Subclass 820 / 801
Introduction
The Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa is Australia’s primary pathway for couples who wish to live together permanently. This two-stage visa lets you stay in Australia with your Australian partner while you wait for permanent residency. The 820 visa grants temporary residence, and then the 801 visa makes it permanent after two years. This visa is perfect for married couples and de facto partners who are already in Australia and want to build their future together.
What is the main difference between Subclass 820 and 801?
Stage 1: (Subclass 820) Temporary Partner Visa
- The visa subclass 820 is your temporary partner visa that lets you stay in Australia while your permanent application is processed.
- With the 820 partner visa, you get full work rights, can study anywhere, and access Medicare from day one.
- This temporary partner visa Australia usually takes 12-29 months to process.
Stage 2: (Subclass 801)Permanent Partner Visa
- The subclass 801 visa is your permanent residence visa.
- You automatically apply for this when you lodge your 820 visa application.
- The 801 partner visa is assessed about two years after your first application.
- The 801 processing time is typically 8-26 months once they start reviewing your case.
Eligibility Requirements for 820/801 Partner Visa
Basic Criteria
To apply for the Australian partner visa, you and your partner must meet these basic requirements:
- Both must be 18 years or older
- You must be married or in a genuine de facto relationship
- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- You must be in Australia when you apply for the partner visa onshore
- Both must pass health and character checks
Relationship Requirements
For de facto partner visa applications, you need to prove:
- You've lived together for at least 12 months before applying
- Your relationship is genuine and continuing
- You share financial responsibilities, like joint bank accounts
- You live together and share household duties
- Friends and family know about your relationship
- You're committed to a long-term future together
Health and Character Requirements
Every 820 visa Australia applicant must:
- Pass medical exams with approved doctors
- Get police checks from every country you've lived in for 12+ months
- Show you won't be a risk to the Australian community
Additional criteria for 801 Partner Visa
- Timing & Pathway: Hold the 820 visa for 2+ years or qualify for a direct grant by being married 3+ years, in a de facto relationship 3+ years, or living together 2+ years with a child.
- Relationship Proof: Show your relationship remains genuine with updated cohabitation and shared responsibility evidence.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
1
Preparation
Start gathering all your documents early. This includes relationship evidence, health exams, and police checks. The 820 partner visa checklist helps you stay organised.
2
Online Application
Submit your partner visa application through ImmiAccount. You’ll pay one fee for both the 820/801 visa stages.
3
Biometrics
You might need to give fingerprints and photos at a biometrics appointment.
4
Assessment
Wait for the Department to review your visa 820 application. They’ll contact you if they need more information.
5
Decision
Get your temporary visa first, then your permanent visa about two years later.
You only submit ONE application and pay ONE fee for both the 820 and 801 visas. The 801 visa is not a separate application – it’s the second stage of your original combined application.
Key Tips:
- Apply early because the 820 visa processing time can be very long
- Make sure all your documents are certified and translated if needed
- Respond quickly to any requests from the Department
- Keep your contact details updated throughout the process
Required Documents for the 820/801 Partner Visa
Essential Documents
- Valid passports and birth certificates for both partners
- Marriage certificate (if married) or de facto relationship evidence
- Health examinations from approved panel doctors
- Police clearances from all countries you've lived in
- Photos together showing your relationship over time
- Joint bank statements and financial document
Additional Documents
- Rental agreements or mortgage documents showing that you live together
- Utility bills in both names
- Travel bookings and photos from trips together
- Statutory declarations from family and friends (Form 888)
- Evidence of joint insurance policies or shared assets
Processing Time & Costs
AUD $9,095
Main Application Fee
Additional Fees:
- Secondary applicants under 18: $2,280
- Secondary applicants over 18: $4,550
- Health examinations: $300-500 per person
- Police clearances: Varies by country
- Document translations: $50-100 per page
Processing Times:
820 visa processing times in 2025:
- 50% of applications: 12 months
- 90% of applications: 29 months
801 Visa processing time:
- 50% of applications: 8 months
- 90% of applications: 26 months
Note: The total 820 801 visa process usually takes 2-5 years from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 820 Visa is a temporary partner visa, and is granted first. After living in Australia for at least 24 months on a temporary 820 Visa, you may be eligible to apply for the 801 visa, which is a permanent partner visa.
This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia permanently. It is usually only for people who currently hold a temporary partner visa ( subclass 820).
The 820 visa grants you full work rights, allows you to study in Australia, and gives you access to Medicare from day one.
Start Your Partner Visa Journey Today
The subclass 820/801 visa gives couples the chance to build their life together in Australia. While the process takes time and requires strong evidence, thousands of couples successfully get their Australian partnership visa every year.
Ready to start your partner visa to Australia journey? Contact SBS Consultant today for a free consultation. Our experienced migration agents will assess your case and guide you through every step of the visa 820 801 process.
Don’t wait – start your Australian dream today with the trusted experts at SBS Consultant.
