Partner Visas are often also referred as de facto visas in Australia are usually provided to the partners and spouses of permanent Australian Citizens, residents or those who are eligible New Zealand Citizens living in Australia. A partner visa can be obtained both for hetero sexual and/or same sex couples without much hassle.

There are two stages of obtaining a partner visa in Australia, wherein first a person gets a provisional partner visa, which is categorized in Subclass 820 for onshore and Subclass 309 for offshore applicants. Once the applicant qualifies for the provisional partner visa they have to stay in the country for a certain period of time. Couples are assessed again for meeting the criteria of permanent partner visa, which is further classified into two categories; Subclass 801 Visa for those having subclass 820 visa and subclass 100 visa for the subclass 309 visa holders.