Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 820
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa (Temporary) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily.
This visa is not the end of your journey. It is the beginning. Getting the 820 visa is your first step toward the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).
Key Facts
Status
Temporary Residency
Must be
In Australia when you apply and when it's granted
Leads to
Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa)
Processing
Around 14-15 months (50% of cases)
Who Is This Visa For?
This visa is designed for individuals who are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must be in a genuine, committed relationship, at least 18 years of age, and currently located in Australia.
If you are in a de facto relationship, you must have been living together for at least 12 months immediately before applying. Time spent dating or in an online relationship may not count toward this requirement.
The 12-month requirement may not apply if:
- You have registered your relationship with an Australian State or Territory authority
- Compelling and compassionate circumstances exist
- Your partner holds or held a permanent humanitarian visa and declared your relationship before their visa was granted
Benefits of the 820 Visa
Work Anywhere, Anytime
Live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa is being processed
English language
Attend free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), if eligible
Travel Freedom
Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
Medicare Coverage
Apply for access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare scheme
Subclass 820 Visa Requirements
To be eligible, you need to meet requirements across several categories.
You must be in a genuine marriage or de facto relationship with your sponsor and provide evidence across financial, household, social, and commitment aspects of your relationship.
Your sponsor is usually your partner. They must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and they must be approved by the Department. Once you lodge your application, you cannot change your sponsor.
You must be in Australia when you apply. Any family members applying with you must also be in Australia at the time of lodgement.
You must meet health and character requirements, have no debt to the Australian Government, and sign the Australian Values Statement after reading (or having explained) the Life in Australia booklet. You should also hold a substantive visa at the time of application, exceptions apply for former Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) holders.
If you do not hold a substantive visa and did not previously hold a Subclass 300 visa, you must demonstrate compelling reasons for the grant of a Partner Visa.
Documents Required for Partner Visa 820
- Birth certificate showing both parents' names
- Current passport (photo page, personal details, issue and expiry dates)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
You must provide evidence across four categories:
- Financial aspects – Joint mortgage or lease, joint bank accounts, household bills in both names
- Household aspects – Statement on shared housework, joint mail, documents showing shared living arrangements
- Social aspects – Statements from two witnesses (18+) who know your relationship, joint invitations, evidence of shared activities
- Commitment – Evidence you know each other's background, family, and personal details; combined personal matters; terms of wills
Tell us in writing:
- How, when, and where you first met
- How the relationship developed
- When you moved in together, got engaged, or married
- Significant events in your relationship
- Your plans for the future
- If married: Marriage certificate or evidence your marriage is valid in Australia
- If de facto: Evidence of at least 12 months together, or relationship registration certificate
- Australian police certificate (if you spent 12+ months in Australia in the last 10 years since turning 16)
- Police certificates from every country where you spent 12+ months in the last 10 years
- Form 80 – Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment
- Military service records (if applicable)
- Organise health examinations after you apply
- Results are valid for 12 months
- Identity documents
- Birth or adoption certificates
- Parental consent (Form 1229) if one parent is not applying
- Health and character documents
Your Success Depends on Your Points Score!
1. Before You Apply
- Immigration assistance (can discuss, send/receive correspondence, give info):
- Registered migration agent (MARA)
- Legal practitioner
- Exempt person
- Use Form 956 to appoint
- Receive correspondence only: Anyone → Use Form 956A
- May still be eligible if relationship ends or partner dies before applying
- Family violence provisions available
2. Gather Documents
We prepare and submit a complete, professional application
- Birth certificate (showing names of both parents)
- If unavailable → family book, government ID, court-issued document, or family census register
- Passport (photo page, personal details, issue & expiry dates)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Proof of name change (marriage/divorce certificate, registry documents)
- How, when, where you first met
- How relationship developed
- When you moved in together / got engaged / married
- What you do together
- Time spent apart
- Significant events
- Future plans
- Married: Marriage certificate or evidence marriage is valid in Australia
- De Facto: Evidence of 12+ months together before applying
- If less than 12 months: Registered relationship with Australian State/Territory OR compelling & compassionate circumstances.
Your plans for the future, how well you know each other's families, shared goals and decisions. This shows you're in it for the long haul, not just for a visa.
Financial | Joint mortgage/lease • Joint loans (home, car, appliances) • Joint bank statements • Household bills in both names |
Household | Statement on sharing housework • Bills in both names • Mail/emails to both • Joint responsibility for children • Living arrangement proof |
Social | 2 witness statements (Form 888, witnesses must be 18+) • Joint invitations • Mutual friends • Government/public body notifications • Joint activities • Travel together |
Commitment | Knowledge of each other's background/family • Combined personal matters • Communication when apart • Not related by family • Wills (optional) |
- Divorce documents
- Death certificates
- Separation documents
- Statutory declarations
- Identity documents
- Relationship evidence (birth/marriage certificate)
- Health examinations
- Character documents (if 16-17 years old)
- Adoption papers / parental court orders (if applicable)
- School/college/university enrolment (if applicable)
- Sole custody evidence (if applicable)
- Consent required: Form 1229 + photo ID of person who signed
Must meet one of these:
- Not engaged, married, or in de facto relationship
- Wholly/substantially dependent on you for food, clothing, shelter
- Unable to work due to disability
- Translate all non-English documents to English
- In Australia: NAATI-accredited translator
- Outside Australia: Include translator's full name, address, phone, qualifications
- ✓ Scan/photograph in colour (must be clear and readable)
- ✓ Multi-page documents → save as one file
- ✓ No certification required
3. Apply Online
- Log in to ImmiAccount (or create new account)
- Select New Application
- Select Family
- Select Stage 1 – Partner or Prospective Marriage Visa
- Complete your application
- Pay the visa application charge
- Submit
- Give your TRN to your sponsor
- Attach supporting documents
- Provide your own phone number and email (not just sponsor's)
- Attach each document only once
- Label documents clearly
- Keep a copy of completed application
- Limit: 100 documents per person (cannot be increased)
4. After You Apply
- Give your TRN or application ID to your sponsor
- Your sponsor must apply to sponsor you
- Required for all applicants
- Valid for 12 months from examination date
- Health undertaking valid for 6 months
- Prospective Marriage visa holders may not need new examinations
AFP Certificate — complete disclosure only (state/territory certificates NOT accepted)
- Overseas police certificates — from every country where you spent 12+ months in last 10 years (since age 16)
- Military records — service records or discharge papers (if applicable)
- Form 80 — Personal particulars for character assessment
- Upload to ImmiAccount ASAP
Can't upload? → Partner Processing Enquiry Form
- Can add dependent child before visa decision (child must be in Australia)
- Complete Form 1436 → attach to ImmiAccount → notify via Partner Processing Enquiry Form
- Newborn? Update ImmiAccount → notify via Partner Processing Enquiry Form
- Contact details / address / passport
- Marital or de facto status
- Birth of a child
- Request to withdraw
- Any other relevant changes
- Complete Notification of Relationship Cessation form in ImmiAccount
- You may still be eligible for temporary and permanent visa
- Family violence? You may still be eligible — see Family Violence Provisions
- Change ImmiAccount password immediately
- Don't use saved passwords
- Change email password or set up new email account
- Visit eSafety Commissioner's checklist
- If you held a valid substantive visa when you applied → you were granted Bridging Visa A (BVA)
- If current visa expires before decision → BVA activates automatically
- You can stay in Australia on BVA while application is processed
- You can travel if your current visa allows
- Bridging visa holders → check travel conditions
- Ensure you have a valid visa to return
5. Visa Outcome
- Visa grant number
- Visa start date
- Visa conditions (if applicable)
- Keep a copy of the decision
- Reasons for refusal
- Review rights information
- No refund of application fee
820 Visa Cost & Processing Time
Processing times vary significantly depending on the stream and individual circumstances.
820 Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary. For an indication, use our partner visa processing time guide. This shows processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
While you wait:
- You can travel if your current visa permits
- Attach any missing documents through ImmiAccount
- Notify the Department of any changes to your circumstances
Subclass 300 Cost
- Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
- $1,560.00
- Former Prospective Marriage Visa Holders
- $1,980.00
- Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801)
- AUD 9,365.00
Additional fees apply for each family member included in your application. You may also need to pay for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics.
🎯 99% Success Rate
Our clients get their 99% visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
What Happens After 820 Visa Is Granted?
Once your Subclass 820 visa is granted:
- You have full work rights in Australia
- You can study (at your own expense)
- You can travel freely to and from Australia
- You may access Medicare
- You may need to wait to access certain Australian Government payments (newly arrived residents’ waiting periods apply)
Important for New Zealand Passport Holders:
When you clear Australian immigration, tell the officer you have a Temporary Spouse Visa and do not want a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444). If you are granted a 444 visa, it will override your 820 visa—and you will lose eligibility for the permanent 801 visa.
Difference Between 820 and 801 Visa
Feature | Subclass 820 | Subclass 801 |
Visa type | Temporary | Permanent |
When assessed | First stage | Second stage (usually 2 years after 820 application) |
Stay duration Work rights | Until 801 is decided or withdrawn Full | Indefinitely Full |
Travel rights | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Pathway to citizenship | NO | YES |
You apply for both visas at the same time. The 820 is assessed first. If granted, you wait approximately two years before being assessed for the 801.
Can I Work While on 820 Visa?
Yes. The Subclass 820 visa gives you full work rights. You can work for any employer in any occupation. You are protected by Australian workplace laws.
Does an 820 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes. The Subclass 820 visa is your pathway to the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). You apply for both visas together. If your 820 is granted, you become eligible for 801 assessment—usually two years after your initial application date.
Do not apply for another visa. If you are granted any other visa while holding an 820, you lose eligibility for the 801.
Your Obligations on This Visa
- Meet all visa conditions
- Obey Australian laws
- Maintain adequate health insurance if not eligible for Medicare
- Notify the Department of any changes (relationship status, birth of a child, contact details, passport changes)
If Your Relationship Ends
If your relationship ends before your permanent visa is decided, you may still be eligible for the 801 visa under certain circumstances.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, you may be eligible under the Family Violence Provisions. All information you provide is confidential.
Your safety matters. Change your ImmiAccount password, email password, and do not share login details.
Why Choose The Migration?
You do not have to navigate this alone. We are experts in overcoming complications in partner visas.
Document Checking
CheckingWe thoroughly review all required documents for accuracy and completeness
I'm on a Student Visa (500) with condition 8503 'No Further Stay'. Can I still apply for the 820 visa?
Not directly. Condition 8503 prevents you from applying for most visas while in Australia. However, you can request a waiver of this condition in certain circumstances – for example, if your circumstances have changed since the visa was granted, or if there are compelling and compassionate reasons. The waiver must be approved BEFORE you can lodge your partner visa application. We can assess whether a waiver is possible in your specific situation during a consultation.
We've only been in a de facto relationship for 8 months. Can we still apply?
You have two options: (1) Register your relationship with a state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages agency – this removes the 12-month requirement entirely, or (2) Demonstrate compelling and compassionate circumstances, such as having a child together from the relationship. Registration is available in most Australian states and is the simplest solution. We can guide you through the registration process if needed.
What is de facto relationship proof?
Evidence that you and your partner share financial matters, live together, are recognised socially as a couple, and are committed to a long-term relationship. This includes joint bank accounts, shared bills, statements from witnesses, and evidence of shared responsibilities
My partner sponsored their ex-spouse for a partner visa 4 years ago. Can they sponsor me now?
Generally, no. There must be at least 5 years between sponsorships. Since only 4 years have passed, your partner would normally need to wait another year before sponsoring you. However, there are limited exceptions in compelling circumstances. Additionally, your partner can only sponsor a maximum of 2 people in their lifetime for partner visas. We can review your partner’s sponsorship history and advise on options.
What happens if our relationship breaks down while the 820 visa is being processed?
You may still be eligible under the Family Violence Provisions if your relationship ended due to family violence committed by your sponsor. You may also be eligible if your partner died during the application process. You must notify the Department using the ‘Notification of Relationship Cessation’ form in ImmiAccount. All information you provide is kept confidential. If you’re experiencing domestic and family violence, please contact and reach out to us – we can help you understand your options.
How long does 820 visa processing time take currently?
Processing time Australian visa subclass 820 varies significantly and depends on: (1) completeness of your application and supporting documents, (2) how quickly you respond to requests for additional information, (3) time taken to verify information, and (4) current application volumes. Complete applications with thorough de facto relationship proof typically process faster than incomplete ones.
Can I add my child from a previous relationship to my 820 visa application?
Yes, you can include dependent children in your application when you lodge, or after you lodge but before the 820 visa is decided. Your child must be in Australia at the time of application. They must meet health and character requirements. If the other parent has custody rights, you’ll need their written consent (Form 1229) for the child to migrate to Australia, or a court order allowing the child to migrate. Important: You cannot add family members after the 820 visa is granted – they would need to apply for a Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) separately.
Do I need to use Form 888 for statutory declarations, or can I use a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration?
It depends on your situation. If you hold a substantive visa, you can use Form 888 – Supporting statement in relation to a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa application. However, if you do NOT hold a substantive visa, you must provide a minimum of two statutory declarations using the Commonwealth Statutory Declaration form (available from the Attorney-General’s Department) – Form 888 is NOT acceptable in this case. The declarations must be made within the last 6 weeks by Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who can confirm your relationship.
What Is Partner Visa Sponsorship?
As an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can sponsor your spouse or de facto partner for a Subclass 820 visa (Temporary). Your sponsorship is a formal commitment to support your partner financially and with accommodation while their application is assessed.
Your partner cannot apply for the temporary partnership visa Australia without an approved sponsor. You are the foundation of their application.
What Sponsorship Allows
With approved sponsorship, your partner can live, work, and study in Australia temporarily while their permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is processed.
Sponsorship cost: No fee to apply as a sponsor.
Who Can Sponsor?
You must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and at least 18 years old. The Department must approve your sponsorship, which requires meeting character requirements and providing police certificates.
If you are a New Zealand citizen who does not meet eligibility criteria, your partner may be eligible for a Subclass 461 visa instead.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen. Permanent residents and NZ citizens must prove they usually live in Australia.
18 years or older. If under 18 and married, your parent or guardian may sponsor on your behalf.
The government may refuse your sponsorship if you have a significant criminal record for relevant offences, refuse to provide police clearance, or do not consent to disclosure of convictions to the applicant.
Sponsorship limitations apply if you have convictions involving children.
Limitations on Sponsorship
If your previous partner died or left and you have young children, you have been with your current partner for more than 2 years, or you/your partner have dependent children.
The government may refuse if your partner was your spouse/de facto before that visa was granted and less than 5 years have passed.
Documents Required for Sponsorship
Passport, birth certificate, facial photo. Permanent residents and NZ citizens must also show evidence of residing in Australia.
Australian Federal Police certificate (complete disclosure only—state certificates not accepted), plus overseas police certificates from any country where you spent 12+ months in the last 10 years since age 16. Written consent for disclosure of convictions to the applicant.
Translate non-English documents (NAATI-accredited in Australia). Scan/photograph in colour. Multi-page documents saved as one file.
Your Success Depends on Your Points Score!
How to Apply as a Sponsor
1. Before Applying
- Your partner is eligible for the visa
- You can meet your sponsor obligations
- Registered migration agent (MARA)
- Legal practitioner
- Exempt person
- Anyone can receive documents on your behalf
Translate non-English documents (NAATI-accredited in Australia). Scan/photograph in colour. Multi-page documents saved as one file.
2. Gather Documents
- Passport (current & valid)
- Birth certificate
- Facial photo (passport-style)
- Evidence of residing in Australia (Permanent residents & NZ citizens only)
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) Certificate — complete disclosure only, state certificates NOT accepted
- Overseas police certificates — from any country where you lived 12+ months in last 10 years (since age 16)
- Written consent for disclosure of convictions to applicant
- Translate non-English documents → NAATI-accredited translator (in Australia)
- Scan/photograph in colour
- Multi-page documents → save as one file
3. Apply Online
- Passport (current & valid)
- Birth certificate
- Facial photo (passport-style)
- Evidence of residing in Australia (Permanent residents & NZ citizens only)
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) Certificate — complete disclosure only, state certificates NOT accepted
- Overseas police certificates — from any country where you lived 12+ months in last 10 years (since age 16)
- Written consent for disclosure of convictions to applicant
- Translate non-English documents → NAATI-accredited translator (in Australia)
- Scan/photograph in colour
- Multi-page documents → save as one file
4. After Applying
Department notifies you in ImmiAccount when received
- Upload to ImmiAccount ASAP
- Department will request more info if needed
- Can't upload? → Use Partner Processing Enquiry Form
- Contact details / address / passport
- Marital or de facto status
- Birth of a child
- Request to withdraw
- Any other relevant changes
- Contact immediately via Partner Processing Enquiry Form
- You can withdraw sponsorship anytime before visa decision
- Note: Removing from ImmiAccount ≠ withdrawal — you must notify in writing
How Long Does Sponsorship Last?
Your sponsorship ends 2 years after the 820 visa is granted (if your partner is in Australia at grant), or 2 years after their next arrival (if outside Australia at grant).
This applies even if the permanent 801 visa is granted immediately after.
Your Obligations as a Sponsor
You must assist your partner and any included family members financially and with accommodation for the sponsorship period. You cannot change as sponsor after lodgement—you remain sponsor for 2 years after the temporary partnership visa Australia is granted.
If Your Relationship Ends
Contact us if you want to withdraw sponsorship before the 801 is decided. Removing the application from ImmiAccount does not withdraw it—you must notify the Department in writing.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, support is available through Family Violence Provisions.
Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary significantly depending on the stream and individual circumstances.
Short-Term Stream:
- 25% of applications:
- 3 months
- 50% of applications:
- 5 months
- 90% of applications:
- 8 months
Medium-Term Stream:
- 25% of applications:
- A few several weeks
- 50% of applications:
- 7 to 15 months (50% to 90%)
- 90% of applications:
- Experience 13 to 31 months
🎯 99% Success Rate
Our clients get their 190 visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
Why Choose The Migration?
Our expert guidance and proven strategies significantly improve your chances of partner visa approval.
Document Checking
CheckingWe thoroughly review all required documents for accuracy and completeness
Frequently Asked Questions
I sponsored my ex-partner 3 years ago. Can I sponsor my new partner now?
Generally, no—you must wait 5 years between sponsorships. Exceptions may apply if your previous relationship ended due to death, you have young children from that relationship, or you have been with your current partner for more than 2 years. We can assess whether an exception applies to your situation.
I was granted a Partner visa myself 4 years ago. Can I now sponsor someone?
The 5-year limitation applies to you as well. If you were sponsored as a partner within the last 5 years, the government may refuse your sponsorship until that period passes. Limited exceptions exist—consult with us to review your options.
I have a criminal record. Will this affect my sponsorship?
It depends on the nature of your convictions. The government may refuse sponsorship if you have a significant criminal record for “relevant offences”—including violent crimes, sexual offences, and offences involving children. Convictions that have been quashed, nullified, or pardoned are not included. We can assess whether your record poses a barrier before you lodge.
I'm an Australian citizen living overseas. Can I sponsor my partner for a Subclass 820?
Yes, you can apply from overseas. However, your partner must be in Australia when they apply for and are granted the subclass 820 visa. You will need to demonstrate intention to return to Australia. Contact us to discuss how to structure your application.
My partner and I started our relationship while I was still married. Will this affect the application?
The Department examines relationship timing carefully. You must provide an honest account of how and when your relationship developed. This does not automatically disqualify you, but inconsistent information raises concerns. We can help you prepare your relationship history statement appropriately.
What does "financial assistance and accommodation" mean as a sponsor?
You commit to providing your partner and included family members with financial support and accommodation for the sponsorship period (2 years after grant). The Department does not specify a dollar amount, but you must be genuinely able to provide this support.
Can I withdraw sponsorship after the 820 is granted?
No. You cannot withdraw as sponsor for the subclass 820 visa after grant. However, you can withdraw before the permanent 801 is decided. Your ex-partner may still qualify for the 801 under certain provisions.