🇦🇺 Partner Visa Subclass 820 (temporary) / 801 (permanent)
Category: Family · Processing time: 12–24 months for 820; 12+ months for 801
⚡ Quick Answer
Subclass 820/801 is Australia's onshore partner visa. After ~2 years on 820 (temporary), you can be granted 801 (permanent).
Visa record in MigrantIQ database.
Apply through official authority
Department of Home Affairs
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.
Visa type
Family
Processing time
12–24 months for 820; 12+ months for 801
Fees
ApplicationCharge: AUD 9,365 (combined 820+801)
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
Save this visa to My Plan
Overview
Visa for spouses and de-facto partners of Australian citizens, PR holders, or eligible NZ citizens. Two-stage process from temporary to permanent.
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified
- Financial requirement: Confirm current proof-of-funds rules on the official source
- Accommodation proof: Confirm if accommodation proof is required
- Return ticket: Confirm if onward/return travel proof is required
Estimated Costs
- - ApplicationCharge: AUD 9,365 (combined 820+801)
Required Documents
- - Sponsor proof of citizenship/PR
- - Marriage certificate or 12 months de-facto evidence
- - Statutory declarations of relationship
- - Joint financial / household evidence
- - Police clearances
Application Steps
- Sponsor lodges sponsorship application
- Applicant lodges 820/801 application
- Submit relationship and supporting documents
- Receive 820 (temporary) grant
- After 2 years, lodge stage-2 evidence to receive 801 (permanent)
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Department of Home Affairs →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Application checklist
Track your Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801) preparation
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Right to live and work in Australia
- - Medicare access
- - PR after second stage
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Housing Contract and Deposit Rules
Housing · Severity: Medium
Rental contracts in Australia may require written terms, legal deposit handling, inventory records, notice periods, and landlord registration. Never rely only on informal chat messages for long-term housing.
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in Australia depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission automatically extends your lawful stay.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in Australia for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for Australia, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter Australia, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border checks.
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for Australia through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa processing.
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Australia, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801). It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- - Insufficient financial evidence
- - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
- - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms
Application Tips
- - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
- - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
- - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
- - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Department of Home Affairs
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common documents include: Valid passport, Proof of relationship (e.g., photos, messages), Identity documents (e.g., birth certificate), Health and character documents, Form 47SP (Partner visa application) and Form 40SP (Sponsorship form). Rules can change. Check official sources or consult licensed advisors for case-specific decisions.