If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and you’re currently living in Australia, the Partner Visa Subclass 820 could be your first step toward building a life together in Australia. This visa allows you to remain in the country legally while your permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is assessed.

This visa is ideal for couples who want to stay together in Australia during the immigration process. Whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship, the 820 visa gives you a legal pathway to remain with your partner and start planning your future together.

What is the Partner Visa Subclass 820?

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a temporary onshore visa that allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily. It’s part of a two-stage process that leads to permanent residency through the Partner Visa Subclass 801.

What makes this visa unique is that it’s intended for people who are already inside Australia at the time of application. You must also be in Australia when a decision is made. Once granted, the 820 visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent partner visa.

Unlike offshore partner visas that require the applicant to be outside of Australia, the 820 visa offers the advantage of remaining together during the processing period and obtaining work rights on a Bridging visa. For many couples, this continuity of life and stability is invaluable.

Who is Eligible to Apply for the Partner Visa 820?

To qualify for the Partner Visa Subclass 820, you must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner and meet all the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. This includes:

• Being in Australia when you apply and when your visa is granted.
• Being sponsored by your partner, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Being either married or in a de facto relationship (typically for at least 12 months unless there are compelling reasons or relationship registration).
• Meeting character and health requirements.
• Not holding a visa with a “No Further Stay” condition — unless you’ve been granted a waiver.

If you are in a de facto relationship, you’ll be required to demonstrate a shared life together. This includes evidence like joint financial commitments, shared household duties, mutual social recognition, and long-term commitment.

Application Process for the 820 Visa

Applying for the Partner Visa 820 is a detailed process, but with the right preparation and support, it can be straightforward. Here’s how it typically works:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that you and your partner meet all requirements. This includes confirming the legal status of your relationship and ensuring your current visa permits you to apply.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Collect a comprehensive portfolio of documents, including:

• Proof of your relationship (photos, shared accounts, communications)
• Identity documents
• Police checks from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months
• Health checks and medical exam results

Step 3: Submit Your Application

The application is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Both the applicant and sponsor need to complete different application forms. You’ll pay the application fee at this stage.

Step 4: Receive Bridging Visa

Once your application is submitted, you’ll usually be granted a Bridging Visa A. This visa lets you stay lawfully in Australia while your application is processed and often grants full work and study rights.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times can be lengthy. During this period, you should continue to update your application with new evidence of your ongoing relationship.

Step 6: Prepare for Subclass 801

Approximately two years after applying, you may be invited to submit further documents to transition to the permanent Partner Visa 801. This second-stage assessment reviews whether your relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

Partner Visa 820 Processing Time

One of the most common questions applicants have is: How long will it take to get the 820 visa?

Processing times can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your application. On average, it can take between 12 to 24 months for the temporary Partner Visa 820 to be granted. Factors influencing timelines include:

• Whether your application is decision-ready
• Whether all supporting documents are provided up front
• Your country of origin and the need for additional security checks
• Any changes to your relationship status or living situation during the process

While waiting for your 820 visa, the Bridging Visa allows you to stay in Australia, work legally, and build your life with your partner.

Costs and Fees Involved

Applying for the Partner Visa Subclass 820 involves a substantial financial commitment. As of 2025, the application fee for most applicants is around AUD $9,095. This fee includes both the temporary Subclass 820 and the permanent Subclass 801 visa stages.

Other potential costs include:

• Medical exams and health checks
• Police clearance certificates
• Certified translations of any non-English documents
• Assistance from migration agents or legal professionals (optional but recommended)

Keep in mind that the application fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. This is why submitting a strong, well-documented application from the start is so important.

What Happens If You Break Up While on a Partner Visa 820?

Unfortunately, relationships can end — and it’s essential to understand how this affects your visa status.

If you break up with your sponsor while your 820 visa is still being processed, you are obligated to notify the Department of Home Affairs immediately. In most cases, your visa may be cancelled unless:

• You or your children have experienced domestic or family violence
• Your partner has died
• You have custody of a child with your former partner

Each case is assessed individually, and it is highly advisable to seek professional migration advice as soon as possible if your relationship ends during this time.

Transitioning to the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

The Partner Visa 820 is not the end of the journey — it’s just the beginning. Approximately two years after lodging your initial application, you may become eligible for the Subclass 801 permanent partner visa.

This stage assesses whether your relationship remains genuine and whether you continue to meet the visa criteria. You’ll be asked to submit a further application form and updated evidence of your ongoing relationship, such as:

• Updated joint financial records
• Statements from friends or family
• Lease agreements or mortgage documentation
• Continued communication and travel together

Once approved, the Subclass 801 visa allows you to remain in Australia permanently with full access to Medicare, Centrelink (subject to waiting periods), and all the rights of a permanent resident.

Why Work With Partner Visas Australia?

Navigating the Australian partner visa process can be complex, time-consuming, and emotionally taxing. That’s where we come in.

At Partner Visas Australia, we specialise in guiding couples through the Subclass 820 and 801 visa journey with confidence and clarity. Our team provides:

• Personalised support from start to finish
• Assistance with document preparation and submission
• Regular updates and communication with immigration authorities
• Expert knowledge of policy changes and legal developments
• Our above 99 percent success rate over 15 years!

We know how important it is for you to be with your partner — and we’re here to make sure you have the best possible chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include children on my Partner Visa 820 application?

Yes, you can include dependent children. They must meet health and character requirements and be added to the application when you lodge or during processing.

Can I leave Australia while waiting for the visa to be approved?

Yes, but you’ll need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if you want to travel and return while your Partner Visa 820 is under review.

Do I have to wait two years to apply for the Subclass 801 visa?

In most cases, yes. However, if you’ve been in a long-term relationship (usually 3+ years, or dependent children), you may be considered for the permanent visa sooner.

Is the application fee refundable if I change my mind or my visa is refused?

No. The government fee is not refundable under most circumstances, which is why it’s crucial to lodge a complete, accurate, and well-documented application.