Are you a Pakistani citizen planning to join your spouse or partner in Australia? The Australian Partner Visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while being with your loved one. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of partner visas, the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the step-by-step process to apply for an Australian Partner Visa from Pakistan.

What is an Australian Partner Visa?

An Australian Partner Visa enables a spouse, de facto partner, or fiancé of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The visa is available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. There are two main types of partner visas:

1. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309) – This is the initial stage of the partner visa, allowing you to stay in Australia temporarily while your permanent visa is being processed.
2. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100) – After a certain period, if your relationship is still genuine and ongoing, you can apply for a permanent partner visa.

Types of Australian Partner Visas

1. Subclass 309/100: Partner (Provisional and Migrant) Visa

• For applicants outside Australia (like Pakistan).
• The Subclass 309 is the temporary visa granted first, followed by the Subclass 100 permanent visa.
• Allows you to live in Australia while waiting for your permanent visa.

2. Subclass 820/801: Partner Visa (Onshore)

• For applicants already in Australia.
• The Subclass 820 is the temporary visa, and Subclass 801 is the permanent visa.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants

To apply for an Australian Partner Visa from Pakistan, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Relationship Requirement: You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your Australian partner. This can be a marriage, de facto relationship, or engagement.
2. Sponsor Requirement: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
3. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
4. Health and Character Requirement: You must pass a health check and provide police clearance certificates from Pakistan and any other countries you’ve lived in for more than 12 months.

Documents Required for an Australian Partner Visa

Gathering the correct documents is essential to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a checklist of documents you’ll need:

Personal Documents

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• National identity card (CNIC)
• Passport-sized photographs

Relationship Evidence

• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Evidence of living together (joint lease agreements, utility bills, etc.)
• Joint bank account statements
• Photos together from various occasions
• Social media posts and messages
• Statutory declarations from friends and family confirming your relationship

Sponsor’s Documents

• Australian passport or citizenship certificate
• Evidence of employment and financial capacity
• Police clearance certificate

Additional Documents

• English language proficiency (if required)
• Health examination results

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Australian Partner Visa from Pakistan

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria. Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing, and your sponsor must be eligible to sponsor you.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents to prove your identity, relationship, and eligibility. Make sure your documents are translated into English if they are in Urdu or another language.

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount

Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount. This account will be used to submit your visa application online.

Step 4: Lodge Your Application

Once you’ve gathered all the documents and filled out the necessary forms, submit your visa application through your ImmiAccount. Pay the visa application fee, which can be substantial, so ensure you have the funds ready.

Step 5: Attend a Health Examination

You’ll need to undergo a medical examination with a panel physician approved by the Australian government. This is to ensure you meet Australia’s health requirements.

Step 6: Provide Police Clearance Certificates

Obtain police clearance certificates from Pakistan and any other countries you’ve lived in for more than 12 months. This is to meet Australia’s character requirements.

Step 7: Await a Decision

The processing time for partner visas can vary significantly, ranging from several months to over a year. During this time, the Department of Home Affairs may contact you for additional information or documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Partner Visa

1. Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are included in your application to avoid delays.
2. Inconsistent Information: Double-check that all information provided in the application is consistent and accurate.
3. Lack of Relationship Evidence: Provide comprehensive evidence to prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
4. Ignoring Health Requirements: Complete the health examination as soon as possible to avoid delays.
5. Not Following Up: Regularly check your ImmiAccount for updates and respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

Cost of Applying for an Australian Partner Visa

The cost of an Australian Partner Visa can be significant. As of 2025, the visa application fee for the Subclass 309/100 is approximately AUD 8,000. Additional costs may include:

• Health examination fees
• Police clearance certificates
• Document translation fees

Processing Time for Partner Visa Applications

The processing time for an Australian Partner Visa varies depending on individual circumstances. On average, the processing times are:

• Subclass 309: 12 to 18 months
• Subclass 100: 6 to 12 months after receiving the temporary visa

It’s essential to be patient and ensure that your application is complete to avoid unnecessary delays.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of a Successful Application

1. Provide Comprehensive Relationship Evidence: Include as much evidence as possible to prove your relationship is genuine.
2. Be Honest and Transparent: Provide accurate and truthful information in your application.
3. Hire a Migration Agent: If you’re unsure about the application process, consider hiring a registered migration agent to assist you.
4. Stay Organized: Keep all your documents organized and ready to submit when required.

Conclusion

Applying for an Australian Partner Visa from Pakistan is a detailed process that requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding the requirements and following the correct steps, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Ensure that you gather all necessary documents, provide comprehensive relationship evidence, and follow up on your application regularly. With the right approach, you’ll soon be on your way to joining your partner and starting a new chapter of your life in Australia.