Last Updated: 7 April 2026

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What Is the Subclass 820 Partner Visa?

The Subclass 820 partner visa allows you to stay in Australia while the Department assesses your permanent partner visa.

You receive this visa after you apply for an onshore partner visa and meet the initial requirements.

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This visa forms the first stage of the onshore partner visa pathway. Learn more about how the onshore partner visa works in Australia. You apply for both stages together, but the Department assesses them separately under Australian migration law.

For a complete overview of partner visa pathways, see our partner visa Australia guide.

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Is the Subclass 820 Visa Hard to Get?

The Subclass 820 visa is not automatically granted.

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Your application depends heavily on:

• The strength of your relationship evidence  

• The consistency of your documents  

• Your visa status at the time of application  

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Weak or inconsistent evidence is one of the most common reasons for delays or refusal.

Preparing your application correctly from the beginning is critical.

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What Can You Do on a Subclass 820 Visa?

Once granted, the Subclass 820 visa allows you to:

• Live in Australia lawfully

• Work full-time without restriction

• Study in Australia

• Access Medicare if eligible

• Travel to and from Australia

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These rights apply while your permanent visa (Subclass 801) remains under assessment.

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When Do You Get the Subclass 820 Visa?

You do not apply for the Subclass 820 visa separately.

Instead:

• You apply for the onshore partner visa (820/801)

• The Department assesses your application

• If approved, you receive the Subclass 820 visa first

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The permanent stage follows later once you meet further requirements.

This visa is part of the onshore application process. See how the full onshore partner visa process works.

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Subclass 820 Visa Requirements

The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application based on the evidence you provide at the time of decision. You should check your current visa conditions through VEVO before applying to confirm whether your visa allows further applications.

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Relationship Requirement

You must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with:

• An Australian citizen

• An Australian permanent resident

• An eligible New Zealand citizen

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You can apply as:

• A married partner, or

• A de facto partner

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The Department assesses your relationship based on evidence, not status alone.

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Sponsor Requirement

Your partner must sponsor your application.

The sponsor must:

• Be eligible under Australian migration law

• Remain your sponsor during the process

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Health Requirement

You must complete health examinations as part of your application.

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Character Requirement

You must provide police certificates from relevant countries and meet character requirements.

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Relationship Evidence for Subclass 820

Your application depends heavily on the strength of your relationship evidence.

The Department assesses your relationship across four key areas:

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Financial Aspects

You must show shared financial responsibilities, such as:

• Joint bank accounts

• Shared bills

• Joint loans or assets

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Household Arrangements

You must show how you live together, including:

• Shared living arrangements

• Household responsibilities

• Joint leases or property documents

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Social Recognition

You must show that others recognise your relationship:

• Statements from friends or family

• Joint invitations

• Social activities together

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Commitment to Each Other

You must show long-term commitment:

• Future plans

• Ongoing communication

• Knowledge of each other’s personal lives

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Strong and consistent evidence across these areas increases your chance of approval. Even genuine relationships can face refusal if the evidence is unclear, inconsistent, or not properly structured.

For a detailed breakdown of eligibility and evidence requirements, see our partner visa requirements guide.

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Subclass 820 Document Checklist

When applying, you must prepare supporting documents, including:

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Identity Documents

• Passport

• Birth certificate

• National ID (if applicable)

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Relationship Documents

• Marriage certificate (if married)

• De facto evidence

• Relationship history statement

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Supporting Evidence

• Financial documents

• Household evidence

• Social proof

• Commitment evidence

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Character Documents

• Police certificates from each relevant country

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Health Documents

• Health examination results

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Providing complete documents at lodgement reduces delays.

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What Happens After You Apply?

After you lodge your application:

• You may receive a bridging visa

• You can stay in Australia while waiting

• You may gain work rights depending on your visa

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Once approved:

• You receive the Subclass 820 visa

• You continue to stay in Australia

• You wait for assessment of the permanent stage

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If you apply while holding a valid visa, you are usually granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows you to stay in Australia after your current visa expires while your application is processed.

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Processing Time for Subclass 820

Typical processing time:

• 8 to 18 months

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Processing time depends on:

• Completeness of your application

• Strength of your evidence

• Health and character checks

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For detailed timelines and what affects processing, see our partner visa processing time guide.

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Cost of Subclass 820 Visa

The cost starts from:

• AUD 9,365

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This includes:

• Subclass 820

• Subclass 801

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You pay once when you apply.

For a full breakdown of government fees and additional costs, see our partner visa cost guide.

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What Happens After Subclass 820?

The Subclass 820 visa leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 801 visa.

You usually become eligible for the permanent stage:

• Around 2 years after your application

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At that stage, the Department reassesses your relationship before granting permanent residence.

After this stage, you move to the permanent partner visa stage. Learn more about the Subclass 801 partner visa.

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Common Reasons Subclass 820 Applications Are Refused

Applications may face refusal if:

• Relationship evidence is weak or inconsistent

• Documents are incomplete

• Information conflicts across submissions

• Requirements are not met at lodgement

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A well-prepared application reduces these risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I apply separately for Subclass 820?

No.

You apply once for both Subclass 820 and Subclass 801. The Department assesses them in stages.

See how the full partner visa process works from application to permanent residency.

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Can I work on a Subclass 820 visa?

Yes.

The Subclass 820 visa provides full work rights in Australia.

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How long does Subclass 820 take?

Typically between 8 and 18 months, depending on your application.

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Does Subclass 820 lead to permanent residency?

Yes.

It leads to the Subclass 801 permanent partner visa if you continue to meet requirements.

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Do I need to be married?

No.

You can apply as a de facto partner if you meet relationship requirements.

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How do I increase my chances of Subclass 820 approval?

You should provide clear, consistent, and well-structured relationship evidence across all required areas. Submitting complete documents at lodgement and avoiding conflicting information can improve your chances of approval.