Partner Visa
AustraliaTM
Same-Sex and LGBTIQ+ Partner Visa Assistance Australia
Australia's partner visa is open to all couples regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We assist same-sex and LGBTIQ+ applicants across every pathway — married, de facto, and prospective marriage.
What Is the Same-Sex and LGBTIQ+ Partner Visa Pathway?
Australia fully recognises same-sex relationships under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status) Act 2013. Same-sex married couples have been eligible to apply for partner visas on the same basis as opposite-sex married couples since Australia legalised same-sex marriage in December 2017. De facto same-sex relationships have been recognised for partner visa purposes since 2009.
Married couples
Apply through the standard onshore (Subclass 820/801) or offshore (Subclass 309/100) partner visa pathway
De facto couples
Apply through the same pathways with the same 12-month relationship requirement as opposite-sex de facto couples
Engaged couples
The prospective marriage visa (Subclass 300) is equally available to same-sex engaged couples
Overseas same-sex marriages
Australia recognises same-sex marriages performed in countries where same-sex marriage is legally valid
The Department of Home Affairs assesses same-sex partner visa applications using the same four-category relationship evidence framework applied to all partner visa applications. There is no separate visa subclass for same-sex couples. The requirements, fees, timeframes, and process are identical.
Eligibility
The partner visa eligibility requirements for same-sex and LGBTIQ+ applicants are identical to all other partner visa applicants. Both the applicant and the sponsor must meet the standard requirements.
Applicant Requirements
Relationship
Must be the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible Australian sponsor
Married relationship
Marriage must be legally recognised under Australian law. Overseas same-sex marriages are recognised where valid under the law of the country where the marriage took place
De facto relationship
Must have been in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months before lodgement, unless a registered relationship is held under state or territory law
Location
Onshore applicants must be in Australia at lodgement. Offshore applicants must be outside Australia at lodgement and at the time the visa is granted
Age
18 years or older
Health and character
Medical examination and police clearances required
Sponsor Requirements
Status
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Age
18 years or older
Sponsorship history
Most sponsors may only sponsor two partner visa applications in their lifetime. A second sponsorship generally requires Ministerial approval
Character
Must not have convictions for relevant offences involving violence or harm
What the Department Assesses
Proving Your Relationship to the Department The Department of Home Affairs assesses same-sex and LGBTIQ+ partner visa applications using the same four-category relationship evidence framework applied to all applicants. Every category must be addressed at lodgement.
Financial aspects
Joint finances, shared assets, and financial interdependence
Nature of the household
Shared living arrangements and domestic responsibilities
Social aspects
Recognition of the relationship by family, friends, and the community
Nature of commitment
Mutual long-term commitment expressed through written statements and shared future plans
Identity, Health, and Character Documents
Identity, health, and character checks are mandatory for every applicant and must be completed before lodgement. The table below sets out what is required and what to watch for.
Same-Sex and LGBTIQ+ Partner Visa Application Costs
Knowing the full cost upfront lets you plan properly and move forward with confidence. The government application charges for same-sex and LGBTIQ+ partner visa applications are identical to those for all other partner visa applicants.
Primary applicant
AUD $11,710
Covers both stages. Non-refundable once lodged
Secondary applicant 18 or older
AUD $5,860
Per additional applicant
Secondary applicant under 18
AUD $2,935
Per additional applicant
Subclass 300 holders
AUD $1,955
Reduced fee, main charge paid at Subclass 300 stage
Beyond the government application charge, most applicants will need to budget for additional costs specific to their situation. These typically include health examinations, police clearances from relevant countries, and NAATI-accredited translations for documents not in English. The amounts vary depending on your circumstances and country of origin. Contact us to get a complete picture of the total costs involved in your application.
Please note: Government visa application charges are reviewed and typically adjusted by the Department of Home Affairs each July. The figures in this table reflect the 2026–27 financial year. If you are reading this page after 1 July 2027, some charges may have changed. We recommend confirming current fees at the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator or contacting us directly before you budget for your application.
Same-Sex and LGBTIQ+ Partner Visa Processing Timeframes
Processing timeframes for same-sex and LGBTIQ+ partner visa applications are identical to those for all other partner visa applicants. The Department of Home Affairs does not differentiate between same-sex and opposite-sex couples at the processing stage.
Onshore pathway — Subclass 820/801
Subclass 820 (temporary)
| Percentile | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 16 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 24 months |
Subclass 801 (permanent)
| Percentile | Processing time from eligibility |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 8 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 26 months |
Offshore pathway — Subclass 309/100
Subclass 309 (temporary)
| Percentile | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 14 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 24–26 months |
Subclass 100 (permanent)
| Percentile | Processing time from eligibility |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 10 months |
| Most applications | To be confirmed against current Department data |
The permanent stage becomes eligible approximately two years after the original lodgement date. A decision-ready application with complete evidence across all four categories is better positioned for timely processing. Contact us to discuss what a realistic timeline looks like for your specific situation.
Please note: Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs as percentile estimates and are updated monthly. The figures above reflect data available in early 2026. Actual processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, the completeness of evidence provided at lodgement, and application volumes at the time of decision. These figures are a guide only and are not a guarantee of when your application will be decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak With a Partner Visa Australia Agent Today
Australia's partner visa is open to you and your partner on equal terms. Getting your application right from the start makes every stage of the process simpler and faster for both of you. Claim your consultation today.
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