Quick Answer: UK citizens in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen can apply for a Partner visa — onshore (subclass 820, leading to 801) if already in Australia, or offshore (subclass 309, leading to 100) if applying from the UK. The current government fee is $11,710 for the primary applicant (2026-27). Couples generally need to show 12 months of cohabitation as evidence of a genuine relationship, though this can be waived in some circumstances (for example, a registered relationship, or compelling reasons why living together wasn’t possible).
Onshore vs Offshore: Which Applies to You
Subclass 820/801 (Onshore)
For UK citizens already in Australia (for example, on a Working Holiday, student, or visitor visa) with an Australian partner. The 820 is a temporary visa granted while the application is processed, with the 801 permanent visa typically granted around two years after the initial application, once the relationship’s genuineness has been reassessed.
Subclass 309/100 (Offshore)
For UK citizens applying from outside Australia. Works the same way as the 820/801 — a temporary 309 visa followed by permanent 100 visa after the standard processing period — but is lodged and (usually) waited out from the UK rather than Australia.
Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
Home Affairs requires evidence across four categories: financial aspects (joint accounts, shared expenses), social aspects (being seen together publicly, joint social activities, how family and friends regard the relationship), the nature of the household (living arrangements, shared responsibilities), and the nature of the commitment (long-term plans, how the relationship is presented to others). For UK-Australia couples, this often includes evidence spanning both countries — joint travel, correspondence, and family knowledge of the relationship on both sides can meaningfully strengthen an application.
The 12-Month Cohabitation Guideline
Twelve months of living together is the general benchmark Home Affairs looks for as strong evidence of a genuine, ongoing relationship, but it is not an absolute legal requirement in every case — it can be waived where there’s a registered relationship (such as a UK civil partnership or marriage recognised in Australia), or where compelling circumstances explain why living together for that period wasn’t possible (for example, distance, visa status, or family/work obligations). If your circumstances don’t fit the standard 12-month pattern, this is exactly the kind of situation where professional advice matters before lodging.
What It Costs
| Applicant | 2026-27 Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $11,710 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | $5,860 |
| Secondary applicant (under 18) | $2,935 |
See our complete 2026 visa fee schedule for the full breakdown across all visa types.
A Note on Sponsorship Limits
Australian citizens and permanent residents can generally only sponsor a partner visa twice in their lifetime, and cannot sponsor another partner within five years of a previous partner visa sponsorship (with some exceptions). If your Australian partner has sponsored a partner visa before, this is worth checking early — it can affect whether your application is even eligible to proceed.
How an Agent Helps
Partner visa applications are assessed heavily on the quality and consistency of evidence, and refusals often come down to gaps in documentation rather than the relationship itself not being genuine. As a MARA-registered migration agent (MARN 2619222), Umar Ashraf can help structure your evidence, advise on whether the cohabitation requirement can be waived in your circumstances, and manage the application process. Book a consultation to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK and Australian partners need to live together for 12 months before applying?
Twelve months of cohabitation is the general benchmark Home Affairs looks for, but it can be waived in some circumstances, such as a registered relationship or compelling reasons why living together wasn’t possible.
Can I apply for a partner visa from the UK if my partner is in Australia?
Yes, this is the offshore pathway (subclass 309, leading to 100 for permanent residency). You can typically remain in the UK while the application is processed, though average processing times vary.
How much does an Australian partner visa cost for a UK citizen?
The 2026-27 government fee is $11,710 for the primary applicant, whether applying onshore (820/801) or offshore (309/100).
Is there a limit on how many times someone can sponsor a partner visa?
Yes, generally twice in a lifetime, with a five-year gap required between sponsorships in most cases. This is worth checking early if your Australian partner has previously sponsored a partner visa.
Umar Ashraf
MARA Registered Migration Agent & Education Consultant | MARA #2619222 | Epping, Melbourne VIC
Umar Ashraf is a MARA-registered migration agent specialising in complex cases, visa cancellations, ART tribunal appeals, and employer sponsorship. He provides consultations in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
