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Eligibility and genuine relationship assessment.
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Partner
Visa (Subclass 820/801)
Live in Australia with your partner. The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is the onshore relationship pathway for eligible spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens — progressing from temporary partner status to permanent residency.
Our Australian registered migration agents assist with eligibility assessments, sponsorship requirements, genuine relationship evidence, bridging visa guidance, and complete Partner Visa applications for couples across Queensland, Australia, and worldwide.
Prefer to talk first? +61 414 996 546·info@realmigration.com.au
Partner
Relationship
Subclass 820/801
Evidence
Partner Visa
(Subclass 820/801) Overview
The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) allows eligible couples to live together in Australia while progressing through a two-stage pathway: Subclass 820 (temporary partner visa) followed by Subclass 801 (permanent partner visa). Unlike offshore partner visas, this onshore route allows eligible applicants to remain in Australia during processing, subject to bridging visa conditions. Successful applicants receive permanent residency with work rights, Medicare where eligible, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
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Eligibility Criteria for Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is the onshore partner pathway for eligible spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Applicants must be in a genuine and continuing relationship and satisfy all legislative requirements.
- - Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with an eligible sponsor.
- - Meet onshore lodgement requirements under the standard 820/801 pathway.
- - Eligible relationship types may include marriage, de facto relationships, or registered relationships.
- - Some exceptions and timing rules may apply depending on relationship history and prior visa settings.
- - Meet health and character requirements at key decision points.
- - Provide consistent declarations between applicant and sponsor across all forms.
Application process
Application process for Subclass 820/801
Real Migration manages Subclass 820/801 with relationship diagnostics, evidence architecture across all statutory factors, onshore lodgement planning, bridging visa guidance, and permanent-stage readiness controls.
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Sponsor eligibility and sponsorship limitation review.
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Relationship evidence preparation across all statutory factors.
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Form and declaration drafting for applicant and sponsor.
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Lodge Subclass 820 application onshore.
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Bridging visa activation and compliance planning where applicable.
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Health and character assessments during processing.
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Subclass 801 permanent stage assessment and grant planning.
Relationship Assessment
Temporary Visa (820)
Bridging Visa
Permanent Stage (801)
Health & Character
Planning and compliance
Partner Visa Planning and Compliance
Plan timelines, costs, relationship evidence depth, bridging visa compliance, and 820 to 801 progression strategy before lodgement.
Indicative Timeline Module
- Pre-lodgement: relationship strategy and evidence architecture across all factors.
- Lodgement: onshore Subclass 820 filing and bridging visa activation where applicable.
- Temporary stage: Subclass 820 grant and compliance during the waiting period.
- Permanent stage: Subclass 801 assessment approximately two years after lodgement.
- Decision: permanent residency and long-term settlement planning.
Cost Planning Module
Subclass 820/801 involves government visa application charges for both temporary and permanent stages, health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, document translations, statutory declarations, and professional migration assistance. We map expected costs across both stages before lodgement.
Request a Cost EstimateCompliance Guidance Module
Partner visa cases require relationship evidence consistency, sponsor obligation compliance, bridging visa condition management, Department communication, and ongoing evidence updates through the 820 to 801 progression. We support married couples, de facto couples, same-sex couples, and complex relationship scenarios.
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Why Clients Trust Our Partner Visa Services
Partner visa specialists
820/801
Onshore partner delivery model
Application review stages
10+
Evidence quality checkpoints
Compliance checkpoints
8
Structured case milestones
Migration compliance aligned
AU
Gov source aligned strategy
Documents
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) Checklist
- Passports and identity documents for applicant and sponsor
- Marriage certificate, registered relationship evidence, or de facto relationship records
- Joint financial documents such as bank accounts, leases, mortgages, and shared bills
- Household evidence showing shared living arrangements
- Social recognition evidence including photos, travel records, and invitations
- Communication records such as messages, call logs, or social media where appropriate
- Statutory declarations from family and friends
- Insurance, superannuation, wills, or emergency contact records where applicable
- Children's birth certificates and custody documents where relevant
- Health examination results and police clearances
Risk review
Common Refusal Risks for Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) Applications
- Insufficient relationship evidence across statutory factors.
- Inconsistent statements between applicant, sponsor, and witnesses.
- Undisclosed prior relationships or marriages.
- Poor quality or generic statutory declarations.
- Character concerns or incomplete police clearances.
- Ineligible sponsor or prior sponsorship limitations not addressed.
- Incorrect or incomplete documentation at lodgement.
- Failure to satisfy legislative requirements for the visa.
Our approach
Our Process: How We Assist With Partner Visa Applications
01. Relationship pathway fit
Onshore strategy, chronology, and legal criteria reviewed first.
02. Evidence architecture
Relationship, identity, and sponsorship records aligned for consistency.
03. Lodgement quality gate
Forms and support files checked against refusal-risk points before filing.
04. Decision and next stage
Request handling plus pathway planning through temporary and permanent grant stages.
Need quick action? Start your Subclass 820/801 process now.
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Contact UsFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
What is the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)?
It is Australia's onshore partner visa pathway comprising a temporary stage (Subclass 820) and a permanent stage (Subclass 801) for eligible spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Can I work after lodging a Partner Visa 820 application?
Work rights during processing depend on your current visa and any bridging visa granted. Conditions should be assessed individually before assuming work permission.
Can I travel overseas while waiting for my 820 visa?
Travel implications depend on your current visa and bridging visa conditions. Travel on a Bridging Visa A generally requires a Bridging Visa B before departure.
How much relationship evidence is enough for a Partner Visa?
Evidence should be balanced across financial, social, household, and commitment factors with depth and consistency — not just volume in one category.
Can we apply after living together for 6 months?
De facto relationships generally require at least 12 months of cohabitation unless an exception applies. Each case should be assessed against current legislative settings.
Can I apply for a Partner Visa without being married?
Yes. Eligible de facto or registered relationships may qualify when evidence requirements are met.
What if we have children together?
Children can strengthen relationship evidence but do not replace the need for comprehensive evidence across all statutory factors. Children's documents should be included where relevant.
Can I include my child in the Partner Visa application?
Yes. Eligible dependent children may generally be included subject to health, character, and custody requirements.
What happens if we separate before the 801 decision?
Relationship breakdown can affect visa eligibility at both temporary and permanent stages. Legal advice should be sought immediately if circumstances change.
Can I apply while on a Visitor Visa?
Onshore lodgement strategy must account for lawful status, schedule 3 criteria where relevant, and potential limitations. This should be assessed before applying.
Can I apply after a previous Partner Visa refusal?
A prior refusal does not automatically prevent a new application, but strategy must address the reasons for refusal and any review rights that were exercised.
Can a registered migration agent assist with my Partner Visa application?
Yes. A registered migration agent can assess eligibility, prepare relationship evidence, manage sponsorship, advise on bridging visas, and handle the entire application process.
Top trending Subclass 820/801 questions
How many photos are enough for a Partner Visa?
There is no fixed number. Photos should show relationship milestones over time alongside evidence from other statutory factors — finances, household, social recognition, and commitment.
Can WhatsApp chats be used as Partner Visa evidence?
Yes, where messages are relevant, authentic, and support the relationship chronology alongside other evidence categories.
How many statutory declarations do I need for a Partner Visa?
Quality matters more than quantity. Declarations should come from credible witnesses who know the relationship and can provide specific, consistent accounts.
Can Centrelink affect my Partner Visa?
Centrelink history does not automatically prevent a partner visa, but financial circumstances and declarations should be consistent across all records.
Can I work while waiting for my 820 visa?
Work rights depend on your current visa and bridging visa conditions. Always confirm work permission before starting employment.
Is a joint bank account compulsory for a Partner Visa?
No single document is compulsory, but financial interdependence is a key assessment factor. Other financial evidence may support the relationship where joint accounts are not available.
What happens if my visa expires while waiting for my 820?
Lawful status at lodgement is critical. A valid onshore application may lead to a bridging visa, but strategy should be planned before expiry.
How long after the 820 is the 801 granted?
The permanent stage is generally assessed approximately two years after lodgement, subject to relationship continuity and eligibility at that time.
Can I apply without living together?
De facto applicants generally need to demonstrate 12 months of cohabitation unless an exception applies. Long-distance relationships require careful evidence planning.
What is the difference between Partner Visa 820/801 and 309/100?
Subclass 820/801 is the onshore pathway lodged while in Australia. Subclass 309/100 is the offshore pathway for applicants outside Australia. Strategy depends on location, status, and timing.
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Ready to start your Subclass 820/801 strategy?
Book a consultation with Real Migration for relationship-pathway review, evidence preparation, and compliant partner visa lodgement. Call +61 414 996 546 or email info@realmigration.com.au.