Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801

Overview

The onshore Partner visa process covers the temporary subclass 820 and permanent subclass 801 visas. It is for eligible spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who apply in Australia.

The temporary and permanent applications are lodged together. The temporary stage is generally assessed first, followed by the permanent stage when the Department considers it appropriate under the current process.

Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801 Requirements

The points below are a general orientation to the current government material. Meeting one item does not establish eligibility, and criteria can differ by stream or applicant circumstances.

• The applicant and sponsor must meet relationship and other eligibility requirements.
• The relationship is assessed using the legal requirements for a spouse or de facto partner and evidence of the relationship.
• Sponsorship, health and character requirements form part of the process.
• Location and visa-status rules can be important for an onshore application.
• Family violence provisions and other special processes may apply in some circumstances.

Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801 Document Checklist

Evidence commonly covers identity, sponsor status, relationship history, shared financial and household arrangements, social recognition, commitment, previous relationships, family members, health and character. The relevant facts determine what evidence is appropriate.

• Use the visa page's step-by-step instructions and any document checklist linked from it.
• Provide accurate, consistent information and clear colour scans of requested documents.
• Arrange English translations in the form required by the Department.
• Check whether health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, skills evidence or sponsor documents are requested.

How to Apply for Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801

The applicant lodges the combined subclass 820/801 application and the sponsor completes the sponsorship process. Both should keep the Department updated about material changes and provide later-stage information when requested.

• Confirm the correct visa and stream on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Read every eligibility and step-by-step section that applies to the applicant and any family members.
• Use ImmiAccount for the application unless the official page instructs otherwise.
• Keep contact, passport and circumstances information current after lodgement.
• Read the written decision and, if granted, check all conditions in the grant letter and VEVO.

Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801 Fees, Processing Times and Conditions

Visa charges can change and may include additional applicant charges, later instalments or separate costs. Use the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the intended lodgement date.

Published processing times describe recently decided applications and are a guide only. They are not a promise for an individual application. Check the official processing-time guide and respond promptly if the Department requests more information.

Visa conditions are legally significant and vary. A visa holder should use the grant letter and Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check the conditions attached to the granted visa.