Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)

Family Visas for Relatives of Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents

Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)

The Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa is for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows the applicant to live in Australia with their partner and provides a pathway to permanent residency.

Visa Process

This visa is granted in two steps:

1. Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa) – Allows the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while awaiting eligibility for permanent residency.
2. Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa) – If the relationship remains genuine after two years, the applicant can apply for permanent residency.
   

   Eligibility Requirements

For the Applicant (Visa Holder):

• Must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Must apply while in Australia.
• Must meet health and character requirements, including police and medical checks.
• Must not have had a visa refused or canceled (unless an exemption applies).
• For de facto partners: The relationship must have been for at least 12 months, unless formally registered with an Australian state or territory.

For the Sponsor (Partner):

• Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Must agree to sponsor the applicant for at least two years.
• Must meet character requirements, including police clearance.

Benefits of the Subclass 820/801 Visa

✅ Stay, work, and study in Australia.
✅ Access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system).
✅ Travel in and out of Australia while on the temporary visa.
✅ Apply for Australian citizenship (after meeting the residency requirements on a permanent visa).

Processing Time & Costs

• Subclass 820 (Temporary Visa):

  • 50% of applications processed within 19 months.
  • 90% processed within 40 months.

• Subclass 801 (Permanent Visa):

  • Can be applied for two years after the initial application.
  • Processing typically takes 12 months.

• Cost:

  • Starts from AUD 8,850 (additional fees for dependents may apply
    

    Application Process

    1. Prepare Documents
       • Proof of identity (passport, birth certificates, etc.)
       • Relationship evidence (shared finances, household, social aspects, commitment proof)
       • Police clearances and health examinations
    2. Apply for the Subclass 820 Visa (Temporary Partner Visa) while in Australia
    3. Receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to stay in Australia while waiting for the decision
    4. After two years, submit additional documents to apply for the Subclass 801 Permanent Visa
    5. If approved, gain permanent residency in Australia