The recent migration updates have increased the 485 visa fee. The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates....
If you are in a committed relationship and living in Australia, the partner visa (subclass 820 & 801) pathway allows you to remain with your spouse or de facto partner legally. This integrated visa system begins with a temporary stage and can lead to permanent residency.
Many couples choose the 820/801 partner visa because it provides a structured and secure pathway to building a future together in Australia.
Whether you are newly married or in a long-term de facto relationship, understanding how the Australian visa subclass 820 and 801 work can make the journey smoother and less stressful.
The partner visa subclass 820 is a visa issued for those who can apply from within Australia. It gives you an opportunity to live, work and study in the meantime when your permanent stage is under evaluation. There are two types of this visa, namely permanent and temporary partner visa 820.
After the relationship has been re-evaluated after a designated time, the applicant can be offered the partner visa subclass 801. The permanent partner visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship if eligible. An onshore partner visa is specifically meant for couples in which the candidate is already within Australia at the time of application. This makes it different from offshore partner visa options.
Understanding the distinction between the two stages is essential before applying for a partner visa 820 or a partner visa 801.
The visa subclass 820 is the first step. It allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while your permanent application is processed. During this period, you can:
The visa subclass 801 is granted after you continue to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This stage is also called partner subclass 801. After being approved, you are considered a permanent resident of Australia.
In simple terms, the partner subclass 820 is temporary, while the permanent outcome is granted under the partner visa 801.
| Feature | Visa Subclass 820 | Visa Subclass 801 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary visa | Permanent visa |
| Common Name | Temporary Partner Visa 820 | Permanent Partner Visa 801 |
| Stage | First stage of the 820/801 Partner Visa | Second stage after Subclass 820 |
| Eligibility | Must be in a genuine relationship and apply onshore | Must continue to prove a genuine and ongoing relationship |
| Work Rights | Full work rights | Full work rights |
| Medicare Access | Yes | Yes |
| Assessment Time | Initial assessment stage | Assessed around 2 years after initial application |
When combined, the partner visa provides a structured two-step procedure for creating a safe future in Australia with your partner.
To apply for the partner visa (subclass 820) and continue toward permanent residency, you must meet specific requirements.
Before submitting your application for subclass visa 820/801, ensure the following checklist is complete:
An organised checklist will minimise the time wastage during the process and will increase your chances of a seamless transition to the permanent stage.
The partner visa 820 processing time depends on application volume and individual case complexity. Fully documented applications usually work more efficiently.
| Type Of Visa | 50% Application | 90% Application |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 820 | 18 Months | 31 Months |
| Subclass 801 | 8 Months | 16 Months |
It is important to note that the overall timeline for the 820/801 partner visa can vary. Government processing times change periodically based on demand and policy updates.
The cost for the subclass visa 820/801 includes a combined government application fee, which covers both stages of the process. This is a fee to be paid when you present your first application.
| Types Of Visa | Costs |
|---|---|
| Subclass 820 | AUD9,365.00 |
| Subclass 801 | When you applied for the temporary partner visa, the cost of this visa was included. |
By consulting reputable immigration services Adelaide providers, you will be able to save yourself from needless financial losses.
Applying for the onshore partner visa involves several structured steps.
1] Check Eligibility: Before submitting your partner visa 820 application, you must satisfy the requirements of the relationship and sponsorship.
2] Gather Supporting Documents: You need to prepare evidence of the financial, social, and household aspects of your relationship.
3] Lodge Application Online: Submit your partner visa (subclass 820) through the official immigration portal while you are inside Australia.
4] Complete Health and Character Checks: Attend medical examinations and provide police clearances as required.
5] Await Temporary Visa Outcome: If approved, you will get the temporary phase with visa subclass 820.
6] Permanent Assessment: After the required waiting period, the Department assesses your eligibility for visa subclass 801.
Consulting an experienced immigration agent Adelaide can make a significant difference if you are seeking personalised assistance.
Applying for the partner visa (subclass 820 & 801) can feel overwhelming, especially when gathering extensive documentation and understanding legal requirements. We can provide professional guidance that can simplify the process and reduce errors.
Choosing the best migration agent Adelaide ensures your application for a partner visa subclass 820 is well-prepared from the beginning.
Our expert advice can also strengthen your pathway toward the permanent partner visa 801. Take the first step toward securing your future together in Australia by booking a consultation today!
Consulting our expert will enable you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the immigration process. Raise queries to the Immigration consultants to eliminate all your concerns and get a clear picture of the entire scenario lying ahead of you.
Our meticulous documentation is the key to our high success rates. Our specialists Immigration consultants guide and follow through with clients for accurate and quick submission.
Once the documents are scrutinised and found in order, our team further validates the Application until Submission. We will submit the visa application on your behalf and provide regular updates on its progress.
We will let you know of your application result within 24 hours of notice. Congratulations! Collect your Visa.
The recent migration updates have increased the 485 visa fee. The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates....
Building a shared future in Australia often leads de facto couples to pursue a Partner Visa Australia pathway. This....
In Australia, the skilled occupation list continues to be the foundation of the skilled migration system. To respond to....




