How to apply for an Australian partner visa – and how much it costs Subscribe If you’re a South African in a relationship with an Australian citizen or with a South African who is a permanent resident in Australia, here’s everything you need to know about getting a partner visa. Australian partner visas provide a way for those in serious, committed relationships with either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, to join their partners in Australia, said Sam Hopwood, director: Australia and Oceania region, Sable International. What are the different routes for Australian partner visas?