Find a Partner Visa Migration Agent in Australia

Why Partner Visas Need Specialist Agents

Partner visa applications (subclass 820/801 onshore, 309/100 offshore) require extensive evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship. The Department assesses financial aspects, household nature, social context, and mutual commitment. A migration agent who handles partner visas regularly knows what case officers prioritise, the common evidence gaps that trigger requests for further information, and how to present de facto relationships, same-sex partnerships, and relationships that might face additional scrutiny due to age gaps, short durations, or limited shared history. Generalist agents may handle paperwork correctly but miss the nuance that separates a strong application from one that raises questions.

What a Partner Visa Agent Actually Does

A specialist agent handles your case end to end. They begin with an eligibility assessment confirming the right subclass. They advise on evidence strategy — which documents to prioritise and how to structure statutory declarations. They draft or review all declarations and supporting statements, ensuring they address each assessment criterion specifically rather than generically. They compile the document package, lodge through ImmiAccount, and handle all subsequent correspondence. For de facto couples, they help establish the 12-month cohabitation requirement or advise on registered relationship exemptions. Most agents offer a fixed fee covering both the temporary and permanent stages.

Partner Visa Timelines and Costs in 2026

The government application charge is $11,710 AUD for the primary applicant, current as at 1 July 2026, and covers both the temporary and permanent stages. Home Affairs' published processing times (period to 30 June 2026) show the onshore subclass 820 (temporary stage) taking 8 months for the fastest quarter of applicants, 18 months at the midpoint, and up to 32 months for the slowest 10% — a wide spread. Once eligible, the permanent subclass 801 stage is faster: 3 months at the fastest quarter, 5 months at the midpoint, up to 12 months for the slowest 10%. There is no official schedule for what an agent charges — the fee must be fair and reasonable and set out in a written service agreement, and no payment beyond a reasonable initial consultation fee can be taken before that agreement is signed. Migratio's own data across 686 quotes from 57 agents puts the median initial consultation fee at $220, with the middle half between $150 and $275, as at September 2026 — a full case fee is a separate, individually agreed figure. An experienced agent's value is clearest when you consider that each request for additional information can add months to processing. A well-prepared initial application is the single best way to keep your timeline short.

Common Mistakes That Delay Partner Visa Applications

The most common mistakes are presentation errors an experienced agent catches routinely. Statutory declarations that read like generic templates. Evidence packages strong in some assessment areas but with obvious gaps in others. Forms with minor errors or inconsistencies that trigger scrutiny. Supporting documents not properly certified or translated. Failure to address potential red flags proactively — age gaps, short relationship duration, or a sponsor with previous sponsorship history.

Partner Visas for De Facto and Same-Sex Couples

De facto couples including same-sex partners face the same evidence requirements as married couples, with the additional need to demonstrate at least 12 months of cohabitation (unless you have a registered relationship or compelling and compassionate circumstances). Same-sex couples may face specific evidence challenges if the relationship developed in a country where same-sex relationships are not publicly accepted. An experienced agent helps build evidence that demonstrates genuineness within the specific context of your relationship.

What Happens If Your Partner Visa Is Refused

A partner visa refusal is not necessarily final. The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the AAT on 14 October 2024, conducts a fresh merits review — you can submit new evidence and address the concerns that led to refusal. Strict deadlines apply for lodging an ART review: 28 days from notification of the decision generally, or 14 days if you are in immigration detention. Your refusal letter states the exact date.

Get Matched with Partner Visa Specialists

Answer a few questions about your situation through Migratio. You will be compare consultation fees from agents who handle partner visas as a core part of their practice. Each reviews your case brief and applies if it fits their expertise. You compare their profiles, specialisation, and experience, then choose. Free for applicants, no obligation.

How much does an agent charge for a partner visa?

There is no official fee schedule — agents set their own fee, which must be fair and reasonable and set out in a written service agreement before any payment beyond an initial consultation. Migratio's own data (686 quotes, 57 agents, September 2026) puts the median initial consultation fee at $220, middle half $150 to $275. A full case fee is agreed separately in the service agreement.

Can I apply without an agent?

Yes, through ImmiAccount. But partner visas require extensive evidence, and incomplete applications are a leading cause of delays. If your case has complexity, an agent is a worthwhile investment.

What is the difference between 820 and 309?

The 820 is the onshore temporary partner visa. The 309 is the offshore equivalent. Both lead to permanent residency — 801 onshore, 100 offshore.

How long does processing take in 2026?

Home Affairs' published times to 30 June 2026 show the onshore 820 (temporary stage) taking 8 to 18 months for most applicants, with the slowest 10% waiting up to 32 months. The permanent 801 stage, once eligible, typically takes 3 to 5 months at the middle of the range.

Do I need an agent if my relationship is straightforward?

Even straightforward cases benefit from professional review. Agents catch missing evidence and improve declarations. The cost of an agent is often less than the cost of a single request for additional information.

What evidence do I need?

Evidence across four areas: financial aspects, household nature, social recognition, and commitment. Your agent helps build a strong package across all four.