Visa 820 Guide: Partner Visa 820/801 Eligibility, Benefits & Application Steps
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Visa 820 Overview: What This Onshore Partner Visa Offers
In the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the Australian Government plans to allocate 40,500 Partner visas. During the previous year, priority went to onshore Partner visas (subclass 820/801). Visa 820 is the temporary first stage of this pathway. After two years from the 820 application, applicants may transition to the permanent Visa 801.
This guide clarifies eligibility, benefits, required evidence, costs, and processing timelines for people already living in Australia.
Additional Information: Visa 820
Source: https://vemvisa.com/en/partner-visa-820-801/
Why Choose a Partner Visa 820/801
A Partner visa enables couples to live together and build a future in Australia. The Visa 820 offers immediate, practical rights while the permanent stage is pending.
With a Visa 820, applicants can:
Work freely under Australian employment law protections
Study without restrictions
Travel in and out of Australia
Access Medicare for healthcare
After receiving the Visa 801, additional benefits include:
Full Medicare access for the applicant and family
Eligibility to pay domestic student fees for higher education
Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency rules
Ability to sponsor eligible family members for visas
Partner Visa 820 Eligibility Requirements
Under Australian migration policies, applicants must satisfy these core Visa 820 requirements:
Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Applicant must be at least 18 years old in most cases
Relationship must be genuine and ongoing
Applicant must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is decided
Sponsor must be legally recognized as spouse or de-facto partner
Applicant must meet health and character requirements
If holding a Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300), the Visa 820 must be applied for before the 300 visa expires.
820/801 Relationship Assessment: Married or De Facto
Australian migration law recognizes two relationship categories for the Visa 820/801: married or de facto.
Married Relationship Criteria
Eligibility applies when:
Marriage is legally recognized in Australia
Both partners are committed to a shared life
Relationship is genuine and ongoing
Partners live together or are not permanently separated
De Facto Relationship Criteria
Eligibility also applies when:
A genuine de facto partnership exists under Australian law
Partners share a committed life with exclusivity
Relationship is ongoing and genuine
Partners live together or are not separated permanently
At least 12 months of living together is shown (unless an exemption applies)
Exceptions to the 12-Month Requirement
The minimum relationship period may be waived:
Strong, compassionate, or compelling circumstances exist
Partner holds (or previously held) a permanent humanitarian visa and declared the relationship before grant
Partner has lodged an application for a permanent humanitarian visa
Relationship is officially registered with an Australian state or territory authority
Partner Visa 820 Checklist: Required Documents
Substantial evidence proves a genuine, ongoing relationship. The Visa 820 checklist includes:
Required Forms
Form 80 (Character Assessment of Applicant)
At least two Form 888 statements from friends or family supporting the relationship
Personal Documents
Passport
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
National Identity Card
Character Documents
Australian Police Certificate
Overseas Police Certificate(s)
Military Service Records (if applicable)
Military Discharge Papers (if applicable)
Relationship Evidence
Nature of Household
Joint lease agreement
Bond payment receipt
Mortgage documents
Joint property ownership documents
Utility bills with both names
Photos of the home together
Financial Aspects
Joint bank accounts
Joint credit or debit cards
Joint insurance policies
Shared rental payments
Other shared financial commitments
Social Aspects
Evidence showing recognition as a couple by family, friends, and community.
Nature of Commitment
Relationship history
Long-term intentions
Level of commitment
Additional Documents for Dependent Children
Parental consent or custody documents for children under 18 (if required)
Adoption documents (if applicable)
Extra eligibility requirements may apply for children aged 18 and over
Form 80 for dependent children aged 16+
Australian police clearance for dependents aged 16+
Overseas police clearances for dependents aged 16+
Working with a registered migration agent helps ensure documents meet requirements and improves approval chances.
820/801 Visa Application Steps
Applying for a Partner visa 820–801 includes four clear steps:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Consult with VEM’s registered migration agent, Mr. Peter Cao. The consultation reviews the situation, explains visa options, and confirms support for the case. Eligibility for both the applicant and partner is assessed, including relationship status, visa history, health, and character criteria.
Step 2: Document Preparation
VEM guides the collection and organization of all required documents: identity papers, relationship evidence, health checks, and character records. Everything is prepared to meet legal and policy requirements.
Step 3: Application Lodgement
When ready, VEM submits the application to the Department of Home Affairs through ImmiAccount. Forms are accurate, fees are paid, and all supporting documents are attached correctly.
Step 4: Ongoing Support & Visa Outcome
After submission, VEM monitors the application, assists with additional requests from the Department, and keeps the applicant updated. When approved, VEM guides the next stage, including the transition from temporary to permanent status.
During this time, applicants can check visa status, as the Department may require additional documents.
Costs of Partner Visa 820/801
According to the latest Department of Home Affairs update, the Visa 820 fee is AUD 9,365 for most applicants.
Types of Fees
Health, police checks, and biometrics fees are approximately AUD 300.
The fees do not include a 1.4% surcharge.
Visa 820 Processing Time
As of May 2026, processing time for the Subclass 820 onshore temporary partner visa is usually between 17 and 24 months. Some applications are processed within 8 to 18 months. More complex cases or incomplete applications can take over 24 months.
VEM offers expert preparation for visa applications. The registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877) guides the entire process. VEM provides ongoing support for the Subclass 801 application after the Partner visa subclass 820 is granted.
Applicants exploring work options during this period may also consider the 482 visa or temporary pathways such as a working holiday visa to gain Australian work experience while waiting.
Conclusion
The Visa 820 is the temporary first stage of the onshore Partner visa pathway, granting immediate work, study, travel, and Medicare rights. After two years, applicants may transition to the permanent Visa 801. Meeting eligibility, relationship evidence, health, and character requirements is essential. VEM’s registered migration agent supports the full process from consultation to permanent status.
Contact VEM for expert preparation and ongoing support.
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Website: https://vemvisa.com
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