Australian Partner Visa 820/801: A Practical Guide for 2025

If you’re in Australia and seeking to sponsor your spouse or de facto partner to live with you, the Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) provides a clear two-stage pathway to permanent residency.

This practical guide explains the essential steps, eligibility criteria, and important considerations to help you better understand the process.

Partner Visa Overview: Subclass 820 & 801

Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa

The subclass 820 visa permits the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to reside temporarily in Australia.

Applicants must be inside Australia when they apply for this visa.

Once the subclass 820 visa is granted, the applicant becomes a temporary partner visa holder and can remain in Australia until a decision is made on their permanent visa (subclass 801).

Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa

Applicants become eligible to be assessed for the subclass 801 visa two years after lodging their original combined subclass 820/801 application.

This is commonly referred to as the second-stage assessment.

The Department of Home Affairs does not charge a second visa application fee for the 801 assessment, as the application charge is paid upfront at the time of lodging the original combined application.

At the two-year mark, the Department will request further documentation to assess whether the relationship remains genuine and ongoing before granting the permanent visa.

✅ Important:

If applicants meet the long-term relationship criteria at the time of the original 820 application, the Department may assess and grant the subclass 801 visa at the same time without the usual two-year wait.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Partner Visa, applicants must:

• Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with their sponsoring partner.
• Be married or in a de facto relationship.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Processing Times

Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances.

Factors that influence processing times include:

• The completeness of the application
• The time taken to respond to additional information requests
• Results of health and character checks

For the latest estimates, refer to the official Global Visa Processing Times page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What evidence is required to prove the relationship?

Applicants should provide documents demonstrating:

• Shared finances (e.g., joint bank accounts, joint ownership of assets)
• Joint living arrangements (e.g., shared lease agreements)
• Social acknowledgment of the relationship
• Mutual commitment to a shared life

Refer to the Partner Visa checklist for a comprehensive list.

2) Can dependent children be included in the application?

Yes.

Dependent children can be included in the Partner Visa application.

See more information on the Subclass 820 temporary partner visa page.

3) What happens if the relationship ends during the application process?

In certain circumstances, such as:

• Death of the sponsoring partner
• Domestic or family violence
• A child born of the relationship

The application may still be able to proceed.

For more details, visit the permanent 801 visa eligibility page.

4) Can same-sex couples apply?

Yes.

The Australian Government fully recognizes same-sex relationships for Partner Visa applications.

 

In Summary

The Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) provides an important opportunity for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together permanently in Australia.

While the process can be detailed, understanding the key stages, eligibility criteria, and document requirements is essential for a successful application.

Why Choose Ausdirect Migration for Your Partner Visa Application?

Navigating the Australian Partner Visa process can be overwhelming — that’s where we come in.

At Ausdirect Migration, we are committed to making your Partner Visa journey seamless and stress-free.

✅ Expertise – With years of professional experience, we provide accurate advice and strong support to maximize your chances of success.

✅ Efficiency – We ensure a fast and smooth process, from your initial consultation to the finalization of your application.

✅ Personalized Service – Every relationship is unique, and we tailor our services to your specific circumstances.

If you need expert assistance, contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation.

Our friendly and experienced MARA-registered migration agents are here to provide tailored advice and guide you every step of the way.

 

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