Everything You Need to Know About Partner Visa 820 & 801 (Australia)

If you’re planning to build a life with your partner in Australia, the Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801 pathway is one of the most important immigration routes to understand. This visa allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia, first temporarily, and then permanently.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Partner Visa 820 and 801 in 2026, including eligibility, application process, documents, processing times, and expert tips.

What Is the Partner Visa 820 & 801?

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 801 is a two-stage onshore visa pathway for people already in Australia.

• Subclass 820 (Temporary Visa): Allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent visa is being processed. You can live, work, and study during this time.
• Subclass 801 (Permanent Visa): Granted after you meet eligibility requirements (usually after 2 years), allowing you to stay in Australia permanently. 

Unlike many other visas, you apply for both stages at the same time, but they are assessed separately.

How the Two-Stage Process Works

The Australia partner visa process is unique because it happens in stages:

Stage 1: Subclass 820 (Temporary)

Once you apply, you’ll typically receive a bridging visa that lets you stay in Australia legally while waiting for your 820 decision.

Stage 2: Subclass 801 (Permanent)

About 2 years after your initial application, you become eligible for the permanent visa stage, where your relationship is reassessed. 

This staged approach ensures that your relationship is genuine and ongoing over tim

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Partner Visa 820/801, you must meet several key criteria.

1. Relationship Requirements

You must be:

• Married to your partner, OR
• In a de facto relationship (usually at least 12 months unless exempt)

Your relationship must be:

• Genuine and ongoing
• Exclusive
• Long-term

2. Sponsorship Requirement

Your partner must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Agree to sponsor you

3. Location Requirement

You must be inside Australia at the time of application and when the 820 visa is decided.

4. Health and Character Checks

You’ll need:

• Medical examinations
• Police clearance certificates

The 4 Pillars of Relationship Evidence

To prove your relationship is genuine, the Department of Home Affairs assesses four key areas:

1. Financial Aspects: Shared bank accounts, expenses, or assets
2. Nature of Household: Living arrangements and shared responsibilities
3. Social Aspects: Recognition of your relationship by friends and family
4. Commitment to Each Other: Long-term plans, communication, and emotional support

Strong evidence across all four pillars is critical for success.

Documents Required

While requirements vary, common documents include:

• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
• Relationship evidence (photos, messages, joint accounts)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Statutory declarations from friends/family
• Police checks and health exams
• Sponsor documents

Incomplete or weak documentation is one of the main reasons for delays.

Processing Time (2026 Update)

Processing times for partner visas can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and how well your application is prepared.

Subclass 820 (Temporary)

• Typically 8 to 20 months
• Some cases may exceed 24 months 

Subclass 801 (Permanent)

• Usually 6 to 15 months after eligibility

Total Timeline

• The full process from application to permanent residency can take 2.5 to 3+ years.

Factors That Affect Processing Time

Several factors can speed up or delay, your application:

• Completeness of your application
• Strength of relationship evidence
• Health and character checks
• Previous visa history
• Requests for further information (RFIs)
• Government processing priorities 

A “decision-ready” application can significantly reduce waiting time.

Benefits of the 820 Visa

While waiting for permanent residency, the 820 visa gives you:

• Full work rights
• Access to Medicare (Australia’s healthcare system)
• Ability to study
• Travel in and out of Australia

Benefits of the 801 Visa

Once granted, the 801 visa provides:

• Permanent residency
• Access to social security benefits (after waiting periods)
• Eligibility for Australian citizenship
• Ability to sponsor family members

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants delay their visa unintentionally. Here are some common pitfalls:

1. Weak Evidence: Submitting limited or inconsistent relationship evidence can lead to delays or refusal.
2. Incomplete Applications: Missing documents can trigger RFIs and add months to processing.
3. Inconsistencies: Conflicting information between your application and supporting documents raises red flags.
4. Late Responses: Delays in responding to immigration requests can slow your application significantly.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Prepare a decision-ready application: Include all required documents upfront
• Organise evidence clearly: Use labels and timelines
• Tell your story: Provide a clear relationship history
• Be consistent: Ensure all information aligns across documents
• Seek professional advice if needed

Real Applicant Insights (From Community Discussions)

Many applicants share similar experiences online:

“Make sure your application is as complete as possible… for faster processing time.” 

Others note that waiting over a year for the 820 visa is common, with some cases taking even longer depending on complexity.

This highlights the importance of patience and preparation.

Final Thoughts

The Partner Visa 820 and 801 pathway is one of the most meaningful yet complex visa processes in Australia. It’s not just about paperwork, it’s about proving your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

While the process can take several years, a well-prepared application with strong evidence can make a significant difference in both speed and outcome.

If you’re planning to apply, focus on building a clear, consistent, and compelling case from the beginning. It’s the best investment you can make in your future together in Australia.