Subclass 820/801 Onshore Partner Visa
Two-stage partner visa for those in Australia. Provisional Subclass 820 followed by permanent Subclass 801 after 2 years.
The Subclass 820/801 Onshore Partner Visa is designed for those already in Australia who are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The process has two stages: the Provisional Partner Visa (Subclass 820) and the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).
If you hold a valid visa when applying for Subclass 820, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A with full work rights to remain in Australia while your application is processed. You can apply for the second stage permanent visa two years after lodging your provisional application, though permanent residence may be granted earlier if your relationship is long-standing (over 3 years) or you have Australian children.
Visa Streams
Subclass 820 (Provisional)
Subclass 801 (Permanent)
Eligibility Requirements
- Legally married or in de facto relationship for minimum 12 months
- Relationship must be genuine, enduring and mutually exclusive
- Either living together or not permanently apart
- Pass character test with no relevant offences
- Meet health requirements or obtain health waiver
- Must be in Australia when lodging application
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Not sponsored more than one partner previously
- Not sponsored a partner within last 5 years
- No conviction for relevant offences or significant criminal record
- Must be approved before partner visa can be granted
- Relationship evidence (marriage certificate or de facto proof)
- Police certificates from relevant countries
- Medical examinations as required
Application Process
Step 1: Assess Eligibility
Confirm you meet relationship and character requirements, and your sponsor qualifies
Step 2: Lodge Subclass 820 Application
Submit provisional partner visa application while in Australia
Step 3: Sponsor Approval
Your sponsor must lodge separate sponsorship form immediately after application
Step 4: Receive Bridging Visa A
If current visa expires, you receive Bridging Visa A with full work rights
Step 5: Apply for Subclass 801
After 2 years on Subclass 820, apply for permanent partner visa
Step 6: Receive Permanent Residence
Subclass 801 is permanent without conditions, pathway to Australian citizenship
Costs & Processing Time
Processing Time
Processing times vary. Permanent residence may be granted before 2 years if relationship is long-standing (3+ years) or you have Australian children of the relationship.
Bridging Visa A with full work rights
If you hold a valid visa when applying for Subclass 820, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A with full work rights when your current visa expires after application lodgement.
About the Subclass 820/801 Onshore Partner Visa
Two-stage partner visa for those in Australia. Provisional Subclass 820 followed by permanent Subclass 801 after 2 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What visa do I get while waiting for my Subclass 820 to be processed?
If you have a valid visa when applying for Subclass 820, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A with full work rights when your current visa expires after application lodgement.
How long must I be in a de facto relationship before applying?
You must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months prior to lodging your application, unless you have registered your relationship or can prove compassionate circumstances.
When can I apply for the Subclass 801 permanent visa?
You can apply for Subclass 801 two years after applying for Subclass 820, though permanent residence may be granted earlier if your relationship is long-standing (3+ years) or you have Australian children.
What happens if my sponsor is not approved?
If the sponsor is not approved, your partner visa application will be refused. This refusal may be appealed at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
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