful of this when planning their budget for their application.
2. Processing Priorities: There will also be a renewed emphasis on digital lodgments and lodgment of fully documented applications, which should cut down on processing delays.
3. Relationship Evidence: The department continues to assess if applications are for genuine relationships, thus making more evidence than ever needed.

These changes reinforce the case for detailed and thorough preparation when applying for the partner visa 309 or partner visa 820.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be granted either the partner visa 309 or partner visa 820, applicants must show that they are in a genuine and continuing relationship with an eligible Australian partner. Documents can include joint finances, shared bills and household duties, and evidence of social recognition of the relationship.

Lastly, health and character requirements remain unchanged for 2025. And bearing on the visas, sponsors, namely the Australian partner, must also meet their own character obligations.

Application Process and Timelines

The application process for both the partner visa 309 and the partner visa 820 is completed online through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Applicants should carefully gather and upload all required documents to avoid delays.

The partner visa 820 processing time in 2025 typically ranges from 8 to 21 months, depending on application completeness and demand. For the partner visa 309, processing times usually span 13 to 23 months. Providing thorough, well-organized documentation can significantly improve your chances of a faster decision.

Rights and Conditions While Holding the Visa

The partner visa 309 and partner visa 820 application process is all done online through the Department of Home Affairs. It is best to prepare and have all your documents ready and uploaded prior to submitting your application as this will help speed up the process and avoid delays.

The processing time in 2025 for a partner visa 820 is typically between 8 to 21 months, although time will depend on whether the application was submitted correctly and on demand. Similarly, the time for partner visa 309 processing is between 13 to 23 months. If you wish to have a swift and timely outcome, the best way is to provide organized and thorough documentation.

Fees and Financial Considerations

The partner visa fee in Australia for 2025 represents the annual update that the government provides to the visa-related charges. The charge for the primary applicant is now AUD 9,365, and please be aware that there are additional costs for each secondary applicant and credit card surcharges. Given these costs, it is prudent for couples to prepare their finances as they make their plans for the partner visa 309 or partner visa 820.

There may also be additional expenses in the form of costs for the subsequent health checks, police certificates and possible translation costs. Budgeting these potential expenses will enable couples to plan accordingly and feel less stress when submitting their application.

Transition to Permanent Residency

The partner visa 309 and partner visa 820 both provide pathways to permanent residency. The eligible visa holders can typically apply for a permanent partner visa subclass 100 (if they reside offshore) or subclass 801 (if residing onshore) after their initial 2 years. Couples must remain living in a marital relationship that is authentic and continuing in order to be eligible and succeed in their permanent partner visa subclass application.

Practical Tips for 2025 Applicants

• Prepare Documentation Early: Collect any and all evidence of your relationship, including joint leases, joint financial records and photos.
• Apply Online: Make sure all forms are completed fully and accurately to ensure that there are no delays in the processing.
• Monitor Policy Changes: Stay current for any new requirements for the partner visa 309 or partner visa 820 application.
• Budget Wisely: Ensure you account for the new rising partner visa fee Australia and the additional costs (health checks).
• Seek Professional Advice: Consider speaking to a registered migration agent if the circumstances warrants increasing levels of complexity.

Last-Minute Reminders for Applicants

For applicants interested in the partner visa 309 and partner visa 820 in 2025, evidence and meeting all requirements will be the key factor. The partner visa 820 option is, of course, the way to go if you are in Australia. The partner visa 309 will be essential if applicants are inside the USA.

Bear in mind the partner visa 820 processing time could vary based on your case, and the quality of the application. The partner visa fee Australia to get a partner visa is also a consideration; therefore, thinking about budget is necessary.

I find that couples who are organized and energetic tend to assist in making the process efficient and quicker. Filing for the partner visa 820 means you should be more diligent in preparation and strong documentation. Regardless of the partner visa 309 and partner visa 820 application, stay up to date on policy, fees, and expected processing times.

Key Takeaways

The partner visa 309 and partner visa 820 program updated what it means to be prepared in 2025. The best way to help ease the stress of coming into Australia is to be informed of what the fees will be, eligibility, and what the process will entail for future changes.

Planning for everything from budgeting for the partner visa fee Australia, to understanding the processing of a partner visa 820 is an important way to ease into permanent residency in Australia.