Applying for a partner visa is one of the most common ways to join your spouse or partner abroad. However, every country has its own rules and steps for approving this visa. If you’re looking to live with your partner overseas, you’ll need to meet some key requirements—both legal and personal.

This blog explains everything you need to know about the partner visa requirements in 2025, including eligibility, required documents, country-specific conditions, and common questions.

Let’s begin!

Understanding the Partner Visa

A partner visa is a type of family visa that allows someone to live, work, or stay in a country where their spouse or partner already holds legal residency or citizenship. This visa is offered by countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and more.

You can apply for a partner visa whether:

  • You are married to the sponsor
  • You are in a de facto or live-in relationship
  • You are in a same-sex relationship (in most countries)

This visa may lead to permanent residency after a certain period, depending on the immigration laws of the country.

General Partner Visa Requirements

While specific details change from one country to another, there are common requirements most immigration departments look for.

  1. A Genuine and Ongoing Relationship

This is the most important part of your application. You must prove that your relationship is real, long-term, and committed. Immigration authorities will ask for evidence such as:

  • Photos from holidays or family gatherings
  • Chat screenshots, emails, or call logs
  • Shared lease or home ownership documents
  • Joint bank accounts or utility bills
  • Letters of support from friends or family

Your relationship should not be only for visa purposes. Authorities investigate fake or arranged relationships closely.

  1. Proof of Marriage or Cohabitation

You need to show that your relationship is legally or socially recognised. You may qualify if:

  • You are married (official marriage certificate required)
  • You have lived together for at least 12 months (proof needed for de facto partners)
  • You have a civil union or registered partnership

Same-sex couples are generally accepted in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK.

  1. Sponsor Eligibility

Your partner must be legally allowed to sponsor you. They should be:

  • A citizen or permanent resident of the country
  • Over 18 years of age
  • Not previously involved in a visa fraud case
  • Financially capable of supporting you (in some countries)

Some countries have income requirements to ensure that the sponsor can support both parties without relying on government support.

  1. Health and Character Checks

You must also clear certain personal checks, which include:

  • Medical examinations to ensure you don’t have any serious illness
  • Police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived for more than 6 months in the last 10 years

These checks help maintain national security and public health.

Documents Required for a Partner Visa

Here’s a list of documents typically needed when applying for a partner visa:

Document Type Common Examples
Identity Proof Passport, national ID, birth certificate
Marriage or Relationship Proof Marriage certificate, rental agreements, joint accounts
Sponsor’s Proof of Status Passport, PR card, citizenship certificate
Financial Proof Payslips, bank statements, tax returns
Health Reports Medical clearance from approved doctors
Police Clearance Character certificates from local authorities

Having all these documents in English or with certified translations is important. Double-check with your country’s immigration website to make sure you include everything.

Country-Specific Partner Visa Requirements

Let’s look at the basic partner visa conditions for a few major immigration countries in 2025:

🇦🇺 Australia

  • Visa Type: Subclass 820/801 (onshore), 309/100 (offshore)
  • Processing Time: 12 to 24 months
  • Requirement: Must be in a genuine relationship, either married or de facto for at least 12 months
  • Fee: AUD 8,850 (approx.)

🇨🇦 Canada

  • Visa Type: Spousal or Common-Law Sponsorship
  • Processing Time: Around 12 months
  • Requirement: Must live together or be legally married; sponsor must meet financial guidelines
  • Fee: CAD 1,080

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

  • Visa Type: Spouse Visa / Unmarried Partner Visa
  • Processing Time: 2–3 months
  • Requirement: Sponsor must earn a minimum of £18,600 annually
  • Fee: £1,846 for applications outside the UK

🇳🇿 New Zealand

  • Visa Type: Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
  • Processing Time: 8–12 months
  • Requirement: Must prove you’ve been living together for 12 months or more

Tips to Strengthen Your Partner Visa Application

  • Organise your evidence clearly. Create a timeline of your relationship.
  • Avoid inconsistencies in documents and answers.
  • Submit certified translations of all non-English documents.
  • Get help from a visa consultant if your case is complex.
  • Apply early—partner visa processing can take months or even years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for a partner visa without marriage?

Yes. Most countries allow de facto or unmarried partners to apply, but you must prove that you have lived together for a certain time—usually 12 months.

Is it possible to work on a partner visa?

In most countries, yes. Partner visa holders can usually work full-time, but conditions vary. Check your visa grant notice for details.

Can my children be included in the same visa?

Yes. You can include dependent children in your partner visa application, but you’ll need to provide their birth certificates and guardianship documents.

Final Thoughts:

Getting a partner visa approved takes preparation, honesty, and patience. Whether you’re applying in Australia, Canada, the UK, or another country, the requirements focus on genuine relationships, proper documentation, and legal eligibility.

If you’re unsure where to start or facing difficulties in your application, don’t hesitate to seek expert immigration advice.