Partner visas (Subclasses 820 and 801)

Begin your new chapter in Australia with a Partner visa (subclass 820/801). This visa allows you to live in Australia with your spouse or de facto partner, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. While the application process can involve detailed requirements and careful documentation, our team at Professional Visa and Education Services is here to offer expert support every step of the way. We guide you through each stage, clarify requirements, and help ensure your Partner visa application is as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on building your future together.

What is the Partner visa (subclass 820/801)?

If you are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may qualify for a partner visa. The Partner visa (subclass 820) is a temporary visa that allows you to live, work, study, and travel in Australia without restriction, and provides access to Medicare. After holding the subclass 820 visa for two years and meeting all eligibility requirements, you can apply for the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801), which enables you to stay in Australia indefinitely and enjoy the full benefits of permanent residency.

There are two main types of partner visas:

- The subclass 820/801 visas are for applicants already in Australia (onshore).

- The subclass 309/100 visas are for applicants applying from outside Australia (offshore).

If you are applying from offshore, please refer to information on the Partner visa subclass 309/100. In both cases, you must gather and submit the necessary supporting documents. Once you receive the permanent subclass 801 visa, you may eventually become eligible for Australian citizenship.

Eligibility of the Partner visa (subclass 820/801)

To apply for a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) or a permanent Partner visa (subclass 801), you must meet the following requirements:

You must be in Australia when you apply for the subclass 820 visa.
You must be in a genuine relationship with your sponsoring Australian partner, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Your sponsoring partner must be your spouse (married) or de facto partner (typically living together for at least 12 months, or not living apart on a permanent basis; some exceptions apply).
You must be at least 18 years old (with limited exemptions available).
You must meet the required health and character criteria.
Same-sex partners are eligible to apply for this visa.

How the Partner visa (subclass 820/801) works

How the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) Works

The onshore partner visa process involves two stages—the subclass 820 (temporary) visa and the subclass 801 (permanent) visa.

Stage 1: Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

To apply, you must demonstrate that your relationship with your Australian spouse or de facto partner is genuine and ongoing. Comprehensive supporting documents are required, including evidence of your relationship, identity, police certificates, and character documents. If you previously held a prospective marriage visa, you need to show that your relationship has developed into a committed partnership.

If your application is approved, you will be granted the subclass 820 visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia without restriction for two years. You can also travel freely in and out of Australia and access Medicare. All included family members must also meet visa requirements, and your status must comply with eligibility conditions.

Stage 2: Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

After two years on the subclass 820 visa, you may become eligible for the permanent partner visa (subclass 801). You’ll need to provide updated evidence that your relationship is still ongoing. Applicants who initially entered Australia on a prospective marriage visa must confirm they are now married to their partner. All family members in your application must continue to meet eligibility standards, and required documents must remain current.

Double Grant of Subclass 820 and 801 Visas

If your relationship is longstanding, you may be eligible for both the temporary and permanent visas at the same time. Previous holders of a prospective marriage visa may qualify for this streamlined process. We can help prepare your application and request a double grant if you meet the criteria.

How We Can Help

Professional Visa and Education Services will guide you at every step, from gathering correct documentation to addressing family member visa requirements. Our support ensures your application is complete, boosting your chances of a successful and smooth outcome.

My relationship with my Sponsor has ended or changed what do I do?

You may need to complete the Notification of Relationship Cessation form in the ‘Update Details’ tab in ImmiAccount. To confirm, check Your relationship has changed.

If you do not have access to ImmiAccount, you can tell us directly that your relationship with your sponsor has ended or changed using the Partner processing enquiry form.

Attach a signed and completed Form 1022 - Notification of changes in circumstances (Section 104 of the Migration Act 1958) (172KB PDF).

To ensure your personal safety online we recommend that you:

change your ImmiAccount password as soon as possible
do not use saved passwords to access your ImmiAccount
change your email password or consider setting up a new email account.

To see how you can increase your personal safety you can use the eSafety Commissioner’s online safety checklist

I have reconciled my relationship with my sponsor. What do I do?

If your relationship with your sponsor has recommenced, you can tell us using the Partner processing enquiry form.

Attach the following documents:

a statutory declaration completed by you, outlining the circumstances of the relationship
a statutory declaration completed by your sponsor, outlining the circumstances of the relationship
evidence of identify for you and your sponsor.

My Sponsor has died, what do I do?

If you have an ongoing visa application, you will need to complete the Notification of Relationship Cessation form in the ‘Update Details’ tab in ImmiAccount.

If you do not have access to ImmiAccount, you can tell us using the Partner Processing Enquiry Form.

For more information, see Death of your sponsor.

Do you provide help for people experiencing domestic and family violence?

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, we may be able to help you. You may still be eligible for the grant of your permanent visa. For more information, see Family Violence Provisions.

For more information, see Domestic and family violence and your visa.