Visitor Visa for Partner

Visit Australia to be with Your Partner – the Right Way

If you’re in a relationship with an Australian citizen or a permanent resident and want to spend time together in Australia, the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) may be a suitable option. Whether your partner is sponsoring you or you’re applying on your own, there are two main pathways to consider: the Tourist stream and the Sponsored Family stream.

We help couples navigate the best path for their situation—ensuring a smoother, stress-free experience.

Tourist Stream

This stream is ideal if you’re visiting Australia for a short-term stay, such as a holiday, or to spend quality time with your partner. It doesn’t require a formal sponsor, but your application must still demonstrate strong reasons to return home.

Key Features:

• Apply from outside or inside Australia
• Stay periods of 3, 6, or 12 months
• Multiple or single entry options
• No need for a sponsor
• Must show evidence of ties to home country (e.g. job, property, family)

When it suits couples:

• You’re in the early stages of your relationship
• You plan to visit for a few months before deciding on a partner visa
• You’ve visited Australia before and had good visa compliance

Sponsored Family Stream

This stream requires your Australian partner to sponsor your visit. It’s designed for people visiting family members, including de facto partners or spouses.

Key Features:

• Your partner must submit a formal sponsorship
• Processing times may be longer due to additional character checks on the sponsor
• The Australian government may contact your sponsor during processing
• Conditions may prevent applying for another visa while in Australia

When it suits couples:

• You have strong evidence of your relationship (e.g. shared finances, long-term communication)
• You’re waiting to apply for a partner visa
• Your partner is happy to take on a formal sponsorship role

Which Option Is Right for You?

We’ll assess your individual situation and recommend the stream that gives you the best chance of approval. In some cases, we may even recommend a tourist visa as a first step before a partner visa, depending on your goals and visa history.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for the wrong stream or failing to meet sponsorship rules
• Not providing enough evidence of your genuine relationship
• Overstaying or breaching visa conditions, which can affect future partner visa applications

How We Can Help

• Advise you on the best stream for your circumstances
• Prepare a strong, well-documented application
• Help you explain your relationship in a way visa officers understand
• Guide your sponsor through their obligations (if applicable)