There is no maximum age limit for applying for an Australian Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 or 309/100). Whether you are under 30 or over 60, eligibility depends on the genuineness of your relationship. Both the applicant and sponsor must be at least 18 years old to meet the legal requirements.
Schedule a Consultation
Partner Visa Age Requirements at a Glance
Requirement | Details |
Maximum Age Limit | No maximum age limit |
Minimum Age (Applicant) | 18 years old |
Minimum Age (Sponsor) | 18 years old |
Age Gap Restrictions | No restrictions (relationship must be genuine) |
Application Fee (2026) | AUD $9,365 (primary applicant) |
Partner Visa vs Skilled Visa: Age Limit Comparison
Many people confuse partner visa age requirements with skilled visa requirements. Here is the critical difference:
Visa Type | Age Limit | Main Requirement |
Partner Visa (820/801, 309/100) | No maximum age | Genuine relationship |
Skilled Independent (189) | Under 45 years | Skills + Points test |
Skilled Nominated (190) | Under 45 years | State nomination + Points |
Skilled Regional (491) | Under 45 years | Regional sponsorship + Points |
Employer Sponsored (482) | No age limit (temporary) | Employer sponsorship |
Parent Visa (143, 103) | No age limit | Balance of family test |
Important: If you are over 45 and looking for permanent residency in Australia, a partner visa may be your best pathway. Unlike skilled visas that require you to be under 45 at the time of invitation, partner visas have no such restriction.
Types of Partner Visas in Australia
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
If you are already in Australia, you apply for the Partner (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 820) and Partner (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 801) together. The temporary visa allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent visa is being processed.
- Age requirement: Applicant and sponsor must both be 18+
- Application fee (2026): AUD $9,365
- Processing time: 13-20 months (temporary), 8-26 months (permanent)
- Benefits: Work and study rights, Medicare access while waiting
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
If you are outside Australia, you apply for the Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) and Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100) together. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the temporary visa is granted.
- Age requirement: Applicant and sponsor must both be 18+
- Application fee (2026): AUD $9,365
- Processing time: 10-21 months (temporary), 9-18 months (permanent)
- Benefits: Travel to Australia after the grant, work and study rights
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
If you are engaged but not yet married to an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for this visa to enter Australia and get married within 9 months. After marriage, you can then apply for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801).
- Age requirement: Both parties must be 18+ and legally free to marry
- Application fee (2026): AUD $9,365
- Validity: 9-15 months to enter Australia and marry
Partner Visa Age Limit Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
Understand the Age Requirements Before You Apply
Book a Consultation
Address
Suite 904/10 Help St, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia
Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements
While there is no maximum age limit, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible for an Australian partner visa:
Genuine Relationship
You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your relationship based on four key factors:
- Financial aspects: Joint bank accounts, shared assets, financial support
- Nature of household: Living together, sharing responsibilities
- Social aspects: Known as a couple, joint social activities
- Commitment: Mutual commitment, plans together
Relationship Duration
For de facto couples, you generally need to have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before applying. This requirement may be waived if you have a child together or if the relationship is registered.
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must meet health requirements (medical examination) and character requirements (police clearance certificates).
Sponsor Requirements
Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. There are also sponsorship limitations, where a person can generally only sponsor two partners in their lifetime, with at least 5 years between sponsorships.
Why Choose CMI Legal for Your Partner Visa?
At CMI Legal, we have helped hundreds of couples reunite in Australia through partner visa applications. Our MARA-registered migration lawyers understand that age should never be a barrier to love and have successfully assisted applicants of all ages, including couples in their 60s and 70s.
Our partner visa success rate: 95%+ approval rate when all eligibility requirements are met
Experience: Over 500 partner visa applications processed
Consultation: Free 15-minute initial consultation available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum age limit for a partner visa in Australia?
No, there is no maximum age limit for Australian partner visas. Both married couples and de facto partners of any age can apply, as long as both parties are at least 18 years old (the legal marriageable age in Australia). This applies to all partner visa subclasses: 820/801 (onshore) and 309/100 (offshore).
What is the minimum age for a partner visa sponsor?
The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Is there an age gap restriction for a partner visa?
No, there is no specific age gap restriction for partner visas. However, significant age differences may be considered when assessing whether the relationship is genuine. Couples with large age gaps should provide strong evidence of their genuine commitment.
Can a 50-year-old get PR in Australia?
Yes, a 50-year-old can get permanent residency in Australia through a partner visa. While skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491) have an age limit of under 45, partner visas have no maximum age limit. If you are over 45 and in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the partner visa pathway is your best option for PR.
What is the age limit for permanent residency in Australia?
This depends on the visa pathway:
- Skilled visas (189, 190, 491): Under 45 years at time of invitation
- Partner visas (820/801, 309/100): No maximum age limit
- Parent visas (143, 103): No maximum age limit
- Employer-sponsored (186): Generally under 45, but exemptions exist
Does age affect partner visa processing time?
No, age does not directly affect processing times. Processing times depend on the completeness of your application, response times to requests for information, and the Department of Home Affairs workload. Current processing times are 13-20 months for the temporary visa (820) and 8-26 months for the permanent visa (801).
Can elderly parents get a partner visa?
If an elderly person is in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, they can apply for a partner visa regardless of their age. However, if they are the parent of an Australian citizen (not the partner), they should consider a parent visa instead (Subclass 143 or 103).
How much does a partner visa cost in 2026?
The current partner visa application fee is AUD $9,365 for the primary applicant. This covers both the temporary and permanent visa stages. Additional costs include:
- Additional applicant (18+): AUD $4,695
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $2,345
- Medical examination: AUD $350-500
- Police clearance: AUD $50-100 per country
What if my partner is over 45? Can they still get PR?
Yes. If your partner is over 45 and cannot apply for skilled migration visas, the partner visa is the ideal pathway to permanent residency. As long as your relationship is genuine and you meet all other requirements, your partner can obtain PR regardless of their age.
Are same-sex couples eligible for partner visas?
Yes, same-sex couples are fully eligible for all Australian partner visas. Following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia in 2017, married same-sex couples and de facto same-sex partners have the same visa options as heterosexual couples, with no age restrictions.
Latest Insights
Clear Filters
Our Partner Visa Lawyer Reviews
Client Testimonials and Reviews
5.0
Based on 70 reviews
powered by Google
Joe Shi
10:53 10 Mar 26
Tina Tang is doing excellent service job as a profesional lawer and provide valued information about property purchase issue.Thank you so much,we are appreciated to your skilled help and hope to cooperate with your esteemed company,current residential living apartment 506/2-4 Culworth Ave Killara should be put in market,we hope Tina Tang will provide support as well.thank you so much.
Joe Shi
Joe Shi
Sydney Translation
22:10 18 Feb 26
Ying Wan
08:39 10 Feb 26
We had an excellent experience with CMI Legal during our property purchase. The team was highly professional, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They carefully reviewed all contracts, clearly explained potential risks, and provided practical advice at every stage, which gave us great peace of mind. Communication was prompt and clear, and they were always patient in answering our questions. Their efficiency and attention to detail made what could have been a stressful process smooth and well-managed. We would confidently recommend CMI Legal to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy conveyancing and legal services, with special thanks to Tina for her professionalism, patience, and exceptional support throughout the process.
郭小姐
23:49 27 Jan 26
Attorney Tina was professional and patient; I am very grateful for her legal assistance during my home sale process.
Solutions NovaBuild
19:57 22 Jan 26
John and Tina are the best! I just had another settlement through them. Everything was so smooth and they are reminding you every step for the key points.
P W
12:00 28 Nov 25
I recently used CMI and worked with Tina for my property settlement. Tina was extremely helpful, patient and very professional throughout the entire process. She explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Highly recommend Tina and the CMI team!
Andy Hsieh
00:31 27 Nov 25
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have Tina as my solicitor. She has been outstanding throughout the entire contract exchange and settlement process. She is always the first to respond, timely, and extremely efficient. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and she consistently makes sure everything is in the buyer’s best interest. Super attentive, helpful, and genuinely caring. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tina to anyone looking for reliable and professional legal services.
David Lin
11:41 23 Nov 25
Many thanks to Senior Lawyer Tina Tang for helping me handle the sale of my property in Sydney. She liaised with the real estate, banks and buyers broker and explained everything well and handled the sale meticulously.Her professional ability, experience and sense of responsibility are trustworthy. I recommend Tina and CMI for anyone looking for support in real estate sales.
David Lin
David Lin
Denis Lebrun
00:14 21 Nov 25
John Zhang has been absolutely great in helping me with my EOI and application for a skilled visa in Australia. On both calls I've had with John, I have had a multitude of questions for him which he answered in depth and gave me all the information I required. He really has a great amount of knowledge and I would highly recommend him and the CMI legal team for their efficiency and professionalism.
Jing LI
03:22 30 Sep 25
I was very fortunate to have Tina TANG from CMI as my conveyancing solicitor for the recent sale of my property. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout the entire process — from preparing the contract, exchanging contracts, right through to settlement. What impressed me the most is that even after settlement, she continued to go above and beyond to assist me as the vendor, making sure everything was properly taken care of.
Her diligence, patience, and attention to detail gave me great peace of mind and took away a lot of the stress of selling a property. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly supportive conveyancing solicitor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Her diligence, patience, and attention to detail gave me great peace of mind and took away a lot of the stress of selling a property. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly supportive conveyancing solicitor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sabrina Ng
06:57 12 Aug 25
Outstanding service from start to finish. Tina Tang handled my unit's sales contract with exceptional professionalism. Communication was always clear and prompt, making the whole process smooth and stree free. I highly recommand Tina to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable solicitor.
Max Swan
22:16 01 Jul 25
I’ve had an incredibly positive experience working with John & Winnie on my matter. From start to finish, they have been professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive throughout what’s been a stressful time for me.
They explained every step of the process clearly, responded promptly to any questions I had, and made complicated situations feel a lot more manageable. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their calm, confident approach really helped me stay grounded.
Highly recommend CMI services to anyone needing immigration or legal assistance — couldn’t be more grateful.
Thanks again!
They explained every step of the process clearly, responded promptly to any questions I had, and made complicated situations feel a lot more manageable. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their calm, confident approach really helped me stay grounded.
Highly recommend CMI services to anyone needing immigration or legal assistance — couldn’t be more grateful.
Thanks again!
danny
11:57 26 Jun 25
As an old customer of CMI, this year is already the 8th year. Special thanks to attorney John and attorney Tina for carefully answering our various questions, providing a lot of professional advice and help, allowing us to easily complete each transaction.
Vivien Lu
01:39 23 May 25
Tina was a great lawyer - she was always incredibly knowledgeable, answered all questions promptly, and very friendly. Would recommend Tina!
Zhiyi LI
04:58 14 Mar 25
Jeremy Tong
22:32 20 Sep 24
Tina was a great help in guiding us through our first home buying experience. She gave us a lot of great explanations and advice from initial discussion of the process through every step until successful settlement. Communication and resolution of issues was prompt and professional.
Yun Jung Hsieh
05:56 12 Aug 24
Tina is a fantastic lawyer. her responses to my queries were thorough and timely, and impeccable organizational skills! Truly appreciated her clear and consistent communcation througout the entire property-purchasing process. she handled everything with profressionalism and expertise, making what could have been a stressful experience much smoother. Highly recommend!
Jeena Jung
05:04 06 Aug 24
We had the pleasure of working with Tina as our solicitor for our first home purchase, and we couldn’t have been in better hands. She carefully explained every step of the process, guiding us through what initially felt overwhelming and unfamiliar. Buying off the plan made us particularly cautious, especially when it came to reviewing legal documents. Tina’s meticulous approach put us at ease—she ensured we both clearly understood each aspect, taking the time to highlight and reorganise information to make it more accessible. Her dedication and professionalism made the entire experience far less daunting, and we’re truly grateful for her support.
Keyu Jiang
10:03 05 Aug 24
John and Tina have provided great professional legal service since 2017 for me.
Ian Pereira
09:18 04 Jul 24
I realised that I hadn’t left a review for my dealings with CMI legal. I had dealt with them a few months ago, but an epiphany made me come and leave a review.
5 stars is insufficient to express their work. We were working Dee and she is an amazing and thorough professional. She goes above and beyond and explains matters that makes you understand things really well. Thank you Dee for your amazing work.
5 stars is insufficient to express their work. We were working Dee and she is an amazing and thorough professional. She goes above and beyond and explains matters that makes you understand things really well. Thank you Dee for your amazing work.
