Onshore Partner Visas (Subclass 820 & Subclass 801)

The Onshore Partner Visa Program is a two-stage migration pathway that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.

The combined application for Subclass 820 (Temporary) and Subclass 801 (Permanent) is lodged onshore. Both visas are technically applied for at the same time, and the Department generally reassesses the relationship for the permanent stage 24 months after lodgement.

Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

The Subclass 820 visa allows the married or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor to remain in Australia while progressing toward the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).

A de facto relationship refers to partners who live together as a couple but are not married.

What You Can Do With Subclass 820

While holding the temporary visa, you may:

• Remain in Australia until a decision is made on the Subclass 801 application or until the application is withdrawn

• Work in Australia

• Study in Australia (without Government financial support)

• Travel in and out of Australia without limitation

• Attend the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) (eligibility-dependent)

• Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system

Length of Stay

You can remain in Australia until the Department finalises the Subclass 801 decision.
For most applicants, this takes 24 months from lodgement.

Including Dependent Children

A dependent child may be included:

• At the time of lodgement, or

• After lodgement but before a decision is made on the Subclass 820 application

Dependants must:

• Meet Australia’s health requirements

• Meet character requirements (if applicable)

• Be in Australia at the time of application

Prospective Marriage Visa Holders (Subclass 300)

If the applicant holds or has previously held a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), family members may be added only at lodgement. They cannot be added after submission.

Application Location Requirements

• The applicant and any family members included must be in Australia at the time of lodging the application.

• At the time of decision on the temporary visa, the applicant may be in or outside Australia.

Adequate Health Insurance

Access to Medicare depends on eligibility. If Medicare access is not available, applicants should secure private health insurance to avoid significant out-of-pocket healthcare costs while in Australia.

(Information regarding AMEP and Medicare eligibility is outside the scope of migration law. For the most accurate details, applicants should refer to Services Australia or the Department of Home Affairs.)

Travel Rights with Subclass 820

The temporary visa permits unrestricted international travel, allowing the applicant to freely depart and re-enter Australia.

Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

The Subclass 801 visa grants the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor the right to live in Australia permanently.

Eligibility for Subclass 801 is only possible if the applicant currently holds Subclass 820.

What You Can Do With Subclass 801

The permanent visa allows you to:

• Live in Australia indefinitely

• Work and study in Australia

• Enrol in Medicare

• Sponsor eligible family members

• Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years

• Attend AMEP (if eligible)

• Apply for Australian citizenship, if meeting the residence requirement

Travel Facility (5-Year)

For the first 5 years, the travel component allows unlimited entries and exits from Australia.

After the 5-year travel facility expires, applicants who wish to continue travelling as permanent residents must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

Applicants who later become Australian citizens will no longer require a visa to enter Australia and must use an Australian passport for travel.

Including Family Members for Subclass 801

Dependent children may be included at the time of the combined application.

If a child was not included for Subclass 820, they may still be added before the Department makes the Subclass 801 decision if:

• The child holds a Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445), and

• The child is in Australia

Children must meet Australia’s health requirements, and if aged 16 or older, the character requirement applies.

Costs

The visa application charge is paid once, at the time of lodging the combined Subclass 820/801 application.

Additional costs may include:

• Health assessments

• Police clearances

Processing Times

Processing times vary. The Department provides an indicative timeframe through its Global Visa Processing Time Guide. Times are not guaranteed and may be affected by:

• Case complexity

• Health or character checks

• Document gaps

• Government processing priorities

Need Help with Your Onshore Partner Visa 820/801?

If you require assistance with eligibility, relationship evidence, dependants, or document preparation for the Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801), we can assist.

WhatsApp Consultation (Fastest Response)

👉 https://wa.me/61481012012
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