Partner Visa (Temporary)
Onshore — 820
The Subclass 820 is the first stage of the onshore partner visa pathway, allowing you to live in Australia with your partner while your permanent residency application is processed. All details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
📋 Key Facts
- Pathway
- 820 → 801
- Stage
- Temporary (Stage 1 of 2-stage process)
- Apply From
- In Australia (onshore) — must also be in Australia at time of grant
- Processing Time
- 75% within 14 months · 90% within 28 months
- Cost (2025–26)
- AUD 9,095 base application charge
✨ At a Glance
- ✓ Bridging visa A (BVA) granted if you hold a substantive visa at application
- ✓ Full work rights upon BVA activation
- ✓ Access to Medicare (Australia's public health system)
- ✓ Leads to permanent residency (Subclass 801) after 2 years
- ✓ Can include dependent family members in application
Key Features of the Subclass 820 Visa
Onshore application and grant: You must be in Australia both when you apply and when the visa is granted. If you hold a substantive visa at the time of application, you will receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to remain lawfully in Australia while your 820 is processed.
Full work and study rights: Once your Bridging Visa A comes into effect, you have unrestricted work rights. You can also study without limitation — no need for a separate student visa.
Medicare access: Subclass 820 applicants are eligible to enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, once they have lodged their application and received an acknowledgement.
Two-stage pathway to permanency: The 820 is Stage 1 (temporary). After 2 years from your original application date, you become eligible for assessment for the permanent Subclass 801 visa — provided you are still in a genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsoring partner.
Travel flexibility: Once granted the 820 visa, you can travel in and out of Australia freely. The visa includes a travel facility valid for the duration of the temporary visa.
Partner must be an eligible sponsor: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and must meet sponsorship eligibility requirements including character checks.
Relationship Evidence Required
The Department of Home Affairs assesses partner visa applications across four key pillars. Strong evidence in each category significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.
💰 Financial Aspects
- Joint bank account statements showing active use
- Shared household bills and expenses
- Joint lease or mortgage documents
- Evidence of pooled financial resources
- Joint insurance policies or superannuation beneficiaries
🏠 Nature of Household
- Joint tenancy agreement or home ownership evidence
- Correspondence addressed to both at the same address
- Description of household responsibilities and routines
- Utility bills in joint or individual names at shared address
- Photos of your home and shared living arrangements
👥 Social Aspects
- Statutory declarations from friends and family (Form 888)
- Photos together at social events, holidays, and with family
- Evidence of joint travel itineraries and bookings
- Social media posts and interactions showing your relationship
- Invitations addressed to you both as a couple
💕 Nature of Commitment
- Relationship statement detailing your history together
- Evidence of long-term plans and future goals as a couple
- Knowledge of each other's personal circumstances
- Evidence of emotional support and companionship
- Wills or estate planning naming each other as beneficiaries
Processing Pathway & Timeline
Step 1: Prepare & Lodge Application
Gather all evidence across the four pillars, complete Form 47SP and 40SP, pay the AUD 9,095 base charge, and lodge via ImmiAccount. If you hold a substantive visa, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A immediately upon lodgement.
Step 2: Health & Character Checks
The Department will request health examinations and police clearances for all applicants over 16. Complete these promptly — delays here are a common cause of processing slowdowns. Police certificates are required for every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
Step 3: Application Assessment (14–28 months)
A case officer reviews your evidence. They may request additional information (RFI). Respond thoroughly and within the given timeframe. 75% of applications are processed within 14 months; 90% within 28 months.
Step 4: Subclass 820 Grant
Your temporary partner visa is granted. You can now live, work, and study in Australia with access to Medicare. Your travel facility allows multiple entries. The clock starts for your permanent 801 assessment eligibility at the 2-year mark from your original application date.
Step 5: Transition to Subclass 801
After 2 years from your 820 application date, the Department will assess you for the permanent Subclass 801. You will be asked to provide updated evidence of your ongoing relationship. See our Subclass 801 guide for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my Subclass 820 is being processed? +
Yes. Once your Bridging Visa A (BVA) comes into effect (after your current substantive visa expires), you have full work rights. If you need to travel overseas while on a BVA, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before departure — leaving without one means your BVA ceases and you may not be able to return.
What happens if my relationship ends before the 801 is granted? +
This is a complex situation. Generally, if your relationship ends before permanent residency is granted, your 820 visa pathway may be affected. However, there are exceptions in cases of family violence, death of the sponsor, or where there is a child of the relationship. You should seek urgent advice from a registered MARA agent in such circumstances.
Can I include my children in the 820 application? +
Yes. Dependent children can be included in your 820/801 application. Each dependent must meet health and character requirements. Children over 18 must demonstrate they remain dependent on you. There may be additional charges for including dependents — check the current Visa Pricing Table on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
How is the 820 different from the 309 (offshore) visa? +
The main difference is location. The 820 is for applicants already in Australia (onshore), while the Subclass 309 is for applicants outside Australia (offshore). Both are Stage 1 temporary visas leading to permanent residency, and both have the same base application charge (AUD 9,095). The 820 grants a Bridging Visa A; the 309 does not — you wait offshore for the grant before entering Australia.
ℹ️ Disclaimer: General information only. Not migration or legal advice. All visa details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. For personalised advice about your situation, consult a registered MARA agent.
Have Questions About Your 820 Application?
Our AI assistant can help clarify common questions about the onshore partner visa process, evidence requirements, and what to expect at each stage.
General information only. Consult a registered MARA agent for case-specific advice.