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Subclass 820 / 801
Partner visa (onshore)
For the married or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who applies from inside Australia.
Who this visa is for
Partners who are in Australia when they apply. The application is made once for both stages: the temporary 820 visa is decided first, and the permanent 801 visa is usually assessed about two years after you applied.
- Visa type
- Temporary → permanent
- Where you apply
- In Australia
- Length of stay
- Temporary visa until the permanent stage, then permanently
- Work
- Full work and study rights
- Next step
- Permanent 801 visa, usually assessed about 2 years after you apply
Key requirements
- Your sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over
- You are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, your sponsor
- Your relationship is genuine and continuing, and you live together or are not permanently apart
- De facto partners usually need 12 months of living together before applying, unless the relationship is registered or there are compelling circumstances
- You and your sponsor meet the character requirements, and you meet the health requirement
- Your sponsor has not sponsored two partners before, or another partner within the last five years, unless there are compelling circumstances
- You are in Australia when you apply and when the 820 visa is decided
- If you don't hold a substantive visa when you apply, extra criteria apply and you need to show compelling reasons
What this visa lets you do
- Live, work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare once you have applied
- A bridging visa usually lets you stay in Australia while you wait
- Travel overseas once the 820 is granted
- If the relationship ends because of family violence, or your partner dies, you may still be granted permanent residence
How it works
Applying for the 820 / 801 visa
We handle each step and keep you informed, from the first assessment to the decision.
Check eligibility
We check the relationship, the sponsor and your current visa, including any "no further stay" condition.
Prepare evidence
Relationship evidence across finances, household, social life and commitment, plus statements and declarations.
Lodge the application
You and your sponsor lodge the combined 820/801 application online.
Temporary visa decision
The Department assesses the 820. You may be asked for more information or an interview.
Permanent stage
About two years after you applied, you provide updated evidence and the 801 is assessed.
Documents you'll usually need
- Passports and birth certificates for both partners
- Marriage certificate, or evidence of your de facto relationship or relationship registration
- Evidence of shared finances, such as joint accounts and shared bills
- Evidence of living together, such as a lease or mortgage and mail to the same address
- Photos together over time, and evidence of travel and social life as a couple
- Statements from both partners about your relationship history
- Statutory declarations from friends and family who know you as a couple
- Police certificates, and evidence that any previous relationships have ended
Documents not in English need accredited translations. The Department may ask for others depending on your circumstances.
Questions
820 / 801 visa questions
Can I get permanent residence straight away?
Possibly. If you have been in a long-term relationship when you apply, generally 3 years, or 2 years with a dependent child of the relationship, the permanent visa may be granted without the two-year wait.
Can I apply if I'm on a visitor visa?
It depends on your visa conditions. A "no further stay" condition (8503) can stop you applying in Australia unless it is waived. Get advice first.
What if we break up?
In most cases the application can't continue, but exceptions apply for family violence, the death of your sponsor, or where you have a child together.
General information only, current at November 2026. Visa criteria, fees and processing change often, including each 1 July. Book a consultation for advice on your situation.
Thinking about the 820 / 801?
Book a consultation and we'll check whether you meet every criterion before you apply.