What is a Partner Visa 820?

The 820 is a temporary visa that lets you:
✅ Live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is processed
✅ Access Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
✅ Stay legally with your Australian partner for up to 3–4 years while waiting for PR

It’s the first step in the two-stage partner visa process:
820 (Temporary) → 801 (Permanent)

No need to leave Australia – you apply and wait onshore.


Who’s Eligible?

You can apply if:

  • Your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • You’re legally in Australia
  • You’re in a genuine, committed relationship (married OR de facto)
  • You meet health and character requirements

The 820 vs. Other Partner Visas

VisaFor?Apply From?Pathway to PR?
Subclass 820Partners in AustraliaOnshore onlyYes → 801
Subclass 309Partners outside AustraliaOffshoreYes → 100

Key takeaway: The 820 is your go-to if you’re already in Australia with your partner.


Benefits of the 820 Visa

  1. Stay together in Australia – No separation during processing by Department of Home Affairs (Immigration)
  2. Full work rights – Work in any job
  3. Bridging visa: – If your current visa expires, you’ll get a Bridging Visa A to stay lawfully
  4. Clear path to PR – Most 820 holders transition to the 801 PR visa after 2+ years

The Application Process: What to Expect

  1. Gather evidence
    • Relationship proof (joint bills, photos, statements from friends etc)
    • Health/character checks
    • Partner’s sponsorship documents (sponsor’s passport, police etc)
  2. Wait (Current processing: 12-24 months)
  3. Get 820 grant → Live/work normally → Later apply for 801 PR

3 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Rushing the application
Example: Jack lodged with 6 photos and a marriage certificate → Refused for insufficient evidence.
Fix: Submit a detailed partner visa with comprehensive evidence.

Ignoring Schedule 3
If you’ve been unlawful or on a bridging visa and apply for an onshore Subclass 820 visa, Schedule 3 rules apply.


We have vast experience in partner visas. If you need help for your Partner visa, contact us on info@visaeducationexperts.com.au or +61 414 588 942.

Information provided in this website is general in nature and does not constitute immigration advice.

The information on this website can change without notice and we do not guarantee the accuracy of information.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate. Individuals must not rely on the information in this website to make a visa or immigration decision. Before making any decision, we recommend you consult a migration agent or lawyer to take into account your particular situation and individual needs.

Please note that any immigration advice provided only and only constitutes immigration assistance as per s276 of the Migration Act 1958 (It does not include or constitute any other type of advice apart from immigration assistance as per s276 of the Migration Act 1958).