Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) Explained: Requirements, Processing, and Benefits

Moving to Australia with your partner is a life-changing step that requires careful planning and an understanding of the visa process. The partner visa 820 and 801 provides a structured pathway for couples who wish to live together in Australia, beginning with a temporary stage and progressing to permanent residency. The temporary stage is known as the partner visa subclass 820, while the permanent stage is referred to as the partner visa subclass 801.

This guide explains everything you need to know, from the eligibility criteria and 820 visa requirements to the processing time and costs. You will have a clear picture of whether this visa is suitable for your circumstances and how to prepare effectively.

Also Read: Australia Spouse Visa Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Who Can Apply For A Partner Visa?

The 820 801 partner visa is designed for individuals in a genuine relationship with:

• an Australian citizen,
• a permanent resident of Australia, or
• a qualified citizen of New Zealand.

The visa subclass 820 is granted to applicants who are in the territory of Australia. Relationships can either be marital or de facto. When it comes to a de facto partnership, couples must show that they have lived together at least 12 months before the application unless they have registered their relationship in a state or territory.

Who Can Be A Sponsor For A Partner Visa?

Each applicant must have a sponsor. The sponsor must be:

• an Australian citizen,
• an Australian Permanent resident, or
• a qualified citizen of New Zealand.

Other sponsor regulations are as follows:

• An applicant can only sponsor two partners or de facto partners in their lifetime.
• It can only be sponsored once every five years, unless exceptional circumstances.
• Sponsors should also undergo the character test and have no convictions regarding harm to children.
• Those people who have been given a spouse visa as a sponsored person within the past five years are also not eligible to do the same.

The role of the sponsors in the application process is very important since the result of the partner visa 820 and partner visa 801 journey largely depends on the eligibility and background of the sponsors.

Also Read: Australia Partner Visa Processing Time 2025

Key Requirements For The Partner Visa Subclass 820 and Subclass 801

The criteria of eligibility for the partner visa subclass 820 and partner visa subclass 801 fall into several categories:

1. Location

In order to apply under subclass 820, the applicant has to be physically present in Australia.

2. Sponsorship

Sponsorship application should also be filed by the sponsor at the same time the applicant is filing the visa application.

3. Relationship Requirements

• Married couples must have a legally valid marriage under Australian law.
• De facto partners should demonstrate the existence of 12 months of living together, unless exceptionally through registration, children together, or other reasons.
• It must be shown that the relationship is real, lasting, and committed by both partners.

4. Health and Character

Medical check-ups are required of the applicants and dependents. Police clearance certificates are required in every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more during the previous ten years. Sponsors must also meet character requirements.

5. Age and Visa History

Applicants must be 18 or older. The history of previous visas can affect eligibility, especially when the applicant had some special subclasses, like regional skilled visas or some temporary visas in the past.

6. Debts

The application must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government.

Also Read: Prospective Marriage Visa Processing Time 2025

Supporting Evidence Of The Relationship

Another most significant factor of the partner visa 820 801 is proving the authenticity of the relationship. Applicants must provide:

• History of relationship: the way the couple met, milestones, details of marriage or registration.
• Monetary indicators: joint bank accounts, joint loans, joint property ownership or joint bills.
• Home set-ups: co-tenancy, mortgage negotiation or evidence of joint live-in.
• Social appreciation: photos with friends, invitations, travelling together, and friend or family statements.
• Evidence of commitment: further intentions, joint wills, joint insurances, communication documentation in changes of separations.

Strong documentation not only meets 820 visa requirements but also strengthens the case for the permanent stage, the partner subclass 801.

Processing Time For The Partner Visa 820 and 801

The Department of Home Affairs provides estimates for processing times, but actual durations vary due to individual circumstances and the completeness of evidence.

Current averages are:

• Within six months, 25% of applications are processed.
• Within nine months, half of the applications may be finished.
• Within 21 months, 75% of applications may be completed.
• It can take up to 39 months or longer for 90% of applications.

The partner visa 820 processing time refers to the temporary stage, where applicants can live and work in Australia while awaiting assessment. Once sufficient time has passed and conditions are met, the Department assesses the 801 visa processing time, which relates to the permanent residency stage.

Applicants generally transition from a partner visa 820 to a visa subclass 801 after two years, although timelines may differ depending on case complexity.

Also Read: How To Convert an Australia Visitor Visa to a Partner Visa in 2025

Benefits Of The Partner Visa

Once granted, the partner visa subclass 820 allows the applicant to:

• Live, work, and study in Australia.
• Access Medicare.
• Include dependent children in the application.

After progressing to the visa subclass 801, applicants gain:

• Permanent residency status.
• The right to live in Australia indefinitely.
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship (once residency requirements are met).
• Access to full social security benefits.

The transition from the partner visa 820 to the partner visa 801 represents a clear pathway to stability and security for couples planning a permanent future together.

Costs and Considerations

It is essential to know the application fee for the partner visa subclass 820 and partner visa subclass 801. The table below covers both stages of the visa process. Additional expenses may include:

Many applicants seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent or a Migration Consultant Perth. Professional guidance can ensure accurate preparation and better chances of avoiding costly mistakes.

Also Read: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Australian PR

Conclusion

The partner visa 820 801 pathway is one of the most comprehensive yet demanding routes to permanent residency in Australia. Applicants must carefully prepare documents and meet all 820 visa requirements.

With the right preparation and expert guidance of a Registered Migration Agent, couples can navigate this process successfully and begin their new chapter in Australia with confidence.