Partner Visa 820/801: Eligibility, Evidence and Costs
The onshore partner visa subclass 820/801 is a two-stage visa process designed for people who are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and are currently in Australia.
Live in Australia
Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely with your partner
Work Rights
Your work rights depend on the visa currently in effect. Check your grant letter and VEVO.
Medicare Access
Access Australia’s public healthcare system with your 820 visa
Travel Flexibility
Travel to and from Australia while your visa remains valid
Include Children
Include eligible dependent children; additional visa application charges may apply.
Path to Citizenship
Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after permanent residency
Two-Stage Visa Process
One application, two stages – both applied for simultaneously with a single fee
1 Subclass 820 (Temporary)
The first stage grants you temporary residence in Australia while your relationship is assessed.
- ✓ Live and work in Australia
- ✓ Access Medicare healthcare
- ✓ Study in Australia
- ✓ Travel in and out of Australia
2 Subclass 801 (Permanent)
The second stage grants you permanent residency, assessed approximately two years after your initial application.
- ✓ Live permanently in Australia
- ✓ Sponsor family members
- ✓ Apply for citizenship
- ✓ 5-year travel facility
Eligibility Requirements
Key requirements you must meet to qualify for the partner visa
Relationship Requirements
Be married to or in a de facto relationship with your sponsor
Your relationship must be genuine and continuing
Living together or temporarily apart for compelling reasons
Usually a de facto relationship for at least 12 months immediately before applying; exceptions apply.
Sponsor Requirements
Australian citizen, PR, or eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor must be 18 or older. If your Australian spouse is under 18, an eligible parent or guardian of that spouse may sponsor you.
Generally limited to two sponsored partners; compelling-circumstances exceptions may apply.
Five-year restrictions can apply after earlier partner sponsorship or being sponsored yourself; exceptions may apply.
Health & Character Requirements
Meet Australian health standards through approved physicians
From all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 16
Meet Australian character requirements
Required Documents
Comprehensive evidence across four key relationship categories
💰 Financial Aspects
- Joint bank account statements
- Joint ownership or lease agreements
- Shared bills and expenses
- Joint loans or credit cards
- Evidence of financial support
🏠 Nature of Household
- Joint lease or property ownership
- Shared household bills
- Joint household responsibility
- Photos of shared residence
- Mail addressed to both partners
👥 Social Aspects
- Joint social activities
- Correspondence to both partners
- Evidence of joint travel
- Social media evidence
- Photos with family and friends
💕 Nature of Commitment
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Supporting statements using Form 888
- Knowledge of each other
- Future plans together
- Long-term commitment evidence
Processing Time & Visa Cost
⏰ Processing Times
- 📋 Subclass 820: Check current Home Affairs processing times
- ✅ Subclass 801: Usually eligible for assessment two years after the combined application
- ⚡ Earlier 801 assessment: May be available for eligible long-term relationships.
💵 Government Fees
- 💰 Visa application charge: Check current Home Affairs pricing for your circumstances.
- ✓ Covers both 820 and 801 stages
- 👶 Additional fees for dependents
Why Choose VisaTasker?
Expert partner visa services with proven results
100% Success Rate
Perfect track record for all partner visa applications
No Win, No Fee
If visa not granted due to our error, you don’t pay
MARA Registered
Registered migration agents (MARN 2318017)
Full Service
From consultation to permanent residency grant
Fast Response
Timely updates throughout the process
Tailored Approach
Customized strategy for your unique relationship
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs
Government Fee
The application covers the temporary 820 and permanent 801 stages. Additional applicant charges and concessions depend on your circumstances. Health checks, police certificates and other costs may also apply.
- Covers both 820 & 801 stages
- Single payment required
- Additional fees for dependents
- Refunds are available only in limited circumstances.
Our Professional Service
Based on case complexity
- Initial consultation & assessment
- Complete application preparation
- Document review & guidance
- Form completion & lodgement
- Ongoing case management
- DHA communication handling
- Stage 2 (801) assistance included
- 100% success guarantee
Application Process
Step-by-step journey from consultation to permanent residency
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive eligibility assessment and personalized advice
Evidence Gathering
Detailed checklist and guidance for collecting relationship evidence
Application Preparation
Complete forms and compile professional submission
Application Lodgement
Lodge complete application through ImmiAccount
Bridging Visa Grant
Check your bridging visa grant, commencement date and conditions.
Case Management
Monitor progress and respond to DHA requests
Subclass 820 Grant
Temporary partner visa granted
Stage 2 Assessment
Provide updated relationship evidence for 801 assessment
Subclass 801 Grant
Permanent residency granted – congratulations!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the Partner Visa 820/801 take to process?
Processing times vary. Check the current Home Affairs processing-time guide. Applicants are usually eligible for permanent-stage assessment two years after lodging the combined application; this is not a promised decision date.
Processing times vary based on:
- Application completeness and quality of evidence
- Case complexity
- Department workload
- Response times to information requests
2. Can I work in Australia while my Partner Visa 820/801 is being processed?
Lodging a partner visa application does not immediately change your current visa conditions. If you are granted a bridging visa, check when it comes into effect and its work conditions. You must follow your current visa conditions until then.
3. Do I need to apply separately for the 801 visa after receiving the 820?
No separate application is required. When you lodge your initial partner visa application, you apply for both subclass 820 and 801 simultaneously and pay a single application fee.
After approximately 2 years (or when you become eligible), the Department of Home Affairs will contact you requesting updated evidence to assess your eligibility for the permanent 801 visa. You’ll need to provide current relationship evidence but won’t need to submit a new application or pay additional visa fees.
4. What happens if my relationship breaks down after receiving the 820 visa?
Generally, you must still be in a genuine relationship with your sponsor at the time of your 801 assessment. However, there are important exceptions.
You may still be eligible for the 801 visa if:
- You suffered family violence from your partner or a family member of your partner
- Your partner has died
- Your relationship ended, but you have ongoing responsibility for a child under 18 who is a child of you and your partner
5. Can I include my children in my Partner Visa 820/801 application?
Eligible dependent children can be included. For the dependent-child pathway, the child must not be married, engaged or in a de facto relationship. They must be under 18, or aged 18 or older and dependent on you, or unable to work because of loss of bodily or mental functions. There is no general age-23 cut-off or compulsory full-time-study rule for this pathway. Adult-child dependency needs evidence. Different family-unit rules can apply where you hold or previously held a subclass 300 visa, so each child’s circumstances must be checked.
Important notes:
- Children must be listed in your application
- Additional fees apply for each dependent child
- Each included child must meet the applicable requirements for the temporary and permanent visa stages.
- Both biological and adopted children can be included
- All dependent children must meet health and character requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let these errors delay or jeopardize your application
Providing minimal relationship documentation across the four categories
Missing information or errors in application forms
Statements that do not explain how the witness knows your relationship.
Submitting unclear photos or disorganized documents
Starting police clearances too late (can take weeks)
Leaving while your Bridging Visa A is in effect before a Bridging Visa B has been granted for your travel.
De Facto vs Married Partner Applications
| Aspect | Married Partners | De Facto Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Evidence | Marriage certificate | Cohabitation evidence |
| Relationship duration | No minimum required | Usually at least 12 months in a de facto relationship; exceptions apply |
| Evidence Requirements | Generally simpler | More extensive documentation |
| Exemptions | N/A | Registered relationship, dependent child, or compelling circumstances |
| Processing | Same processing times | Same processing times |
Ready to Start Your Partner Visa Journey?
Our experienced migration agents are here to guide you every step of the way with our 100% success record and no win, no fee guarantee.
Book ConsultationStart organising your partner visa evidence
A useful evidence file shows how your relationship has developed over time. Start with your key dates, then organise the documents that explain your finances, household, social life and commitment to each other.
Use our 820/801 partner visa document checklist to identify the records you already have and the areas you want to discuss with us. The documents relevant to your application will depend on your relationship and visa history.
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This page is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.