Partner Visa Australia.

The subclass 820/801 partner visa is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It is a two-stage visa - you first receive the temporary 820, then after two years become eligible for the permanent 801. No points test, skills assessment, or occupation list is required.

At a glance

Visa type
Temporary then permanent
Sponsorship
Australian partner sponsors you
Points test
Not required
Work rights
Full work rights on 820
Application cost
$8,850 (covers both stages)
Processing time
20-27 months (820)

Two-stage process.

Stage 1: Subclass 820 (temporary)

You apply while in Australia. Once lodged, you receive a bridging visa that allows you to stay and work while the application is processed. The 820 is typically granted within 20-27 months. You must be in Australia when the visa is granted.

Stage 2: Subclass 801 (permanent)

Two years after your initial application, the Department assesses whether your relationship is still genuine and continuing. If satisfied, the 801 permanent visa is granted. If your relationship has lasted three or more years at the time of application (or you have children), you may be eligible for combined processing.

Evidence requirements.

The partner visa focuses on proving your relationship is genuine. Evidence is assessed across four categories as defined by the Department of Home Affairs:

Financial aspects

Joint bank accounts, shared property, combined finances, shared bills and expenses.

Nature of household

Living together, shared domestic responsibilities, joint lease or mortgage.

Social aspects

Recognition by friends and family, joint social activities, statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple.

Commitment

Length of relationship, future plans together, knowledge of each other's personal details and circumstances.

Onshore vs offshore.

The 820/801 is the onshore partner visa - you apply while in Australia. If you are outside Australia, the equivalent is the subclass 309/100 (offshore partner visa), which follows the same two-stage process with similar evidence requirements and costs.

Considering skilled migration instead?

If you also qualify for a skilled visa, compare the 189, 190, and 491 pathways.

Frequently asked questions.

How long does the partner visa take?
The temporary 820 visa is typically processed in 20 to 27 months. After holding the 820 for at least two years, you become eligible for the permanent 801 visa, which has its own processing period. The total timeline from application to permanent residency is usually 3 to 4 years.
What evidence do I need for a partner visa?
You need to demonstrate a genuine and continuing relationship across four categories: financial aspects (joint accounts, shared expenses), the nature of the household (living together, shared responsibilities), social aspects (recognition by friends and family), and commitment to each other (future plans, knowledge of each other's circumstances). A combination of evidence across all four categories is strongest.
Do I need to be married to apply?
No. The partner visa covers both married couples and de facto partners. For de facto relationships, you generally need to have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless you registered your relationship with a state or territory registry.
Can I work on the 820 temporary partner visa?
Yes. The 820 visa comes with full work rights. You can work for any employer in any occupation while your permanent 801 visa is being processed.
What is the difference between onshore and offshore partner visas?
The 820/801 is the onshore pathway - you apply while in Australia. The 309/100 is the offshore pathway - you apply from outside Australia. Both lead to permanent residency through a two-stage process with similar evidence requirements and costs.

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