The partner subclass 820 visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to stay in Australia. This visa is temporary. It is also the first step toward permanent residency under the 820 801 partner visa pathway. You must apply for the partner subclass 820 visa while you are inside Australia.

Table of Contents

What Is the Partner Subclass 820 Visa?

The partner subclass 820 visa is a temporary onshore partner visa. It is linked to the permanent Partner Visa 801 together known as the 820 801 partner visa.

What You Can Do After Approval

  • Live in Australia
  • Work full-time
  • Study without limits
  • Access Medicare
  • Stay lawfully in Australia

For detailed eligibility rules, read other Partner Visa 820: Complete 2025 Guide to Eligibility Criteria, Document Requirements, and Application Process.

Who Can Apply for Partner Subclass 820 Visa?

Both the applicant and sponsor must meet visa requirements.

Relationship Requirements

You must be either:

  • Married
  • In a de facto relationship

De Facto Relationship Rules

  • Usually requires at least 12 months together
  • Relationship must be genuine and ongoing
  • Relationship must be exclusive

The relationship must still exist when the visa is decided.

Sponsor Requirements

  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Meet character requirements

Documents Required for Partner Subclass 820

Strong documents are essential for a partner subclass 820 visa under the 820 801 partner visa process.

Financial Evidence

  • Joint bank accounts
  • Shared bills or expenses
  • Lease or mortgage in both names

Household Evidence

  • Proof you live together
  • Shared household responsibilities
  • Utility bills or official letters

Social Evidence

  • Photos together
  • Social media posts
  • Statements from friends or family

Commitment Evidence

  • Personal relationship statements
  • Future plans together
  • Call or message records

Clear and consistent documents improve approval chances.

Partner Subclass 820 Processing Time (2025)

Processing time varies for each application.

Factors That Affect Processing

  • Quality of your application
  • Strength of relationship evidence
  • Health checks
  • Police checks

Average Processing Time

Most partner subclass 820 visas are processed within 12 to 24 months. Missing or unclear documents often cause delays in the 820 801 partner visa pathway.

Cost of Partner Subclass 820 Visa

The partner subclass 820 visa has a government application fee. This fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the 820 801 partner visa.

Additional Costs May Include

  • Medical examinations
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Document translation costs
  • Migration agent or lawyer fees

Planning early helps manage total costs.

Benefits of Partner Subclass 820 Visa

  • Unlimited work rights
  • Access to Medicare
  • Legal stay in Australia
  • Pathway to permanent residency through the 820 801 partner visa
  • Freedom to study

Common Reasons for Partner Subclass 820 Visa Refusal

  • Relationship evidence is weak
  • Information does not match
  • Sponsor does not meet requirements
  • Health or character issues apply

Good preparation reduces refusal risk.

What Happens After the Visa Is Granted?

After approval, applicants are later assessed for the permanent Partner Visa 801. Learn more in other Partner Visa 820: Complete 2025 Guide to Eligibility Criteria, Document Requirements, and Application Process Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I work on a partner subclass 820 visa?

Yes. You can work without any restrictions.

2. Is marriage mandatory?

No. De facto couples can also apply.

3. Can I travel while waiting for approval?

Yes, if your bridging visa allows travel.

4. Must I apply while in Australia?

Yes. This is an onshore visa only.

5. Does this visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. It leads to the Partner Visa 801.

Contact Information

📞 Phone: +61 426 628 875

📧 Email: enquire@amaes.com.au

🌐 Website: https://archmigration.com.au/contact-us