BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
820/801 — Partner visa (Temporary)
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
Open

820/801 — Partner visa (Temporary)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 years

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

AUD $11,710

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Partner (Provisional) Visa — Onshore.

The Subclass 820 is an onshore partner visa for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen. Applicants must be in Australia at lodgment and show a genuine relationship — de facto couples need at least 12 months of cohabitation.

The 820 grants full work rights, Medicare access, and travel while awaiting a decision. After approximately 2 years, the permanent Subclass 801 stage is assessed automatically, granting permanent residency if the relationship remains ongoing. The combined government fee is AUD $11,710.

This visa is ideal for people already living in Australia with an Australian partner who want to remain onshore during processing and follow a legislated pathway to permanent residency.

Australia

Curious about life in Australia?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Processing Time

820 temporary stage (75th percentile)1–2 years
820 temporary stage (90th percentile)2–3 years

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

801 — Partner (Permanent) Visa - Onshore
Australia flagAustralia

801 — Partner (Permanent) Visa - Onshore

ValidityPermanently
Processing9 months – 1.8 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen.

Must be in Australia at the time of application.

Relationship must be genuine and continuing, with a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others.

Must live together or not live separately and apart on a permanent basis.

De facto partners must have been in the relationship for at least 12 months, or have registered the relationship under state/territory law.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.

Must not have had a visa refused or cancelled since last entering Australia (if not holding a substantive visa).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport biodata page

Birth certificate

Evidence of relationship (joint bank accounts, lease/mortgage, utility bills, photos, travel evidence)

Two Form 888 statutory declarations from Australian citizens/permanent residents

Personal statement regarding the history and nature of the relationship

Police certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years

Form 80 (Character assessment)

Sponsorship form completed by the partner

Evidence of sponsor's Australian citizenship or permanent residency

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Full unrestricted work rights immediately upon grant of the 820
  • Access to Medicare (public health system)
  • Unlimited travel in and out of Australia while the 820 is valid
  • Clear, legislated two-stage pathway to permanent residency (801) and eventual citizenship
  • Dependent children can be included in the application

Worth Knowing

  • One of the highest application fees of any Australian visa (~AUD $11,710)
  • Processing times are lengthy — typically 12–24+ months before the temporary 820 is decided
  • Must be physically in Australia when the application is lodged
  • Must maintain a genuine, ongoing relationship throughout the entire processing period
  • Must notify the Department of Home Affairs if the relationship breaks down before the 801 is granted
  • Relationship evidence requirements are extensive and documentation must span the duration of the relationship

Application Process

1

Confirm qualification — relationship type, duration, and onshore location

2

Gather identity, relationship, and sponsor documents

3

Sponsor lodges Form 40SP (sponsorship) and applicant lodges Form 47SP (application) together online via ImmiAccount

4

Pay the combined application fee

5

Undergo health examinations and obtain police clearances

6

Receive 820 temporary visa (permits work, Medicare, travel while awaiting permanent decision)

7

After approximately 2 years, immigration assesses the 801 permanent stage if the relationship is ongoing

8

801 permanent residency granted if qualification criteria are still met

Application Forms

Go to application portal
47SP — Application for migration to Australia by a partner—
40SP — Sponsorship for a partner to migrate to Australia—
47SP
Application for migration to Australia by a partner
—
40SP
Sponsorship for a partner to migrate to Australia
Fill online

Related visas

More visas in Australia

Family visas in other countries

Ready to see if the 820/801 — Partner visa (Temporary) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery