Subclass 820 / Apply in Australia
Partner visa (Temporary) (subclass 820) Your life together. A clearer next step.
Build your partner visa plan around the life you share. We help you understand the onshore pathway, organise your relationship evidence and prepare for both stages from the beginning.
- Visa stage
- Temporary
- Where you apply
- In Australia
- Permanent stage
- Subclass 801
What this pathway offers
Together now. Thinking ahead.
The 820 is the temporary stage of the onshore partner pathway. You apply for the 820 and 801 together, with separate decisions on each stage.
Keep building your life
Once granted, the visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia while the permanent stage is being considered.
Stay connected
The granted visa permits travel to and from Australia. Before it is granted, check the travel rights of the visa you actually hold.
Prepare for the next stage
A useful plan starts with the permanent stage in view, so you know what to keep and what may need updating.
The requirements in context
What needs to line up.
Your relationship is central, but your location, current visa and sponsorship history also shape the application. Start by checking:
View Home Affairs requirements-
Your relationship and sponsor
Usually, you must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your partner must be approved as your sponsor.
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Your location and visa history
You and accompanying applicants must be in Australia when applying. Visa conditions, any refusal or cancellation, or not holding a substantive visa can affect whether and how you can apply.
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The de facto relationship period
A de facto relationship generally needs to have existed for at least 12 months immediately before applying. Exceptions can apply, including qualifying relationship registration. Dating alone may not establish a de facto relationship.
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Evidence and other requirements
Show a genuine, continuing relationship and address the health, character, identity and dependent-child requirements relevant to your circumstances.
A visa application needs a plan for your current stay.
Marriage or an intention to apply does not extend your current visa. Check your expiry date, conditions and ability to lodge a valid application before making plans.
A bridging visa's start date, work conditions and travel permission depend on the visa granted to you. We explain those details alongside the partner application.
A plan you can follow
From your story to the next step.
We bring the relationship timeline, visa position and supporting documents into one plan, with clear responsibilities at each stage.
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Check the pathway
Review your current visa, sponsor's status, relationship history and any issues that need attention before lodging.
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Build the evidence
Organise the material around your actual life together. Explain gaps and time apart, rather than relying on a collection of unexplained files.
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Lodge both stages together
Submit the combined 820 and 801 application through ImmiAccount and complete the related sponsorship work.
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Keep the application current
Respond to requests and report relevant changes. Prepare updated information for the permanent stage when eligible.
Preparation that makes sense
The evidence. With context.
Your checklist should reflect your circumstances and this stage of the process. Depending on your situation, it may include:
- Identity documents, visa grants and details of previous applications.
- Your partner's citizenship or residence evidence and sponsorship information.
- Marriage certificate or evidence of your de facto relationship, as relevant.
- Records explaining shared finances, your household, social recognition and commitment.
- Dependent-child documents, translations and health or character evidence where required.
A little more clarity
Your 820 questions, made clearer.
Start with the essentials, then look at how the requirements apply to your circumstances.
Do I have to be married?
No. The pathway can also be available to qualifying de facto partners. The relationship period and evidence requirements need to be checked; a marriage certificate also does not replace evidence of a genuine relationship.
Must I be in Australia when the 820 is decided?
Current Home Affairs guidance allows a decision while you are in or outside Australia. You still need to be in Australia when applying, and any travel must be permitted by the visa you hold.
When is the permanent stage considered?
Usually, eligibility for 801 assessment is two years after the combined application was lodged, rather than two years after the 820 grant. Some circumstances allow earlier consideration. Permanent residence requires a separate decision.
What if my relationship ends?
Tell Home Affairs about the change and get advice before withdrawing anything. Exceptions may apply, including family violence, a sponsor's death or certain circumstances involving a child.
How long will it take and what will it cost?
Use the Home Affairs processing guide and current fee information for the relevant visa. Published processing times are guides, not a decision date for your case. We explain our professional fees and scope separately before you proceed.
Your next step starts with you
Let's put your plans into perspective.
Tell us where you are in the process. We will help you understand the onshore pathway and the preparation that makes sense for you.