Onshore Partner Visa (subclasses 820/801)
Build your life together in Australia
Our immigration lawyers guide couples through the onshore partner visa process, from relationship evidence to permanent residence.
Regal Migration Services
15 Min Free Consultation
Onshore Partner Visa (subclasses 820/801)
Build your life together in Australia
Our immigration lawyers guide couples through the onshore partner visa process, from relationship evidence to permanent residence.
Regal Migration Services
15 Min Free Consultation
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
The onshore partner pathway is for eligible spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. You apply for subclasses 820 and 801 together while in Australia. These are temporary and permanent stages of one pathway, rather than separate visa streams.
Subclass 820 — temporary partner visa
The 820 visa lets you live, work and study in Australia while the permanent stage is considered. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing, with a mutual commitment to a shared life. A marriage certificate alone does not establish eligibility. De facto applicants generally need at least 12 months in the relationship immediately before applying, unless an applicable exception applies, such as recognised relationship registration.
Subclass 801 — permanent partner visa
Permanent-stage assessment generally becomes available two years after the combined application was lodged, rather than two years after the 820 grant. You provide updated evidence that you remain in the relationship with the same sponsor and meet the relevant requirements. Some applicants in a qualifying long-term relationship at lodgement may be assessed earlier. The temporary visa is not simply a fixed two-year visa and permanent residence is not automatic.
Applying in Australia
You and family members applying with you must be in Australia at lodgement. We review your current visa, expiry date, conditions and immigration history before advising on a valid application. A no further stay condition may need an approved waiver first. Applicants without a substantive visa can face additional validity and Schedule 3 requirements. Advice is particularly important after a refusal, cancellation or period without a visa.
Our immigration lawyers assess the appropriate pathway, sponsor eligibility and any additional legal issues before preparing the application.
Start with the temporary Subclass 820 visa to live in Australia
Permanent subclass 801 assessment, usually two years after combined lodgement
How to demonstrate your relationship
Evidence should explain the financial, household, social and commitment aspects of your shared life. Depending on your circumstances, this can include joint accounts and expenses, lease or property records, household responsibilities, travel, communication, photographs, future plans and statements from people who know you. We help organise a clear relationship history and explain periods living apart.
Sponsorship, children and ongoing updates
Your partner must be an eligible sponsor; previous sponsorships, relevant convictions and other restrictions may affect approval. Eligible dependent children may be included, with identity, dependency and consent evidence where required. Applicable health and character requirements must be met. Update Home Affairs if your address, family circumstances or relationship changes.
Bridging visas and changes in circumstances
Lodging an application does not give everyone the same bridging visa or work rights. Check your grant notice and VEVO, and seek advice before overseas travel. Family violence, death of a sponsor or relationship breakdown involving a child may permit continued eligibility under specific provisions. These circumstances need a careful legal assessment.
Fees and processing times change. Read current Home Affairs guidance or book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Live, work and study in Australia
Access to Medicare
Travel in and out of Australia
Pathway to Australian PR
Sponsor your eligible family members
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
The onshore partner pathway is for eligible spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. You apply for subclasses 820 and 801 together while in Australia. These are temporary and permanent stages of one pathway, rather than separate visa streams.
Subclass 820 — temporary partner visa
The 820 visa lets you live, work and study in Australia while the permanent stage is considered. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing, with a mutual commitment to a shared life. A marriage certificate alone does not establish eligibility. De facto applicants generally need at least 12 months in the relationship immediately before applying, unless an applicable exception applies, such as recognised relationship registration.
Subclass 801 — permanent partner visa
Permanent-stage assessment generally becomes available two years after the combined application was lodged, rather than two years after the 820 grant. You provide updated evidence that you remain in the relationship with the same sponsor and meet the relevant requirements. Some applicants in a qualifying long-term relationship at lodgement may be assessed earlier. The temporary visa is not simply a fixed two-year visa and permanent residence is not automatic.
Applying in Australia
You and family members applying with you must be in Australia at lodgement. We review your current visa, expiry date, conditions and immigration history before advising on a valid application. A no further stay condition may need an approved waiver first. Applicants without a substantive visa can face additional validity and Schedule 3 requirements. Advice is particularly important after a refusal, cancellation or period without a visa.
Our immigration lawyers assess the appropriate pathway, sponsor eligibility and any additional legal issues before preparing the application.
Start with the temporary Subclass 820 visa to live in Australia
Permanent subclass 801 assessment, usually two years after combined lodgement
How to demonstrate your relationship
Evidence should explain the financial, household, social and commitment aspects of your shared life. Depending on your circumstances, this can include joint accounts and expenses, lease or property records, household responsibilities, travel, communication, photographs, future plans and statements from people who know you. We help organise a clear relationship history and explain periods living apart.
Sponsorship, children and ongoing updates
Your partner must be an eligible sponsor; previous sponsorships, relevant convictions and other restrictions may affect approval. Eligible dependent children may be included, with identity, dependency and consent evidence where required. Applicable health and character requirements must be met. Update Home Affairs if your address, family circumstances or relationship changes.
Bridging visas and changes in circumstances
Lodging an application does not give everyone the same bridging visa or work rights. Check your grant notice and VEVO, and seek advice before overseas travel. Family violence, death of a sponsor or relationship breakdown involving a child may permit continued eligibility under specific provisions. These circumstances need a careful legal assessment.
Fees and processing times change. Read current Home Affairs guidance or book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Live, work and study in Australia
Access to Medicare
Travel in and out of Australia
Pathway to Australian PR
Sponsor your eligible family members
Eligibility Criteria
Genuine Relationship
You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner, who must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
Age Requirement
You and your partner must be 18 or older at the time of applying.
Relationship Recognition
Married or de facto (including same-sex relationships are eligible)
Citizenship or Residency
Your partner must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Health & Character
You must meet health and character requirements.
Financial Aspects
Provide evidence of how you share finances and expenses, alongside household, social and commitment evidence.
Sponsor Eligibility
Your partner’s status, sponsorship history and relevant character matters must satisfy sponsorship requirements.
Government Debts
Applicable debts must be repaid or covered by an approved repayment arrangement.
Your Journey: The 2-Step Process
Temporary Partner Visa (820)
Lodge the combined 820/801 application in Australia after checking visa conditions
Check any bridging visa, work rights and overseas travel requirements
An 820 grant lets you stay while the permanent stage is considered
Permanent Partner Visa (801)
Provide updated evidence for the 801 stage, generally two years after combined lodgement
Permanent residence with travel rights subject to the visa travel facility
Eligibility is based on relationship being genuine and continuing
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Onshore Partner Visa (subclasses 820/801)
Build your life together in Australia
Our immigration lawyers guide couples through the onshore partner visa process, from relationship evidence to permanent residence.
Book a consultation →Overview
The onshore partner pathway is for eligible spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. You apply for subclasses 820 and 801 together while in Australia. These are temporary and permanent stages of one pathway, rather than separate visa streams.
Application stages
1. Combined 820/801 application and sponsorship
The applicant generally lodges one combined application for the temporary subclass 820 and permanent subclass 801 visas and pays the combined application charge. The Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen partner separately completes the partner sponsorship form. This is partner sponsorship, not an employer nomination.
2. Temporary 820 assessment
The Department assesses the relationship, valid application requirements, sponsorship and other criteria before deciding the temporary stage. Applying in Australia does not by itself guarantee a bridging visa with unrestricted work or travel. Check the actual visa and bridging visa conditions.
3. Permanent 801 stage
Permanent-stage assessment is generally available two years after the original combined application was lodged, rather than two years after the 820 grant. Updated relationship and other evidence is required when requested. Qualifying long-term relationships can permit earlier permanent assessment. No new combined partner application is usually required for the 801 stage.
4. Changes and exceptional circumstances
Permanent approval is not automatic. Notify relationship, address, family and other relevant changes. If the relationship ends, death, family violence or child-related provisions may apply in particular circumstances; obtain advice before withdrawing the application.
Subclass 820 — temporary partner visa
The 820 visa lets you live, work and study in Australia while the permanent stage is considered. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing, with a mutual commitment to a shared life. A marriage certificate alone does not establish eligibility. De facto applicants generally need at least 12 months in the relationship immediately before applying, unless an applicable exception applies, such as recognised relationship registration.
Subclass 801 — permanent partner visa
Permanent-stage assessment generally becomes available two years after the combined application was lodged, rather than two years after the 820 grant. You provide updated evidence that you remain in the relationship with the same sponsor and meet the relevant requirements. Some applicants in a qualifying long-term relationship at lodgement may be assessed earlier. The temporary visa is not simply a fixed two-year visa and permanent residence is not automatic.
Applying in Australia
You and family members applying with you must be in Australia at lodgement. We review your current visa, expiry date, conditions and immigration history before advising on a valid application. A no further stay condition may need an approved waiver first. Applicants without a substantive visa can face additional validity and Schedule 3 requirements. Advice is particularly important after a refusal, cancellation or period without a visa.
Our immigration lawyers assess the appropriate pathway, sponsor eligibility and any additional legal issues before preparing the application.
How to demonstrate your relationship
Evidence should explain the financial, household, social and commitment aspects of your shared life. Depending on your circumstances, this can include joint accounts and expenses, lease or property records, household responsibilities, travel, communication, photographs, future plans and statements from people who know you. We help organise a clear relationship history and explain periods living apart.
Sponsorship, children and ongoing updates
Your partner must be an eligible sponsor; previous sponsorships, relevant convictions and other restrictions may affect approval. Eligible dependent children may be included, with identity, dependency and consent evidence where required. Applicable health and character requirements must be met. Update Home Affairs if your address, family circumstances or relationship changes.
Bridging visas and changes in circumstances
Lodging an application does not give everyone the same bridging visa or work rights. Check your grant notice and VEVO, and seek advice before overseas travel. Family violence, death of a sponsor or relationship breakdown involving a child may permit continued eligibility under specific provisions. These circumstances need a careful legal assessment.
Fees and processing times change. Read current Home Affairs guidance or book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Discuss your circumstances
Our immigration lawyers can assess eligibility, identify the evidence needed and explain the next steps for your circumstances.
Book a consultation or call (03) 9013 5600. Tell us promptly if your visa is expiring or a response or review deadline applies.
General information. Requirements, fees and processing times can change. Check the current Home Affairs guidance linked above and obtain advice about your individual circumstances.