Partner & family
Subclass 820/801
Partner visa
Stay in Australia with your partner, from the temporary visa through to permanent residency.
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About the onshore partner visa
The 820/801 is for people in Australia who are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. You apply for both stages at once.
The temporary 820 is assessed first. About 2 years after you apply, Home Affairs assesses the permanent 801, so your relationship must still be genuine and continuing.
Key requirements
- Married, or de facto (usually 12 months, or a registered relationship)
- Genuine and continuing relationship
- Sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen
- Sponsor approval (including character checks)
- Be in Australia at application and grant
- Health and character requirements
What this visa lets you do
- Live, work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare
- Move to permanent residency at the 801 stage
- Usually hold a bridging visa with work rights while you wait
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Relationship assessment and evidence plan
- 02
Step 2
Gather evidence across all 4 areas
- 03
Step 3
Sponsor and applicant lodge online
- 04
Step 4
Health and police checks
- 05
Step 5
820 decision, then the 801 assessment around 2 years later
Common reasons applications fail
- Thin evidence in one of the 4 areas (financial, household, social, commitment)
- Inconsistent relationship history between the partners
- Sponsor limits or sponsor character issues
- A "No further stay" condition on the current visa not addressed
- Previous relationships not formally ended
Download PDF
Partner visa evidence checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Partner visas
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Partner (820/801 or 309/100), main applicant One charge covers both stages. | $11,710 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $5,860 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | $2,935 |
| Partner (820/801) for Prospective Marriage (300) visa holders | $1,955 |
| Prospective Marriage (300), main applicant | $11,710 |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to be married to apply for the Partner visa (820/801)?
No. De facto partners can apply. Generally you must have lived together in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless your relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory, or there are compelling circumstances.
Can I work while my onshore partner visa is being processed?
Usually, yes. When you lodge the 820 in Australia you are generally granted a bridging visa, which usually lets you work. You keep your current visa conditions until the bridging visa takes effect. We confirm your conditions with you.
How long is it until I get the permanent 801 visa?
The 801 is assessed about 2 years after you lodged your combined partner application. You will need to show your relationship is continuing, with updated evidence.
What happens if the relationship ends during the partner visa process?
Tell Home Affairs and get advice straight away. In some situations you may still be granted the visa, for example if you have experienced family violence or have a child of the relationship.
My visa has a No further stay condition. Can I still apply for a partner visa in Australia?
Possibly. Condition 8503 usually stops onshore applications, but you can ask Home Affairs to waive it if your circumstances have changed in a compelling way beyond your control. Talk to us before you lodge anything.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.