Partner Visa 801 & 309 Checklist: Your Complete Guide for 2025

Applying for an Australian partner visa can be a life-changing journey-but it requires careful preparation, especially when it come’s to documentation. Whether you are applying for partner visa subclass 309 (offshore) or partner visa subclass 801 (permanent onshore visa), having the right checklist can cause all differences.

In this guide, we will run through partner visa 309 checklist and partner visa 801 checklist to help submit a complete and strong application in 2025.

Understand two Partner visas

Before we dive into the checklist, there is a quick observation of two visa types:

• Partner Visa Subclass 309: This is a temporary visa for applicants who are outside Australia. This subclass is the first step towards permanent residence through 100 visa.
• Partner Visa Subclass 801: This is a permanent visa, which usually applies up to two years after placing the subclass 820 (temporary onshore partner visa).

Each visa has its own requirement and auxiliary documents. Let’s look at each one in detail.

Partner Visa 309 Checklist (Offshore)

If you’re applying from outside Australia to join your partner, the Partner Visa 309 checklist is your go-to reference. Here’s what you need to include:

1. Identity Documents

• Valid passport (certified copy)

• Birth certificate

• National identity card (if applicable)

• Recent passport-sized photograph

2. Relationship Evidence

You must prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Include:

• Marriage certificate (if married)

• Evidence of shared finances (joint accounts, loans)

• Joint lease or ownership documents

• Photos together over time

• Travel itineraries showing time spent together

• Social media posts or messages over time

• Personal statements from both partners

3. Form & Application Documents

• Form 47SP – Visa application form

• Form 40SP – Sponsor’s form

• Form 888 – Statutory declarations by friends/family

• Certified translations for non-English documents

4. Health and Character Documents

• Police clearance certificates for each country you’ve lived in for 12+ months since turning 16

• Undergo a health examination as required by the Department

5. Sponsor’s Supporting Documents

• Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship, permanent residence, or eligible New Zealand citizenship

• Sponsor’s passport or citizenship certificate

• Statement about the sponsor’s relationship with the applicant

6. Other Supporting Items

• Evidence of children (if any): birth certificates, custody agreements

• Proof of previous marriages ending (divorce papers or death certificates, if applicable)

Tip: Double-check all documents are current, clear, and certified where needed.

Partner Visa 801 Checklist (Onshore Permanent)

The Partner Visa 801 is the next stage after holding a temporary Subclass 820 visa for about two years. Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

1. Updated Relationship Evidence

Even if you provided evidence for your Subclass 820, you must show your relationship is still ongoing and genuine. Include:

• Joint finances: bank accounts, bills, loans

• Joint living arrangements: lease, mortgage, utility bills

• Correspondence showing cohabitation

• Updated photos of you and your partner over time

• Statutory declarations (Form 888) – fresh or updated statements from friends and family

• Written statements from both you and your partner

2. Personal Details

• Current passport

• Any name change documents (if applicable)

• Updated contact and address details

3. Character Documents

• Police clearance certificates (again, if required)

• Evidence of good character or declarations (if asked)

4. Children and Family

• Birth certificates for children (if you have any since your Subclass 820)

• Parenting plans or custody documents (if applicable)

5. Sponsor’s Details

• Update on your sponsor’s situation (employment, address, etc.)

• Confirmation of continued relationship and support

Important: You don’t need to pay a separate fee for the 801 application if you’ve already paid at the 820 stage.

Key Differences Between Visa 309 and 801 Documentation

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Organise early – Start gathering your documents months in advance.

2. Be honest and consistent – Mismatched details can cause delays or rejections.

3. Explain your story – Include personal relationship statements that reflect your journey.

4. Use Form 888 effectively – The more people who can vouch for your relationship, the better.

5. Consult a migration agent – If unsure, getting expert help can prevent critical mistakes.

final thoughts

Whether you are applying for your first Partner visa from abroad or infection for permanent residence in Australia, it is necessary to be a reliable checklist. Partner Visa 309 Checklist ensures that your offshore application is completely, while partner Visa 801 Checklist focuses on proving your ongoing commitment.

By staying carefully and organized, you will create a smooth and successful application process. Always refer to the Home Affairs Website Department for the most updated requirements-and do not hesitate in search of professional guidance if needed.