Partner Visa Subclass 820/801

From temporary residency to permanent settlement — the Partner Visa (820/801) is your pathway to build a life with your partner in Australia.

Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): Temporary to Permanent Residency for Partners of Australians

The onshore Partner visa pathway (Subclass 820 → 801) lets spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens live in Australia—first on a temporary visa (820), then transition to permanent residency (801).

The Partner visa (subclasses 820 and 801) is a two-stage pathway for people in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian partner. You apply once, pay once, and—if eligible—receive a temporary onshore visa (820) while your permanent stage (801) is assessed after a qualifying period and further evidence.

Why Choose the Partner Visa 820/801?

Ideal if you are already in Australia with your partner and want work rights, study access, Medicare eligibility, and a path to permanent residency without needing employer sponsorship.

Visa Stages

Stage 1 — Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

Granted after initial assessment of relationship genuineness and other criteria. Allows you to remain in Australia while the permanent stage is processed.

Stage 2 — Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

Assessed usually about 2 years after the initial application (or earlier in certain long-term relationship/certain children scenarios) once you provide updated evidence of a continuing genuine relationship.

Benefits

Subclass 820 (temporary): live, work, and study anywhere in Australia; access Medicare; travel in and out while the visa is valid.

Subclass 801 (permanent): permanent residency, access to most benefits available to PR holders, and a pathway to citizenship (subject to eligibility).

Include eligible dependent children in your application.

Bridging visa (typically BVA) to maintain lawful stay while your 820 is processed.

Eligibility Criteria

sponsor

Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and meet sponsorship limitations and character checks.

relationship

You must be married or in a de facto relationship (generally at least 12 months unless exempt due to registration or compelling circumstances). Relationship must be genuine and continuing with shared life commitments.

location

You must be in Australia when you apply and when a decision is made on the 820 stage.

character_health

Meet health and character requirements. Provide police clearances for each country lived in for 12+ months. Health insurance recommended until Medicare is available.

previous_visa_status

Hold a substantive visa or satisfy Schedule 3 criteria if not (exemptions may apply). Bridging visas may be granted upon lodgement.

Evidence Checklist

Identity documents: passport, birth certificate, photos.

Relationship evidence across the 4 pillars: financial (shared accounts/bills), household (co-living, responsibilities), social (photos/invitations/statements), commitment (communications, plans).

Marriage certificate or de facto registration (if applicable).

Two Form 888 statutory declarations (or equivalent statements) from Australian citizens/PRs who know your relationship.

Sponsor documents: proof of citizenship/PR/eligible NZ status, character checks.

Police clearances and health examinations as requested.

Conditions & Rights

Work and study rights on the bridging visa/820 visa.

Access to Medicare after 820 is granted (or in some cases upon lodgement).

Inform the Department of any relationship status change.

Travel: subclass 820 is multiple-entry while valid; bridging visa travel requires a BVB if the 820 is not yet granted.

Sponsorship limitations: sponsors may face caps/time limits if they’ve previously sponsored or been sponsored.

Application Process

Gather relationship, identity, and sponsor evidence.

Apply online via ImmiAccount for the combined 820/801 application while onshore.

Receive a bridging visa (if eligible) to remain lawfully in Australia.

Complete health checks and provide police clearances as requested.

820 assessment: respond to any requests for further information.

After the qualifying period, submit updated relationship evidence for the 801 stage.

If approved, receive the permanent Partner visa (801).

Processing Time

Timeframes vary with caseload and case complexity. The permanent stage (801) is typically assessed around 24 months from the original lodgement, though faster decisions can occur for long-term relationships or where compelling criteria are met.

Fees & Notes

Government charges are paid once at lodgement for the combined 820/801 pathway.

Actual amounts change periodically—always check the official fee schedule before applying.

Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, translations, and document certification.

FAQs

Do we need to be married to apply?

No. De facto partners can apply if they generally have at least 12 months of de facto relationship or a registered relationship (requirements can vary by state/territory).

Can I include my children?

Yes. You can include dependent children in the application or add them before a decision, provided they meet health and character requirements.

What if our relationship ends during processing?

You must notify the Department. Limited provisions may allow the application to continue (e.g., family violence, death of the sponsor, or if you share a child), but strict criteria apply.

Can I travel while I’m waiting?

If your 820 is not yet granted and you hold a Bridging Visa A, you’ll need a Bridging Visa B to travel and return to Australia. Once the 820 is granted, it generally allows multiple entries.

When is the 801 decided?

Usually around two years from the original 820/801 application date, when you’re invited to provide updated relationship evidence. Some applicants may be eligible for earlier decision if they meet long-term relationship criteria.