Couples pursuing a Partner Visa often seek stability and the chance to build a shared life without the disruption of being separated from one another.
One of the key advantages of the 820 801 Partner Visa pathway is that it allows couples to remain together throughout the visa application process.
This visa is designed for partners already living together in Australia, enabling the applicant to lodge their application onshore.
Arrange a Partner 820 Visa Consultation with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents to discuss your options.
The 820 801 Visa: Partner Visa Features
The 820 Visa applicant must be in Australia at the time of application.
The Partner 820 Visa is available to those in a genuine and ongoing relationship with a partner sponsor – an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The 820 801 Visa process involves:
- Subclass 820: Temporary visa allowing the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia.
- Subclass 801: Permanent Residence Visa eligible for approval two years after the initial application, provided the relationship continues to meet eligibility criteria.
Permanent Residence provides access to Medicare, social services, and eventually eligibility for Australian citizenship.
Dependent children can be included in the application.
Comparing partner visa options
To assist couples with understanding key considerations between Australia’s three Partner Visa options, Interstaff has prepared a comparative analysis based on our experience.
Talk to our migration agents to discuss how applying onshore or offshore may impact you.
Partner 820 Visa and 801 Visa Evidence Requirements
Partner Visas require careful preparation and precise documentation. Interstaff works with couples to ensure applications are accurate, timely, and compliant with Home Affairs requirements.
Our approach is structured yet considerate, helping applicants feel confident that every requirement has been addressed with care and attention.
Here’s how we assist with the 820 801 Partner Visa Process.
STEP 1
Assess and Strategise:
Partner Visa 801 Strategy
- We assess whether your relationship meets the eligibility criteria for a Partner Visa—such as being genuine, ongoing, and either married or in a de facto partnership.
- We advise whether you can pursue the 820 801 (Onshore) visa or 309 100 (Offshore) pathway based on current location, visa status, and long-term goals.
- We prepare a visa strategy that evaluates potential risks such as gaps in documentation that could affect eligibility or processing.
STEP 2
Apply and Comply:
Partner 820 Visa Management
- We manage the application process through to lodgement and liaise with Home Affairs on your behalf.
- We advise on how to structure your application for maximum clarity and impact, including evidence across key relationship aspects: financial, social, household and commitment.
- We provide clear guidance on what evidence to provide, how timelines are likely to unfold, and what to expect once the application is underway.
- We deliver tailored advice if circumstances change (such as travel plans, visa status or relationship dynamics) or if any questions arise.
- We provide the oversight and expertise needed to keep a Partner Visa application on track, while remaining available whenever clarity or reassurance is required.
STEP 3
Settle and Thrive: Subclass 801 Visa
Future Planning
- We assist with future immigration pathways, such as Australian Citizenship.
- We advise on visa options for family members.
- We stay up to date with policy changes and advise clients on how these may impact their long-term migration goals.
Experience and Insights
820 801 Visa
Explore more about how we work, our industry experience and insights.
Partner Visa Issue Resolution
Complex Cases
Partner Visa 801 and 820 Visa FAQs
Subclass 820 visa: This is the temporary stage of the subclass 820 801 visas. It is granted first, allowing the applicant to live in Australia while their permanent visa application is being processed.
Subclass 801 visa: This is the permanent stage of the subclass 820 801 visas. It is usually granted about two years after the initial 820 Visa grant, provided the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
No. One combined application is required for both visas. Home Affairs assesses your eligibility for the temporary Subclass 820 Visa first, then later for the permanent Subclass 801 Visa.
Applicants must be in Australia at the time of application and decision. They must be married to or in a genuine de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor.
You have the following rights on a Visa Partner 820:
- Live in Australia temporarily
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Medicare (Australia’s public health system)