Australia partner visa for Filipino nationals
What this visa is
The Australian partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is a two-stage process: the applicant is first granted a temporary visa, then assessed for permanent residence after approximately two years.
Applications can be made from outside Australia (offshore: subclass 309 leading to subclass 100) or from within Australia on a valid status (onshore: subclass 820 leading to subclass 801).
This guide covers the process for Filipino nationals applying to join a partner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are the spouse or de facto partner of your sponsor:
- Legally married spouses
- De facto partners in a genuine relationship for at least twelve months immediately before applying
You must be aged 18 or over. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing. Both parties must have met in person.
Who can sponsor
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over and not subject to sponsorship bars or character exclusions.
Financial requirement
There is no minimum income requirement for the sponsor. The assessment focuses on the genuineness of the relationship.
Health requirement
All applicants must undergo a health examination with an approved panel physician. Panel physicians are available in Manila and other cities. Use the ImmiAccount health examination locator to find the nearest approved clinic and book well in advance given high demand.
Health results are submitted electronically to the Department of Home Affairs. If processing is lengthy, a repeat examination may be required.
Police clearance
Filipino nationals must provide a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance. Apply online through the NBI e-Clearance portal, attend for biometric capture, and collect the certificate. This is the standard clearance accepted for Australian visa applications.
You must also provide police clearances from every other country you have lived in for twelve months or more since the age of 16.
A note on annulment
The Philippines does not recognise divorce for Filipino nationals except where a foreign spouse obtained a valid divorce abroad confirmed through Philippine courts. If either party has been previously married, the prior marriage must have been annulled through the Philippine courts or legally terminated. An annotated PSA marriage certificate confirming the annulment is required. Factor in the time needed for annulment proceedings if applicable.
Proving your relationship
Home Affairs assesses four aspects of the relationship:
Financial aspects: joint accounts, shared assets, financial interdependence.
Nature of the household: shared address, domestic responsibilities, statements from people who know you as a couple.
Social aspects: photographs together, family knowledge of the relationship, attendance at family or community events.
Commitment: communication records, travel history showing visits, future plans.
Documents needed
Sponsor’s documents:
– Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residence
– Completed sponsorship form (Form 40SP)
Applicant’s documents:
– Valid Philippine passport
– PSA-authenticated marriage certificate for married couples: the PSA-issued copy is required, not a local civil registrar copy alone
– Health examination results
– NBI clearance
– Relationship evidence as described above
If previously married:
– Annotated PSA marriage certificate showing annulment, or a death certificate
All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount. Both the sponsor and applicant complete their sections online.
For offshore applications (309/100), the applicant remains in the Philippines during processing. Once the temporary 309 visa is granted, they travel to Australia. The permanent 100 visa is assessed after approximately two years.
For onshore applications (820/801), the applicant must be in Australia holding valid temporary status when they apply.
Costs and processing times
Government application fee: AUD $11,710 for the primary applicant, covering both stages.
Additional costs include the health examination, NBI clearance fees, and migration agent fees if applicable.
Processing times for Filipino applicants have historically been among the longer in the system. Check current times on the Home Affairs website before applying.
After approval
Once the temporary visa is granted, the applicant can live, work, and study in Australia. After approximately two years, Home Affairs reassesses the relationship before granting the permanent visa.
As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Australia. After four years of permanent residence, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
FAQs
We were married in a church in the Philippines. Is the PSA certificate the right document?
Yes. Philippine church marriages that are registered with the civil authorities are legally valid and recorded in the PSA system. Obtain the PSA-authenticated copy of your marriage certificate.
My previous marriage was annulled. What do I need to provide?
You need the annotated PSA marriage certificate showing the annulment. Ensure the annotation is complete and appears on the PSA-issued document before submitting your application.
Can I work in Australia on the onshore temporary 820 visa?
Yes. The temporary 820 visa includes full work rights.
What if the relationship breaks down during the two-year waiting period?
You must notify Home Affairs. The permanent visa will generally not be granted unless exceptional humanitarian circumstances such as family violence apply.
Is there a right of appeal if refused?
Yes. Refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Can dependent children be included?
Yes. Dependent children can be included, subject to health and character requirements.