What is the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)?

The Partner Visa is designed for individuals who are in a genuine and continuing relationship with an eligible Australian sponsor. It allows couples to live together in Australia while progressing from temporary residency to permanent residency.

Whether you are legally married or in a recognised de facto relationship, this visa may provide a pathway to permanent settlement in Australia.

Benefits of the Partner Visa

• Live with your partner in Australia
• Work without employer restrictions
• Study in Australia
• Access Medicare (if eligible)
• Travel freely in and out of Australia
• Include eligible dependent children
• Pathway to Australian Permanent Residency
• Opportunity to apply for Australian Citizenship (if eligible)

Understanding the Two Visa Stages

Stage 1 – Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

The Subclass 820 Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa application is being assessed.

With this visa you can:

• Live in Australia
• Work full-time
• Study
• Access Medicare (where eligible)
• Travel in and out of Australia

Stage 2 – Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

The Subclass 801 Visa is the permanent stage of your Partner Visa application.

If your relationship remains genuine and ongoing and you continue to satisfy the visa requirements, you may become an Australian Permanent Resident.

Benefits include:

• Permanent Residency
• No work restrictions
• Long-term access to Australia
• Citizenship pathway (subject to eligibility)

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801), you generally must:

• Be inside Australia when lodging your application
• Be married to or in a genuine de facto relationship with:
  • An Australian Citizen
  • An Australian Permanent Resident
  • An Eligible New Zealand Citizen
• Be sponsored by your partner
• Meet health requirements
• Meet character requirements
• Provide evidence of your genuine and continuing relationship

Eligibility may vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Evidence of Your Relationship

Applicants are generally required to provide evidence demonstrating that the relationship is genuine.

Examples include:

• Marriage Certificate (if married)
• Joint Bank Accounts
• Shared Utility Bills
• Joint Lease or Property Documents
• Photographs Together
• Travel History
• Social Evidence
• Communication Records
• Statutory Declarations
• Relationship Timeline

Providing comprehensive supporting evidence helps strengthen your application.

Application Process

Step 1

Initial Eligibility Assessment

Our migration consultants review your circumstances and confirm your eligibility.

Step 2

Document Preparation

Collect all required relationship, identity, and supporting documents.

Step 3

Sponsor Application

Your Australian partner submits the required sponsorship information.

Step 4

Visa Application

Lodge the combined Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 application.

Step 5

Temporary Visa Grant

If approved, you receive the Subclass 820 temporary Partner Visa.

Step 6

Permanent Residency Assessment

After becoming eligible and continuing to meet the requirements, your application is assessed for the Subclass 801 Permanent Visa.

Documents Required

Applicants may generally require:

• Valid Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Identity Documents
• Relationship Evidence
• Joint Financial Documents
• Residential Evidence
• Police Clearance Certificates
• Health Examination Reports
• Passport-size Photographs
• Sponsor’s Identity Documents

Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.