Taking a step towards your future with your partner in Australia is an important life decision. Most of the partners who are already residing together seek a visa pathway that will enable them to spend more time in the nation without the disruption. The Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) is created for this purpose. It gives eligible partners the opportunity to move from temporary residency to permanent status while staying onshore.
Although the process may appear detailed, understanding each stage clearly makes the journey smoother and far less stressful. By proper preparation, applicants can now build their future in Australia without wasting time and causing confusion.
What Is An Partner Visa Subclass 820 & 801?
The partner visa subclass 820 is the temporary stage of a two-part partner migration pathway. It allows an applicant to stay legally in Australia while immigration authorities assess the relationship. After this stage, successful applicants progress to the partner visa subclass 801, which grants permanent residency.
This pathway is commonly known as the onshore partner visa because the applicant must already be inside Australia when applying. The system is such that couples are not compelled to be separated when processing. The temporary stage focuses on verifying identity, relationship authenticity, and eligibility. The permanent stage focuses on continuity and long-term commitment.
Difference Between 820 and 801 Partner Visa
The temporary partner visa 820 and the permanent partner visa 801 serve different purposes, even though they are connected.
| Aspect | Temporary Partner Visa 820 | Permanent Partner Visa 801 |
| Visa Stage | First stage of the process | Second and final stage |
| Residency Type | Temporary residency | Permanent residency |
| Purpose | Allows the applicant to stay while the application is assessed | Grants long-term settlement rights |
| Work Rights | Full work rights allowed | Full work rights with no expiry limits |
| Medicare Access | Eligible for Medicare | Full Medicare access continues |
| Travel Rights | Travel is allowed while the visa is valid | Travel rights attached to permanent status |
| Citizenship Pathway | Not directly eligible | Can lead to citizenship eligibility |
| Validity | Temporary until the permanent stage decision | Indefinite permanent status |
In simple terms, a partner visa 820 is the entry stage. Partner visa 801 is the final stage that offers permanent settlement security.
EligibilityCriteria & Required Documents For Visa Subclass 820/801
The Subclass Visa 820/801 requires both the applicant and the sponsor to meet strict eligibility standards. These requirements confirm the relationship is genuine and legally valid.
Eligibility For 820
- The applicant must not have any previous visa rejection or cancellation recorded with Australian immigration authorities.
- A valid sponsor must be approved by the government and should continue sponsorship for at least two years after the grant.
- The applicant must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- The applicant and any required family members must meet all government health and character requirements.
Eligibility For 801
- The applicant for the permanent stage must already hold an eligible temporary partner or dependent child visa.
- It is also obligatory that the applicant should not owe any debts to the Australian government prior to application.
- The visa will not be granted if it is not in the best interest of any child involved.
- The applicant has to be a de facto or a spouse to a permanent resident of the country, or an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen.
Required Documents
- Passport and birth certificate
- Marriage certificate or de facto proof
- Joint bank statements
- Lease or mortgage papers
- Utility bills in shared names
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
- Statutory declarations from relatives or friends
Strong documentation is essential for approval of visa subclass 820 and the later success of visa subclass 801.
Partner Visa 801 & 820 Checklist and Conditions
A detailed checklist helps applicants avoid missing documents or deadlines. Small omissions can lead to long delays.
Checklist
For Subclass 820
- Gather all your papers, including health and character requirements, sponsorship details, age requirements and so on.
- Be present in the country and submit your application through the online platform.
For Subclass 801
- The documents are not necessary if the visa is granted promptly following the 820 visa. However, if it is not granted, the details must be submitted.
- After two years of submitting the visa application form, the application is finally processed. You are required to submit the documents within two months of the conclusion of the two-year period.
For Both subclass 801 and Subclass 820
- You will be provided with the visa’s details, including the grant number and the visa’s commencement date, upon acceptance of the application.
- If the application gets rejected, you will be offered information regarding the rejection.
- The processing fee will not be reimbursed under any circumstances.
Conditions
- Maintain a genuine partnership
- Inform authorities of changes
- Follow Australian laws
- Update contact information
- Respond to immigration requests quickly
Complying with all checklist criteria is a way to enhance the opportunities for partner subclass 820 and a smooth transition to partner subclass 801.
Partner Visa Subclass 820 & 801 Duration and Processing Times
The Partner visa 820 processing time varies depending on application strength and documentation clarity. Delays may occur if additional evidence is requested or if relationship documents are incomplete.
| Type Of Visa | 50% Application | 90% Application |
| Subclass 820 | 17 Months | 24 Months |
| Subclass 801 | 7 Months | 13 Months |
Patience and responsiveness are key during the assessment of the 820/801 Partner Visa. Well-prepared evidence and timely updates generally help avoid unnecessary waiting periods.
Cost Breakdown For The Australian Visa Subclass 820 and 801
Are you wondering about the cost of the Australian Visa subclass 820 and 801? The cost for the Australian Visa Subclass 820 and 801 is paid as a combined government application fee covering both temporary and permanent stages. Extra costs could be for medical exams, police clearance certificates, translating documents, and getting documents certified.
| Types Of Visa | Costs |
| Subclass 820 | AUD 9,365.00 |
| Subclass 801 | The cost of this visa was covered when you applied for the temporary Partner visas. |
Although the fee is high, it covers both the partner visa (subclass 820) and the permanent partner visa 801 stages.
Step-by-Step Application Process For Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801
To apply for the Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801, you need to plan ahead, fill out the forms correctly, and send them in on time. This will make sure that each step is done correctly and that your chances of getting approved are higher. Speaking with immigration agents Perth can clarify eligibility requirements and the process.
Process For Subclass 820 (Temporary Stage)
- Check your eligibility for the partner visa.
- Apply online for both subclass 820 and 801 together.
- Receive the temporary visa grant (subclass 820).
- After about two years, provide additional relationship documents.
- Await decision for the permanent stage (subclass 801).
Process For Subclass 801 (Permanent Stage)
- Ensure two years have passed since the initial partner visa application.
- Submit updated and additional supporting documents.
- Immigration authorities reassess the application.
- Receive the permanent visa grant (subclass 801).
An experienced Immigration Consultant Perth can help with the application process smoothly and effectively.
Book Your Consultation Today And Start Your Partner Visa 820 or 801 Journey.
Immigration pathways can be complex without professional guidance. We, as one of the trusted Immigration Services Perth providers, can help reduce errors and delays. Our professional advice ensures every requirement is addressed properly. Whether applying for a partner subclass 820 or preparing evidence for a partner visa 801, we increase confidence and accuracy.
Book our consultation today and transform uncertainty into a clear plan for permanent settlement in Australia!