If you are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Onshore Partner Visa pathway allows you to build your future together in Australia.
This is a two-stage visa process applied for simultaneously using a single application and one upfront fee:
Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 820
Partner Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 801
820 vs. 801: At a Glance
Visa Stage | Status | Right to Work/Study | Medicare Access | Median Processing Time (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Subclass 820 | Temporary / Provisional | Yes (Full Rights) | Yes | 16 to 17 months |
Subclass 801 | Permanent Residency | Yes (Full Rights) | Yes | 8 months (from eligibility date) |
1. Stage 1: Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)
The Subclass 820 visa is the initial step. It functions as a provisional visa that keeps you lawfully in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs evaluates your long-term permanent residency application.
What This Visa Offers
You can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely until a decision on your permanent visa is made.
You have unrestricted travel privileges to enter and exit Australia.
You can enroll in Australia’s public health scheme (Medicare) and may access free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
Eligibility Criteria
You must be physically inside Australia when you apply and when the temporary Subclass 820 visa is granted.
Both you and your sponsor must be 18 years or older.
You must be legally married or in a genuine, ongoing de facto relationship (typically living together for at least 12 months, unless your relationship is registered).
You must fulfill standard Australian medical checks and character clearances.
2026 Fees & Processing Times
From AUD 9,365 for the primary applicant (covers both stages).
A reduced rate starting from AUD 1,560 applies if you are transitioning from a Subclass 300 visa.
50% of applications are processed within 16 to 17 months; complex cases can take up to 24 months.
2. Stage 2: Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
The Subclass 801 visa grants you permanent residency in Australia. Assessment for this stage begins exactly two years after the date you submitted your initial combined application.
What This Visa Offers
Right to live, work, and stay in Australia permanently.
You can sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia.
This visa counts toward your residency requirements if you choose to apply for Australian citizenship in the future.
Eligibility Criteria
You must already hold a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820).
You must show that your relationship is still genuine, ongoing, and that you continue to live together with your sponsor.
Note: Exceptions exist if the sponsor passes away or if the applicant experiences domestic violence.
2026 Fees & Processing Times
AUD 0 (The fee is completely covered under your initial Stage 1 payment).
50% of permanent visas are finalized within 8 months of becoming eligible, while 90% are completed within 26 months.
Ready to Bring Your Partner to Australia?
Proving a relationship meets the strict "four pillars" of immigration criteria (Financial, Household, Social, and Commitment) requires meticulous documentation. Let our dedicated migration experts streamline your paperwork so you can focus on your life together.