Home » Partner Visa » Subclass 820

Subclass 820 Partner Visa: Apply for Your Temporary Partner Visa to Stay in Australia

Learn how to apply for Subclass 820 Partner Visa and live with your partner in Australia

🔎 Visa At-a-Glance

Type: Temporary Partner Visa - Onshore

PR Pathway: Yes – Transition to Subclass 801

Processing Time: 12–24 months

Sponsor Required: Yes, usually your Partner

Study Rights: Full study rights

Healthcare: Access to Medicare

Application Location: Onshore -inside Australia

Visa Fee: AUD 9,365 - main applicant

Evidence Required: Proof of marriage or a De facto relationship

Visa held: You must hold a Substantive Visa

Health & Character Checks: Required

Visa Conditions: Bridging Visa A - BVA

🧭 Visa Overview

The Subclass 820 Partner Visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily while waiting for permanent residency. It is the first step toward securing permanent residency through the Subclass 801 Partner Visa.

Live in Australia with limited visa condition

Full work and study rights 

Access to Medicare 

Transition to Subclass 801 after 2 years

Why Apply for Subclass 820?

Ideal for partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents

First step to permanent residency - Subclass 801

Full work and travel rights in Australia

Includes eligible family members

Eligibility Criteria

Genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

Must be over 18 Years old

Health & Character checks required

Proof of shared residence |e.g., lease agreements, utility bills

Proof of relationship |e.g., photos, joint finances, communication history

Form 40SP - Sponsor’s Undertaking

Relationship must be ongoing and committed

Application and visa grant must occur - for Subclass 820 applicants

Evidence of legal capacity to marry - if applicable for fiancé applicants

🧭 Application Process – Step by Step

1
Check eligibility
2
Prepare required documents
3
Submit Subclass 820 application
4
Complete health & character checks
5
Wait for Visa Processing
6
Receive Subclass 820 visa grant
7
Transition to Subclass 801 for permanent residency

Common Mistakes
✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Applying Offshore: Must be onshore when applying.

Insufficient Proof: Missing relationship evidence.

Inconsistent Information: Inaccurate or conflicting details.

Skipping Checks: Failing to complete health and character checks.

Pro Tips for Smooth Approval ​

Clear Relationship Timeline: Include key dates and milestones.

Register Relationship: If under 12 months of cohabitation.

Consistent Statements: Ensure both partners' statements align.

Third-Party Support: Include family/friends' statements.

Family Members You Can Include

Family Members You Can Include

Dependent children under 18

Dependent children over 18 (if still financially dependent and meet DHA criteria)

After Visa Grant​

Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia

Access Medicare for you and your included family members

Pathway to the Subclass 801 Partner Visa (Permanent Residency) after holding the 820 for 2 years (or earlier in special cases)

Required Documents What You’ll Need

Passport Copy ​

Proof of Relationship ​

Proof of Shared Residence ​

Police Clearance

Visa Application Forms ​

Passport Copy ​

Proof of Relationship ​

Proof of Shared Residence ​

Health Examination ​

Police Clearance ​

Visa Fees & Processing Time

TypeDetails & Fee (AUD)
🧾 Government Visa FeeApprox. AUD 9,365
👥 Addtional Applicant 18+AUD 4,685
👥 Addtional Applicant below 18AUD 2,345
⏳ Processing Time15 to 23 Months - 90% of Application

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidence 

Download Subclass 190 Migration Pack
Download Subclass 190
Migration Pack
Discover
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Download EOI Guide
Download EOI Guide

❓Frequently Asked Questions

No, Subclass 820 does not have a points requirement. 

No, Subclass 820 requires the applicant to be outside Australia during the application process. 

Yes, dependent children can be included. 

Processing time typically takes 12–24 months for Subclass 820. 

After Subclass 820 is granted, you can transition to Subclass 801 for permanent residency. 

📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert

Speak directly with a MARA-registered migration agent and have your Skilled Visa strategy explained step-by-step — at no cost.

Why Trust Visa Advisor?

Choosing the right migration partner can make all the difference. 

 Here’s why Visa Advisor is the trusted choice

Expert Guidance

MARA-registered agents with years of experience simplify your migration journey.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront costs with no hidden fees—just honest advice.

Global Support

Flexible online and in-person consultations, wherever you are.

Smart Tools

Advanced visa finders and calculators to make decisions easier.

Proven Results

Trusted by clients for reliable, personalized migration support.

Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.