---
title: Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801) — Australia (2026)
description: Free complete guide to the Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801) visa for Australia. Eligibility, costs, documents, process, and FAQ. Updated 2026.
image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png
---

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Australia flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fau.png&w=3840&q=75]PARTNER VISA (SUBCLASS 820 / 801)

Category: Family · Processing time: 12-24 months for 820; 12+ months for 801

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-05-29Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗ [https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore]

Review due soon

3 min readCommunity feedback: open
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Visa decisions require official verification

MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents.

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AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/]

Apply through official authority

Department of Home Affairs

Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-18.

Apply on official site → [https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore]

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

This onshore partner visa allows individuals to transition from a temporary permit to permanent resident status based on a genuine relationship. Path to PR: Yes. Path to citizenship: No (requ

 * Leads to permanent residency: Yes
 * Requires job offer: No
 * Language required: No
 * Minimum education: Not specified
 * Financial requirement: Sponsors must show capacity to support the applicant, backed by joint financial statements and household dependency proof.
 * Accommodation proof: No
 * Return ticket: No

ESTIMATED COSTS

 * - ApplicationCharge: AUD 9,365 (combined 820+801)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

 * - Sponsor's official proof of citizenship or permanent resident status
 * - Marriage certificate or verifiable 12-month de-facto relationship history evidence
 * - Statutory declarations of relationship genuine nature from the couple and witnesses
 * - Joint financial records, shared utility bills, or household lease histories
 * - Valid applicant passport along with required police clearances

APPLICATION STEPS

 1. The eligible sponsor lodges a formal sponsorship application via the official portal.
 2. The applicant submits the combined Subclass 820/801 application block synchronously.
 3. Upload full relationship validation documents, including financial history and statutory declarations.
 4. Receive the temporary Subclass 820 visa grant, allowing lawful domestic stay and work.
 5. After two years from the initial application date, lodge stage-two continuity evidence to secure the permanent Subclass 801 visa.

Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Department of Home Affairs → [https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore]

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, regional jurisdiction, and appointment protocols vary depending on the applicant's location.
 * - Always confirm specific localized handling paths on the official department portal before transferring application fees.

Open appointment or official portal → [https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore]

Browse foreign embassies in Australia (MigrantIQ directory) → [/embassies/in/australia/]

Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.

Application checklist

TRACK YOUR PARTNER VISA (SUBCLASS 820 / 801) PREPARATION

Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.

0 / 15 complete

 * Confirm Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801) requirements on the official Australia immigration source.Department of Home Affairs
 * Review the eligibility rules and note anything that needs evidence.Check whether this pathway accepts self-sponsored applicants.
 * Book or gather language test evidence.No mandatory language tests listed
 * Prepare document: Sponsor's official proof of citizenship or permanent resident statusCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Marriage certificate or verifiable 12-month de-facto relationship history evidenceCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Statutory declarations of relationship genuine nature from the couple and witnessesCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Joint financial records, shared utility bills, or household lease historiesCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Valid applicant passport along with required police clearancesCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Complete step: The eligible sponsor lodges a formal sponsorship application via the official portal.
 * Complete step: The applicant submits the combined Subclass 820/801 application block synchronously.
 * Complete step: Upload full relationship validation documents, including financial history and statutory declarations.
 * Complete step: Receive the temporary Subclass 820 visa grant, allowing lawful domestic stay and work.
 * Complete step: After two years from the initial application date, lodge stage-two continuity evidence to secure the permanent Subclass 801 visa.
 * Pay only through official channels and save receipts.Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts or agents promising guaranteed approval.
 * Save a full copy of forms, uploads, payment receipts, and appointment confirmations.

Clear checklistSync checklist in My Plan → [/plan/]

GET VISA CHECKLIST UPDATES

Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801) in Australia.

Get reminders

BENEFITS & WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS

 * - Grants immediate, unrestricted legal rights to live, study, and work anywhere inside Australia during processing
 * - Provides direct, immediate enrollment eligibility into Australia's universal healthcare framework (Medicare)
 * - Establishes a transparent, legally protected operational pathway to achieve full permanent residency status

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.

Official portal → [https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore]

RELEVANT LAWS

 * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/australia/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]
   
   Immigration · Severity: Critical
   
   Your right to stay in Australia is determined by the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. You should understand that simply having a pending application, job offer, or…

 * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/australia/work-authorisation-rules/]
   
   Employment · Severity: Critical
   
   In Australia, work authorisation is important for anyone wishing to engage in employment activities while residing in the country. You should understand that possessing a visa for entry does not automatically grant the…

 * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/australia/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]
   
   Tax · Severity: High
   
   In Australia, tax residency is determined by your physical presence and intention to reside in the country. If you live in Australia for more than six months, work locally, or register as a resident, you may be…

ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS

 * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/australia/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]Medium
   
   In Australia, some fraudulent agents exploit newcomers by overcharging for essential services such as document translation, notarisation, or obtaining apostilles. This is especially common among visa applicants,…

 * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/australia/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]Medium
   
   In Australia, a concerning scam involves individuals impersonating airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents. They claim that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country, avoid questioning, obtain…

 * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/australia/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]Medium
   
   In Australia, a growing concern involves fraudsters providing fake university admission letters or scholarship offers to unsuspecting students, parents, and scholarship applicants. These scams often surface through…

 * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/australia/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]Medium
   
   Scammers are targeting newcomers in Australia by advertising fake rental properties online. They often create listings that appear legitimate, complete with enticing pictures and low rental prices. To attract potential…

QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK

Use this self-check for Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801). It does not replace official legal assessment.

I have a qualifying job offerI have required language test evidence
Education LevelHigh schoolDiplomaBachelor or higher
Result: Likely eligible baseline

HELPFUL PARTNER LINKS

MigrantIQ is free. Some links are affiliate partners — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

 * consultation
   
   Australia: Australia expert help → [/api/affiliate/australia-consultation/?source=%2Fvisas%2Faustralia%2Fpartner-820-801%2F]
   
   Find expert support for Australia migration questions.

Sponsored or partner placement when a matching partner is active.

COMMON REJECTION REASONS

 * - Incomplete, contradictory, or structurally weak historical evidence proving a genuine and continuing relationship
 * - Failure to meet character requirements, including missing or incorrect international police clearance logs
 * - Inability to provide satisfactory verification for a 12-month de-facto timeline when applying without a marriage registration certificate
 * - Mismatched information provided between the sponsor's application forms and the applicant's primary declarations

APPLICATION TIPS

 * - Begin gathering documents early and utilize the official Department of Home Affairs checklist before committing funds.
 * - Keep joint bank statements, shared lease details, and correspondence records systematically organized by calendar timeline.
 * - Secure necessary identity and police files early to prevent processing delays during the active vetting queue.
 * - Avoid utilizing unverified immigration consultants who promise guaranteed approvals or request direct personal bank transfers.

SOURCES & REFERENCES

Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.

 * https://migrantiq.com/visas/australia/partner-820-801/ [https://migrantiq.com/visas/australia/partner-820-801/]

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR AUSTRALIAN PARTNER VISA

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

LANGUAGE TESTS

 * - No mandatory language tests listed

CONTINUE PLANNING

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 * Australia laws hub [/laws/australia/]
 * Australia scam alerts [/scam-alerts/australia/]

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