subclass 820 / 801
Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801)
For partners (married or de facto) of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Overview
Spouses or de facto partners in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an eligible Australian sponsor.
Key requirements
Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
Have been in the relationship for at least 12 months (or 2 years for de facto — some exemptions apply).
Live together or have a genuine commitment (with evidence).
Be onshore when 820 is granted (820/801 must be applied for onshore; offshore applicants use 309/100).
Step by step
- 1
Gather evidence of your relationship (joint leases, photos, communication history, joint finances, statements).
- 2
Sponsor applies for approval; you lodge the combined 820/801 application.
- 3
Undergo health examinations and police checks.
- 4
Wait for 820 decision; after the relationship-period threshold, 801 is assessed.
Tips from experience
Evidence quality beats volume. Photos, chats, and shared bills across many months read stronger than 50 screenshots from one weekend.
If you are offshore, you usually need subclass 309/100 (not 820/801) — many people apply onshore first to use 820.
Bridging visas will keep you lawful while 820 is processing — do not let your current visa lapse.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Path to permanent residency without points test or occupation list.
- +Work rights from day one of 820.
- +Children can be included in the application.
Cons
- −Expensive — among the costliest partner visas worldwide.
- −Long, stressful processing with extensive evidence requirements.
- −Relationships break down mid-process — applicants must notify Home Affairs.
Duration
Two-stage visa: 820 is a temporary visa leading to 801 permanent residency (usually after 2 years).
Work rights
Full work and study rights in Australia from grant of 820.
Study rights
Unrestricted study rights.
Cost
From AUD 8,850 (applicant only, as of 2024). Higher fees apply if applying from outside Australia.
Processing time
820 is often finalised within 12–24 months. 801 assessment typically begins 2 years after 820 grant.
Next steps
Start collecting relationship evidence, ensure you and your sponsor are both eligible, and plan to be onshore for the 820 stage.
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