Partner Visa – Subclass 820 / 801
Overview
The Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa is Australia’s primary pathway for couples who wish to live together permanently in the country. Designed for both married couples and de facto partners, this two-stage visa enables applicants to remain in Australia with their Australian partner while their permanent residency is being processed.
The first stage, the Subclass 820 visa, provides temporary residency. During this period, applicants can live, work, and study freely in Australia, and access certain social services. This stage also allows the Department of Home Affairs to assess the genuineness of the relationship and ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
After approximately two years, provided the relationship remains genuine and ongoing, applicants can transition to the second stage, the Subclass 801 visa, which grants full permanent residency. Permanent residency offers long-term stability, including access to healthcare, social security benefits, and the ability to eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
This visa pathway is ideal for couples already in Australia who are committed to building a life together, allowing them to reunite, live together, and enjoy the rights and opportunities available to permanent residents while their application is being processed.
Difference between Subclass 820 and 801?
Stage 1: (Subclass 820) Temporary Partner Visa
- The visa subclass 820 is your temporary partner visa that lets you stay in Australia while your permanent application is processed.
- With the 820 partner visa, you get full work rights, can study anywhere, and access Medicare from day one.
- This temporary partner visa Australia usually takes 12-29 months to process.
Stage 2: (Subclass 801)Permanent Partner Visa
- The subclass 801 visa is your permanent residence visa.
- You automatically apply for this when you lodge your 820 visa application.
- The 801 partner visa is assessed about two years after your first application.
- The 801 processing time is typically 8-26 months once they start reviewing your case.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Australian partner visa, you and your partner must meet these basic requirements:
- Both must be 18 years or older
- You must be married or in a genuine de facto relationship
- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- You must be in Australia when you apply for the partner visa onshore
- Both must pass health and character checks
Health and Character Requirements
- Every 820 visa Australia applicant must:
- Pass medical exams with approved doctors
- Get police checks from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months
- Show you won’t be a risk to the Australian community
For de facto partner visa applications, you need to prove:
- You’ve lived together for at least 12 months before applying
- Your relationship is genuine and continuing
- You share financial responsibilities, like joint bank accounts
- You live together and share household duties
- Friends and family know about your relationship
- You’re committed to a long-term future together
- Timing & Pathway: Hold the 820 visa for 2+ years or qualify for a direct grant by being married 3+ years, in a de facto relationship 3+ years, or living together 2+ years with a child.
- Relationship Proof: Show your relationship remains genuine with updated cohabitation and shared responsibility evidence.
Required Documents
- Valid passports and birth certificates for both partners
- Marriage certificate (if married) or de facto relationship evidence
- Health examinations from approved panel doctors
- Police clearances from all countries you’ve lived in
- Photos together showing your relationship over time
- Joint bank statements and financial document
- Rental agreements or mortgage documents showing that you live together
- Utility bills in both names
- Travel bookings and photos from trips together
- Statutory declarations from family and friends (Form 888)
- Evidence of joint insurance policies or shared assets
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
Preparation Phase
Start gathering all your documents early. This includes relationship evidence, health exams, and police checks. The 820 partner visa checklist helps you stay organised.
Online Application
Submit your partner visa application through ImmiAccount. You’ll pay one fee for both the 820/801 visa stages.
Biometrics
You might need to give fingerprints and photos at a biometrics appointment.
Assessment
Wait for the Department to review your visa 820 application. They’ll contact you if they need more information.
Decision
Get your temporary visa first, then your permanent visa about two years later.
Key Tips:
You only submit ONE application and pay ONE fee for both the 820 and 801 visas. The 801 visa is not a separate application – it’s the second stage of your original combined application.
- Apply early because the 820 visa processing time can be very long
- Make sure all your documents are certified and translated if needed
- Respond quickly to any requests from the Department
- Keep your contact details updated throughout the process
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