Partner Visa 820 (Temporary)
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa (Temporary) provides a pathway for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to reside in Australia temporarily. It is an essential first step for couples wishing to build a life together in Australia. Once eligible, applicants can later apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 801 Partner Visa (Permanent).
With the Subclass 820 visa, applicants can live, work, and study in Australia. This is while their permanent visa application is processed. They can travel freely in and out of Australia. They can access healthcare through Medicare if they qualify. They can also join government programs like the Adult Migrant English Program. The visa helps couples keep their family life in Australia. They must meet the eligibility and sponsorship rules from the Department of Home Affairs.
To qualify, applicants must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who will act as their sponsor. The applicant must be in Australia at the time of application and meet health and character requirements. The Subclass 820 visa is temporary, allowing applicants to stay in Australia while awaiting their permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). They may withdraw their application at any time.
Emigrate Lawyers helps couples prepare decision-ready Partner Visa 820 applications with a strong success rate. We make sure your evidence, forms, and documents meet all Department of Home Affairs rules. This way, your application is submitted the first time.
Who Can Apply
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is designed for individuals who are in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) application is being processed.
To be eligible for the Subclass 820 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
🔷Genuine Relationship: You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your spouse or de facto partner, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
🔷Sponsorship: Your partner must agree to sponsor you for the visa, taking responsibility for your stay in Australia.
🔷Presence in Australia: You must be physically present in Australia when you submit your application.
🔷Family Members: Any family members included in your application must also be in Australia at the time of application.
Special circumstances may also apply. If you have experienced domestic or family violence, or if your partner has passed away, you may still be eligible to apply for both the temporary Subclass 820 visa and the permanent Subclass 801 visa, even if standard requirements cannot be fully met.
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What You Can Do on This Visa
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa (Temporary) offers many benefits. It helps you build your life in Australia while you wait for your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) decision. Once granted, you can enjoy the following rights and opportunities:
🔷Live, Work, and Study in Australia – You can live anywhere in Australia. You can also work full-time, part-time, or casually without any restrictions. You can also enroll in study or training programs. However, you might not qualify for government study help like HECS-HELP.
🔷Travel In and Out of Australia – The visa allows you to travel freely. You can leave Australia and come back without needing extra permission. This gives you the freedom to visit family abroad or travel for personal reasons.
🔷Join the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) – If you qualify, you can take free English classes to boost your language skills. This can help with employment, study, and community participation.
🔷Access Medicare – You may be able to join Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare. It covers many medical services, hospital treatments, and prescription medications based on your situation.
This temporary visa remains valid until the Department of Home Affairs decides your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). During this period, you must continue to meet your visa obligations and update the Department if your circumstances change. If you decide to withdraw your application, the visa will no longer be valid.
Costs and Processing Times
The visa application fee varies depending on your situation:
🔷Most applicants: AUD 9,365
🔷Current or former Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa holders: From AUD 1,560
🔷Additional fees will apply for family members in the application. There are also fees for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Processing times are subject to change. You can use the visa processing time tool to check recent averages, but actual times depend on the complexity of each application.
Application Steps
Applying for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820) involves several important stages to ensure your application is complete and decision-ready. Follow the steps below to stay on track:
Applying for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820) involves several important stages to ensure your application is complete and decision-ready. Follow the steps below to stay on track:
🔷Gather essential personal documents such as passports, birth certificates, and proof of any name changes.
🔷Compile evidence of your relationship, including joint financial records, shared household duties, social recognition, and statutory declarations from witnesses.
🔷Translate any non-English documents using accredited translators in Australia or competent translators overseas.
Applying for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820) involves several important stages to ensure your application is complete and decision-ready. Follow the steps below to stay on track:
🔷Lodge your application through your ImmiAccount while you are inside Australia.
🔷Pay the required visa application fee.
🔷Provide your TRN (Transaction Reference Number) to your sponsor so they can submit the sponsorship form.
🔷Complete all required health examinations.
🔷Submit police clearances and character documents for yourself and any included dependents.
🔷Track your application progress through ImmiAccount.
🔷Only respond to the Department if they request additional information.
🔷Once approved, your visa will be digitally linked to your passport—no physical visa label is issued.
By following these steps, you can make sure your Subclass 820 Partner visa application is correct and complete. This will help it get processed smoothly.
After the Visa is Granted
Once your Subclass 820 Partner visa is approved, you can begin enjoying the benefits and responsibilities that come with your temporary partner status in Australia.
🔷Stay in Australia while the permanent Subclass 801 Partner Visa is assessed. Enjoy full work rights and study opportunities, though government study assistance may not be available. Maintain lawful status and comply with all visa conditions.
🔷Full work rights and study opportunities are included, though government financial assistance for studies is not available.
🔷Maintaining lawful status and complying with all visa conditions is required throughout your stay.
🔷If your relationship status or personal details change, ensure you update your ImmiAccount without delay.
🔷It is important to have this visa or a Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) for eligible children. This is needed to move to the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).
By staying compliant and keeping your information up to date, you can smoothly transition toward obtaining your permanent residency through the Subclass 801 visa.
Next Steps: Permanent Residency
After submitting your Subclass 820 Partner Visa application, it’s essential to stay proactive and monitor your ImmiAccount regularly. Respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs for additional information or documentation. Make sure you maintain lawful status in Australia during the processing period, and keep your personal and relationship details up to date in your application.
In the meantime, continue gathering evidence of your genuine relationship to strengthen your future permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) application. Stay aware of any health or character requirements, plan travel carefully to avoid affecting your visa status, and seek advice from an immigration lawyer if you encounter any complications. Taking these steps can help ensure a smoother progression towards your permanent residency.
Why Choose Emigrate Lawyers?
Our experienced immigration lawyers specialise in Subclass 820 Partner Visa applications. We stay up to date with migration laws and provide accurate guidance to strengthen your application.
Every relationship is different. We take the time to understand your circumstances and prepare tailored legal strategies for the best chance of success.
We offer a clear fixed-fee structure with no hidden charges, giving you confidence and certainty throughout the process.
With a strong track record of successful 820 Partner Visa outcomes, we deliver reliable support and professional representation from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Subclass 820 Partner Visa?
Who can apply for this visa?
How long does it take to process a Subclass 820 visa?
How much does the Subclass 820 visa cost?
Can I work and study on this visa?
Do I need to meet health and character requirements?
Can I travel while holding a Subclass 820 visa?
What happens after my Subclass 820 visa is granted?
Can I include my children in my application?
Our immigration lawyers assist with every step of the Subclass 820 Partner Visa process. We review evidence, prepare forms, lodge applications, and support you through the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) stage.
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