subclass 820/801
Partner Visas (subclass 820/801)
The most common partner visa pathway for couples already in Australia. You lodge both applications together — the temporary 820 comes first, followed by the permanent 801 after a 2-year waiting period.
Subclass 820
Partner visa (Temporary)
The Subclass 820 is a temporary visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia while their permanent partner visa is being processed.
When you lodge your application, you become eligible for a Bridging Visa — allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia straight away. The Subclass 820 is the first stage of the partner visa process and is lodged together with the permanent Subclass 801 application at the same time.
- This is a temporary visa
- This leads directly to the permanent Partner visa
- You must be in Australia when you apply
Temporarily until your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) application is finalised or you withdraw your application.
From AUD9,365.00 for most applicants. From AUD1,560.00 for Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders.
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
Subclass 801
Partner visa (Permanent)
The Subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the partner visa process. It allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently.
The permanent visa is not assessed separately — it is lodged at the same time as the temporary 820. However, the Department of Home Affairs will not consider the permanent stage until 2 years after the original application was lodged. At that point, provided the relationship is still genuine and ongoing, the permanent visa is granted.
- This is a permanent visa
- You must hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820)
Permanently.
You paid for this visa when you made your applications for the temporary and permanent Partner visas.
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
The processing time for a permanent Partner visa starts from the date of eligibility. This is 2 years after you applied for the temporary and permanent Partner visas.
Basic Eligibility
- Australian citizen
- Australian permanent resident or eligible
- New Zealand citizen
Both married and de facto relationships are recognised. De facto couples must demonstrate they have been in a genuine, committed relationship for at least 12 months prior to lodgement — unless exceptional circumstances apply.