Global Vision Migration Lawyers provides expert legal advice across Australian visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. Our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents assist individuals, families, and businesses with skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and the strategic resolution of visa refusals and appeals nationwide.

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Partner visa (apply in Australia) (subclass 820 and 801)

Partner Visa – Subclass 820 & 801 (Onshore)

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.

The Subclass 820 visa is granted first, allowing applicants to remain lawfully in Australia while the permanent Subclass 801 visa is processed. Applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine, ongoing, and meets legislative criteria. Health, character, and sponsorship requirements must also be satisfied.

Why Immediate and Proper Preparation is Critical

Genuine Relationship Assessment

The Department conducts a detailed evaluation of your relationship across financial, social, household, and commitment aspects.

Two-Stage Visa Process

Temporary 820 visa is granted first, followed by permanent 801 after assessment period.

Strict Evidence Requirements

Insufficient documentation may lead to delay, refusal, or natural justice concerns.

Sponsorship Obligations

The sponsoring partner must meet legal and character requirements.

Full Work & Study Rights

820 visa holders receive full work and Medicare access in Australia.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Subclass 801 grants permanent residency with full migration benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be legally married or in a de facto relationship.
  • Relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
  • Applicant must be in Australia at time of application.
  • Sponsor must be Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
  • Health and character requirements must be met.
  • Must not be barred by sponsorship limitations.

Two-Stage Visa Process

Stage Visa Key Benefits
Stage 1 Subclass 820 (Temporary) Stay in Australia, full work rights, Medicare access
Stage 2 Subclass 801 (Permanent) Permanent residency and long-term settlement benefits

Relationship Evidence Requirements

Evidence Category Examples
Financial Aspects Joint bank accounts, shared expenses, financial support records.
Nature of Household Joint lease agreements, shared utilities, cohabitation evidence.
Social Aspects Photos, travel records, joint invitations, statutory declarations.
Commitment to Each Other Personal statements, future plans, communication records.

Processing Timeline Overview

Phase Estimated Timeline Important Notes
820 Visa Processing Varies depending on case complexity Bridging visa granted if previous visa expires
801 Assessment Approximately 2 years after initial application Further evidence required to confirm ongoing relationship

Health & Character Requirements

  • Health examinations conducted by approved panel physicians.
  • Police clearance certificates from all relevant countries.
  • No outstanding character concerns under Section 501.
  • Sponsor must also meet character criteria.
  • Additional checks may apply in complex cases.

Why Choose Global Vision Migration?

  • Detailed relationship evidence structuring.
  • Strong legal drafting of statutory declarations.
  • Strategic planning for 801 stage approval.
  • Assistance with s57 or refusal matters if required.

Ready to Apply for Your Partner Visa?

Ensure your relationship evidence is properly structured and legally compliant. Book a consultation with Global Vision Migration today for expert guidance.

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Other Family & Partner Visas

01.
Partner Visa – SC 820 & 801

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) allow the spouse

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02.
Offshore Partner Visa – SC 309

The Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas are for partners applying from outside Australia.

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03.
Sponsored Parent – SC 870

The Sponsored Parent Subclass 870 visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents,

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04.
Parent Visa – SC 103

The Parent Visa Subclass 103 is a permanent visa that allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents

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05.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) – SC 173

The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary contributory parent visa that allows parents to live in Australia

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06.
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)
– SC 884

The Subclass 884 visa allows older parents who meet the age requirement to stay

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07.
Aged Parent Visa – SC 804

The Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa allows older parents already in Australia to apply for permanent residency.

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08.
NZ Family Relationship – SC 461

The Subclass 461 visa allows non-New Zealand family members of New Zealand citizens

 Read More
09.
Child Visa – SC 101

The Subclass 101 Child visa allows a dependent child outside Australia to join their Australian citizen, permanent resident

 Read More

The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. Subclass 820 is the temporary stage, and Subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the visa process.

Subclass 820 is the temporary visa granted first, allowing you to stay in Australia while your permanent visa is processed. Subclass 801 is the permanent visa stage, usually assessed approximately two years after lodging the initial partner visa application.

Applicants must:
• Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship.
• Be married to or in a de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor.
• Be inside Australia at the time of application (for 820/801).
• Meet health and character requirements.

Evidence generally includes:
• Joint financial documents.
• Shared living arrangements.
• Social recognition of the relationship.
• Mutual commitment statements.
• Photographs and communication records.

Yes. Subclass 820 visa holders generally have full work rights and access to Medicare while living in Australia.

Processing times vary depending on case complexity and documentation. Temporary visa (820) processing may take several months, while permanent stage (801) is generally assessed around two years after the initial application.

If the relationship ends before permanent residency is granted, the visa may be refused. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving family violence, children of the relationship, or compelling circumstances.