Onshore Partner Visa
Subclass 820 & 801
The Subclass 820/801 combination (onshore partner visa) is intended for applicants who are already in Australia and are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.​
You may be eligible if you meet all of these:
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You are physically in Australia at the time of application (or intend to apply while in Australia)
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Your partner/spouse is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
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You are in a genuine and ongoing relationship and, in most cases, already living together
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You intend to build a life together in Australia
Processing Times
For the temporary visa (Subclass 820), many applicants are decided in 13- 20 months depending on complexity
For the permanent visa (Subclass 801), processing begins once you become eligible (typically 2 years after your 820 application is lodged).
According to Home Affairs’ general processing times, Partner visas (temporary or permanent) currently have median finalisation around 9-18 months
Because each case is assessed individually, some applications may take longer.
Costs & Fees
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Main applicant (standard)
AUD 9,095
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Main applicant (if holding Subclass 300 visa)
AUD 1,515
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Additional applicant (18+ years)
AUD 4,685
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Additional applicant (under 18)
AUD 2,345
Benefits
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It’s a two-stage visa: you apply for Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) in one combined application.
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Once 820 is submitted, it gives you rights to live, study and work in Australia unrestrictedly.
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You will have access to Medicare once your 820 visa is valid (if eligible).
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You can include dependent family members in the application.
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Once 801 is granted, you can sponsor eligible family members and may be eligible for Australian citizenship.
Process
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Contacting a Migration Agent
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Preparing documents
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Lodging the application
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Receiving the BVA and Applying for Medicare
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Updating your relationship documents and informing the Department of any changes every 4–5 months
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Doing health examinations when the Department requires
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820 Temporary Resident Visa Grant
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Lodging the 801 Visa two years after lodging your 820 Visa. You will receive a reminder from us to lodge the 801
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801 Permanent Resident Visa Grant
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. We are just dating and haven’t lived together can we apply?
Not yet. The partner visa requires a genuine relationship and substantial evidence of shared life (finances, social aspects, living together, commitment). You typically need to have lived together for some months and be able to gather strong evidence.
02. What if we have lived together less than 6 months?
It’s still possible to apply. You will need to register your relationship with your local state authority to strengthen your case. (Exception: Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not offer relationship registration if you have lived together for less than 12 months.)
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Links for relationship registration:
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03. What kinds of evidence are needed to prove the relationship?
You should prepare documents covering four perspectives:
1. Financial, example:
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Joint bank account statements
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Joint loans/mortgages or leases
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Shared bills or expenses
2. Household / Living arrangements, example:
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Utility bills or mail in both names
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Statements about shared household responsibilities
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Evidence of shared address
3. Social, example:
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Photos together with family/friends
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Invitations or mail addressed jointly
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Joint travel or social activities
4. Commitment, example:
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Declarations/statements from yourselves and third parties
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Future plans together (e.g. wills, insurances)
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Evidence of children (if any) or shared responsibilities​
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Even if you are married or have children, you still need to prepare evidence across these aspects. A long-term relationship generally gives you more supporting documents, which strengthen your case.
04. What happens if the relationship ends after lodgement?
You must inform the Department of Home Affairs of the change in status. The visa application may be refused if the genuine relationship requirement is no longer satisfied. If you later establish a new partner relationship, you may be able to reapply with a new sponsor In special circumstances (e.g. family violence, sponsor death), there are protections so you may still be able to get a grant. You will need strong supporting evidence.
05. I’m on a student visa (or other visa). What visa will I hold after lodging 820/801?
Once you lodge the application, you’ll generally be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which becomes active when your current visa expires. For example:
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If your student visa expires on 1 May 2026 and you lodge 820/801 on 1 January 2026, your BVA “turns on” on 1 May 2026.
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Until that time, you must abide by the terms of your student visa.
