As the name suggests, this is a visa for married partners (i.e. opposite-sex spouses) and de facto partners (including those in a same-sex relationship) of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to enter and remain permanently in Australia.
The subclasses are of two types: temporary and permanent. In the beginning, partners who meet the legal criteria for the grant of the visa are granted a temporary visa. Later, a permanent visa may be granted following an eligibility period or, if there is a long-standing relationship or children of the relationship, soon after grant of the temporary visa.
Partner category migration also allows for the temporary entry to Australia of fiance(e)s (intended spouses) of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.
However, as the partner or fiance(e) of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you are not automatically eligible for permanent residence in Australia. If you wish to reside permanently in Australia you must first apply for a permanent visa and be assessed against the legal criteria for the grant of that visa.
