Subclass 820 Partner visa (temporary)

Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)Live in Australia with Your Partner

The Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) is an essential first step for individuals looking to build a life in Australia with their partner. It allows the visa holder to live, work, and study in Australia while their Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) is being processed.

This visa is ideal for individuals who are already in Australia and are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

If you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident,or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) allows you to live in Australia while awaiting a decision on your permanent residency (subclass 801).

This onshore visa is the first step in the Partner visa pathway and is essential for couples who wish to build a future together in Australia.

What Is the Subclass 820 Visa?

The Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian to stay lawfully in Australia while their Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) is being processed.

This visa is applied for while the applicant is inside Australia and is granted on the basis of a genuine and continuing relationship.

What You Can Do with This Visa?

Once granted, the subclass 820 visa gives you access to many of the same rights as permanent residents:

Live, work, and study in Australia

Travel to and from Australia as many times as you like while your visa is valid.

Access Medicare, Australia’s public health care system (if eligible)

Attend free English classes under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), if eligible.

Stay lawfully in Australia while awaiting your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).

How Long Can You Stay?

You can remain in Australia until a decision is made on your subclass 801 (permanent) visa, or until your application is withdrawn.

Most applicants transition to permanent residency after a 2-year wait period, though this may be fast-tracked in certain long-term relationships or where children are involved.

Visa Application Charges:

Visa fees vary based on your visa history and circumstances. The application fee covers both subclass 820 and 801 visas.

Additional charges apply for each dependent family member included in your application.

Health Insurance Requirements:

You may be eligible for Medicare after lodging your partner visa application.

If you're not eligible for Medicare, it's strongly recommended to purchase private health insurance to avoid unexpected medical expenses. Without coverage, you will be personally liable for all your healthcare costs in Australia.

Check Medicare eligibility.
Learn about adequate health insurance.

Important Notes

Your visa is electronically linked to your passport — no physical label is issued.

You must be in Australia both when you apply and when the subclass 820 visa is granted.

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship, including shared finances, living arrangements, social commitments, and future plans.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the subclass 820 visa, you must:

Be in Australia at the time of application

Be in a married or de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor (Australian citizen/permanent resident/eligible NZ citizen)

Meet health and character requirements

Not have had a visa refused or cancelled previously (with some exceptions)

Provide sufficient evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship

Processing Times (Estimated)

Documents Required:

Identity documents (passport, birth certificate).

Relationship evidence (photos, joint bank accounts, rental agreements, etc.)

Sponsor’s citizenship/permanent residency proof.

Health & character documents (police checks, medical exam).

Statutory declarations from friends/family supporting your relationship.

What Happens After Subclass 820?

Once your temporary subclass 820 visa is granted, you are automatically in line for the permanent subclass 801 visa.
This usually becomes available 2 years after your initial application. If your relationship has been long-term (3+ years or 2+ years with a child), you may be eligible for faster processing of the 801 visa.

Ready to Start Your Partner Visa Journey?

Applying for the Partner visa pathway can be complex, especially when proving your relationship and meeting health, character, and legal requirements, we will guide you every step of the way from application prep to permanent residency.

Book a consultation or contact us today to check your eligibility and start your journey to a new life in Australia with your partner.