A partner visa is available to a person who is legally married to an Australian citizen or permanent resident. On the other hand, a spouse visa is available to a person who isn’t legally married to an Australian citizen or permanent resident but meets the criteria for de-facto relationship in the Migration Regulations. The most important condition common to both these types of relationships is the relationship must be genuine and continuing. Partner visas are thoroughly assessed by the authorities to make sure that a partner visa is granted to those couples that meet the stringent eligibility criteria.