Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa – Onshore Partner Visa for Australia

Stay with Your Partner in Australia & Secure Permanent Residency

Are you already in Australia and in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen?

The Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa enables you to remain in Australia with your partner while your application for permanent residency is being processed. This two-stage visa is designed for individuals in married or de facto relationships who wish to build their future together in Australia.

Why Apply for the Subclass 820/801 Visa?

The Subclass 820/801 visa pathway allows you to remain in Australia while your relationship-based visa progresses from a temporary (820) to a permanent (801) status.

You only need to submit one combined application for both stages. If you’re already in Australia on a valid visa, this route provides security, continuity, and long-term settlement options.

Key Benefits of Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa

• Stay in Australia while your visa is processed
• Work and study without restrictions
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
• Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 801)
• Include dependent children in your application
• Apply for Australian citizenship after becoming a permanent resident

Who Can Apply for the Subclass 820/801 Visa?

You may be eligible if:

• You are currently in Australia
• You are in a genuine relationship (married or de facto) with an:
  • Australian citizen
  • Australian permanent resident
  • Eligible New Zealand citizen
• You hold a valid Australian visa at the time of application
• You and your partner are both over 18 years of age
• You meet health and character requirements

Note: Same-sex couples are also eligible.

Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa

This is the first stage of the onshore partner visa process.

Once granted, the Subclass 820 visa allows you to:

• Live, work, and study in Australia
• Travel freely in and out of the country
• Access Medicare
• Start the waiting period for Subclass 801 (PR)

Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa

You become eligible for the Subclass 801 visa approximately 2 years after lodging your combined application.

To qualify for the permanent visa, you must:

• Still be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsor
• Continue to meet visa conditions
• Provide updated evidence of your relationship

In some cases, like long-term relationships or if children are involved, the permanent visa may be granted earlier.

Accepted Relationship Types

You must be in either:

• A married relationship (legally recognised), or
• A de facto relationship (12 months living together or registered under Australian law)

You must provide evidence of shared financial, social, emotional, and household commitments.

Including Family Members

You may include:

• Dependent children or stepchildren
• They must also meet health and character requirements
• They will receive the same visa status as the main applicant

Documents & Evidence Required

• Identity documents and passports
• Marriage certificate or de facto relationship proof
• Shared financial and residential documents
• Personal statements about your relationship
• Supporting declarations (Form 888s) from friends or family
• Police checks and medical examinations

BFES Global will assist you in preparing a strong and complete application.

How BFES Global Supports Your Partner Visa Journey

Navigating onshore visa pathways while managing day-to-day life can be stressful. Our experienced migration team ensures every step is seamless:

• Assess your eligibility and relationship status
• Guide you through sponsor registration and Form 40SP
• Help prepare all documents and personal statements
• Submit your combined 820/801 application
• Monitor your application and prepare for Stage 2 (801 PR) processing
• Handle inclusion of dependents and travel exemptions (if needed)

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa

Can I apply for this visa while in Australia on a tourist or student visa?
Yes, as long as your visa allows you to apply onshore and you meet all requirements.

How long does the process take?
820 visa processing may take 12–18 months. The 801 visa is generally assessed 2 years after the initial application.

Can I work while waiting for my 820 visa?
Yes. You’ll receive full work and study rights once granted the temporary partner visa.

What if the relationship ends before the 801 visa is granted?
You may still be eligible for 801 in special circumstances (e.g., domestic violence, partner’s death, shared children).

What is the difference between Subclass 820/801 and 309/100?
820/801 is for applicants inside Australia; 309/100 is for those outside.

Can I travel while waiting for the visa?
Travel is allowed after 820 is granted, but you’ll need a bridging visa B to leave and re-enter while on a bridging visa A.

Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa Summary

Visa Type: Onshore Partner Visa
Stage 1: Subclass 820 (Temporary)
Stage 2: Subclass 801 (Permanent)
Eligibility: Married/de facto partners of Australian citizens/PRs
Location: Must apply while in Australia
Includes Family: Yes (dependents)
Work Rights: Yes
Healthcare Access: Yes (Medicare)
Citizenship Pathway: Yes

Stay Together, Stay in Australia — with BFES Global

Don’t let borders or bureaucracy come between you and your partner. With BFES Global by your side, you’ll have expert guidance through every step of your partner visa journey — from eligibility to permanent residency.