Partner Visa Australia – Subclass 820 & 801
Want to live in Australia with your spouse or de facto partner? Choosing the right Partner Visa Australia pathway is an important first step. E2VS helps eligible applicants understand their visa options, prepare supporting documents and navigate the application process from eligibility through to lodgement. The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is the temporary stage of the onshore partner visa pathway. It can lead to the Permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801, allowing eligible partners to continue their journey towards permanent residence in Australia. If you are looking to reunite with other eligible family members, there are also different Family Visa Australia pathways available depending on your relationship and circumstances.
What This Visa Allows You To Do
- Live and work in Australia while you hold the Subclass 820 visa and progress towards the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).
- Study in Australia, subject to the applicable visa conditions.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, if eligible
- Access English language support through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), if you are eligible.
- Travel outside Australia and return to Australia while your Subclass 820 visa remains valid and its travel conditions allow
- Continue towards permanent residence through the Partner Visa (Permanent) (Subclass 801) pathway.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your partner.
- Be in Australia when you lodge your application, subject to the applicable requirements and exceptions
- Meet the relevant health and character requirements
- Provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate the nature and genuineness of your relationship
- Meet any other requirements that apply to the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa pathway.
Processing Time
Partner Visa Australia processing times can vary depending on your circumstances and the completeness of your application. The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing-time information based on recently decided applications, but these timeframes are only a guide and are not a guarantee.For June 2026, the Department reported a median processing time of 17 months for the Partner (Provisional/Temporary) visa category.
Length of Stay
The Partner Visa (Temporary) Subclass 820 allows eligible applicants to live in Australia temporarily while progressing toward Permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801. Generally, you can be assessed for the permanent stage after two years from the date you applied for the temporary Partner Visa. The timing of the permanent visa decision can vary depending on your circumstances and application requirements.
Marriage Requirements
If married, you and your partner must be legally married under Australian law and share a genuine commitment to a life together as a married couple.
De Facto Relationship Requirements
Generally requires at least 12 months in a de facto relationship before lodging, unless the relationship is officially registered or the requirement is waived. You must show your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and that you live together (or aren't separated on a permanent basis).
How Your Relationship Is Assessed
Social Aspects
You can provide evidence showing that your relationship is known and recognised by family members, friends and your wider community.
Financial Aspects
This can include evidence of shared financial responsibilities, joint bank accounts, bills, loans, assets and other financial commitments
Household Aspects
Evidence may show how you and your partner manage your household, including living arrangements, household responsibilities and day-to-day activities
Nature of Commitment
You may need to demonstrate the nature and extent of your commitment to each other, including the history of your relationship, communication and future plans.
Partner & Family Visa Application Process
Understand Your Visa Options
Start by determining whether a Partner Visa, Spouse Visa, de facto pathway or another family visa is appropriate for your circumstances.
Check Your Eligibility
Review the relevant visa requirements, including relationship, health, character and sponsorship requirements.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather your identity documents and supporting evidence. For partner visas, this can include evidence covering the financial, household, social and commitment aspects of your relationship.
Lodge Your Application
Eligible applications are generally submitted online through ImmiAccount with the required information and supporting documents.
Respond to Requests
During processing, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents, information, health examinations or other checks.
Visa Decision
Once the application has been assessed, you will receive a decision from the Department of Home Affairs.
Health Insurance
Medicare eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. If you meet the relevant requirements, you may be able to enrol in Medicare while your partner visa application is being processed. If you are not eligible for Medicare, maintaining appropriate health insurance can help cover medical expenses while you are in Australia.
Travel Rights
Your travel rights depend on the visa you hold and its conditions. If you hold a valid Subclass 820 visa, check its travel conditions before making travel arrangements. If you are in Australia on a Bridging Visa while your application is being processed, make sure you understand the travel conditions of your specific bridging visa before leaving Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family & Partner Visas
Talk to Our Registered Migration Agent
At Elite Education & Visa Services, we provide professional guidance throughout your family & Partner Visa application process — from preparing a complete application to presenting your circumstances clearly and ensuring your supporting documents meet the required standards.