Partner Visa
Partner visas (subclasses 820 and 801) allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
First the temporary subclass 820 visa is granted and then, after you have lived in Australia on this visa for about 24 months you can transition to the permanent subclass 801, provided that you meet all eligiblity criteria.
We explain who can apply, the eligibility criteria, costs and benefits, and how Nexor Group can help you secure your onshore partner visa.
Who can apply to the 820 visa?
To be considered for the 820/801 partner visa pathway, you must:
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Be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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De facto couples normally need to have lived together for at least 12 months. You might be able to waive the 12‑month requirement if you are able to demonstrate compelling and compassionate circumstances.
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Be inside Australia when you lodge your subclass 820 application and remain onshore until a decision is made. You can be in or outside Australia while the subclass 801 (permanent) decision is made.
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Hold a valid visa at the time of application (e.g., student, visitor or working holiday visa).
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Not have a “No further stay” (8503) condition on your current visa.
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Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government that are not under a repayment arrangement.
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Meet health and character requirements.
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Be in a genuine relationship, support by evidence like joint financials, shared property or vehicle ownership and photos together over time.
Long‑term relationships: If, at the time you apply, you have been living with your partner for at least three years (or two years with a child together), you may be granted the permanent subclass 801 visa at the same time as the temporary subclass 820,
Quiz: Let's find you the right Australian Partner Visa
Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)
The 820 visa lets you stay in Australia while your permanent partner visa is processed. Key features include:
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Stay in Australia: you can live, work and study in Australia.
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Multiple travel: leave and re‑enter Australia as often as you like during this period.
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Access Medicare: enroll in Australia’s public health system.
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Free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Programme.
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Reduced fee if you previously held a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300).
If you lodge your partner visa while holding a visitor visa, you will transition to a Bridging Visa A (BVA) once the visitor visa expires, giving you full work rights while your partner visa is processed.
If you lodge while holding a 457/TSS 482 visa, you must continue working for your sponsor until the 820 is granted. Working Holiday visa holders may need to apply for a work‑rights waiver.
Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
The 801 visa is a permanent visa. To be eligible you must first hold the temporary 820 visa.
The 801 visa:
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Grants you permanent residency.
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Allows you to sponsor eligible relatives for certain Australian visas.
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Lets you travel in and out of Australia without restriction.
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Gives continued access to Medicare and free English classes.
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Enables you to receive certain government benefits.
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Allows you to apply for Australian citizenship 12 months after receiving your migrant partner visa, provided you have held a valid Australian visa for at least four years.
Application process & costs
Partner visas are lodged as a combined application.
You pay one fee at the time you submit your application, which covers both the temporary and permanent stages.
For most applicants, the base fee is around AUD 9,365. Holders of a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) pay a reduced fee.
Additional fees apply if you add dependent children to your application. You are also liable for costs associated with health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Processing times vary but many couples wait around two years to transition from the 820 to the 801 visa. Onshore applicants can usually work and study in Australia while waiting.
Relationship evidence
To maximise your chance of success, gather evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing. Examples include:
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Joint bank statements.
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Joint ownership of property, vehicles or other assets.
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Photos of you and your partner taken over a period of time.
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Shared bills and household expenses (utilities, rent).
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Joint travel bookings or correspondence.
Tips for eligibility
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Ensure your marriage is legally recognised in Australia or that you meet the de facto requirements. Applicants aged 16–17 need parental permission.
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If de facto, prove 12 months of cohabitation; if not possible, consider registering your relationship with an Australian state or territory.
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Be in Australia when lodging the subclass 820 application.
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Hold a valid visa and avoid conditions prohibiting further stay.
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Clear any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
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Meet health and character requirements
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
How Nexor can help
Navigating partner visa rules can be complex, especially when demonstrating the genuineness of your relationship or coordinating bridging visas and work rights. Nexor Group’s migration agents will:
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Assess your eligibility and advise whether to lodge onshore or offshore.
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Help gather and present evidence of your relationship.
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Prepare your application to minimise processing delays.
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Advise on bridging visa conditions and work rights.
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Provide ongoing support until your permanent visa is granted.
Contact us today for a personalised consultation about the 820 and 801 partner visas.
820 Visa FAQs
Most applicants become eligible for the 801 after about 24 months holding a 820 visa. Once granted, the 801 provides permanent residency and lasts indefinitely.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
Visa Services
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