Partner Visa 820: Stay in Australia With Your Partner

Love must not have borders, but immigration regulations typically do. If you are in Australia already and want to stay with your Australian partner, the Partner Visa 820 may be the route forward. This onshore visa gives you the chance to continue residing in the country as your relationship is assessed for a potential permanent visa.

In this guide for 2025, we will walk you through all that you will need to know regarding the 820 visa — eligibility and documents through to costs, timelines, and insider tips to make it easier.

What Is the Partner Visa 820

Partner Visa Subclass 820 is an onshore temporary visa for someone who has a genuine relationship with an Australian resident, citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows you to remain in Australia while waiting for your permanent Partner Visa 801, the second stage of the process.

The icing on the cake? You can stay, work, and study in Australia legally as your application progresses.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Partner Visa 820?

For you to be eligible to apply for the Partner Visa 820, you simply need to have a few general requirements:

• You must be in Australia when applying.
• Your sponsor (partner) must be an Australian citizen, resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
• You must be in a genuine, ongoing relationship. This means you're either:

Legally married, or

In a de facto relationship (typically for at least 12 months unless registered)

You'll also need to meet health and character requirements, and submit supporting documentation of your relationship.

What Does the 820 Visa Entitle You To?

Once you're granted the Subclass 820 visa, you'll be entitled to several benefits:

• Live in Australia while your permanent visa is being processed
• Work and study without restriction
• Access Medicare, Australia's public healthcare program
• List dependent children on your application

This visa is the stepping stone to long-term settlement through the Partner Visa 801, which normally follows in two years' time.

Documents and Relationship Evidence Required

Demonstrating your relationship is real is one of the most important parts of your Partner Visa 820 application. Your commitment will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs on

1. Financial: Joint bank accounts, joint bills, or monetary help
2. Domestic arrangements: Living together, joint responsibilities
3. Social acknowledgment: Photos, joint travel, statements from friends/family
4. Commitment to each other: Future plans, communications

Other documents that will be required to submit are:

• Identity documents (birth certificates, passports)
• Police clearances
• Health check-ups
• Statutory declarations by both yourself and your partner
• Form 888s (statements by two Australian citizens/residents in support of your relationship)

Partner Visa 820 price

Applying for a partner visa 820 is a significant emotional and financial undertaking. As of 2025, the standard visa fee is around AUD 8,850, paid on lodgment.

There may also be other expenses for:

• Medical tests
• Police certificates
• Translating documents
• Agent or legal charges (if you use a migration expert)

How Long Does It Take?

Processing time for the Partner Visa 820 varies according to your circumstances and the strength of your application. On average:

• 75% of cases are processed in 12–18 months
• Permanent visa (Subclass 801) is counted as two years from the time you have made your first application

Remember, lodging full and consistent evidence can avoid delays.

Can You Work on a Partner Visa 820?

Yes! Once you're granted the 820 visa, you're free to work in Australia. If you apply under another visa already (e.g., a student or tourist visa), you may be granted a Bridging Visa A with work rights, depending on your circumstances.

Should You Use a Migration Agent?

Even though you are able to submit the Partner Visa 820 on your own, most couples find it stressful and confusing — especially in proving the genuineness of their relationship.

A registered migration agent can:

• Give you advice on what paperwork to submit
• Help prepare solid, consistent paperwork
• Deal with the Department on your behalf
• Reduce refusals or delays
• Make sure your agent is registered with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority).

Final Thoughts

Partner Visa 820 isn't just forms — it's the start of life in Australia together with the one you love. While the process can appear complicated, being aware of what you need to do and planning ahead can be immensely useful.

With time, the proper documents, and maybe even some guidance from a specialist, you'll be far on your way to getting your future life together — here in Australia.