Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801

Temporary to Permanent Residency in Australia

The Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801) allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia on a temporary basis, with a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Applicants are first granted the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820). After meeting relationship and eligibility requirements, they may be assessed for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).

How This Visa Works

• Apply while you are inside Australia

• Receive a temporary visa (820) first

• After approximately 24 months, become eligible for permanent residency (801)

• Remain lawfully in Australia during processing, usually on a Bridging Visa

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Be the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor

• Be in a genuine and continuing relationship

• Be living in Australia at the time of application

• Meet health and character requirements

• Have no outstanding Australian government debts

• Have complied with previous visa conditions

Relationship Criteria

Your relationship must be one of the following:

• Married relationship

• De facto relationship

• Registered relationship (state or territory registration)

Both partners must usually be 18 years or older.

Same-sex and opposite-sex relationships are equally recognised.

Sponsor Requirements

Your sponsor must be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• Willing to sponsor you and meet sponsorship obligations

• Not subject to sponsorship limitations or previous serious visa breaches

Evidence Required

You must provide evidence showing:

• Shared financial responsibilities

• Shared household arrangements

• Social recognition of your relationship

• Commitment to a long-term partnership

Evidence must be consistent, credible, and cover the required time period.

Long-Term Relationship Stream

You may be eligible for direct permanent residency (801) if:

• You have been in a long-term relationship, generally 3 years

• Or 2 years if you have a dependent child together

Eligibility is assessed case by case.

Location Requirements

• You must be in Australia when applying for the 820 visa

• You must also be in Australia when the 820 visa is decided

• The 801 visa can be granted whether you are inside or outside Australia

Costs and Other Expenses

Visa application charges apply and are set by the Australian Government.

Additional costs may include:

• Health examinations

• Police clearances

• Biometrics

• Translation of documents

Most application fees are non refundable, even if the visa is refused.

Why Professional Advice Matters

Partner visa applications are document heavy and highly scrutinised. Relationship evidence, timing, and sponsor eligibility are common refusal points.

Visa Aid provides:

• Strategic eligibility assessment

• Clear document guidance

• Relationship evidence structuring

• End-to-end application support

Next Step

If you are unsure about your eligibility or relationship evidence, a professional review before applying can prevent delays or refusal.