Partner Visa 820/801: What You Need to Know

For couples already in Australia, the Partner visa (subclasses 820 and 801) is an important pathway for an eligible spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. It is a combined onshore application: you apply for the temporary and permanent Partner visas together.

Partner applications are evidence-heavy and highly personal. The goal is not to provide the biggest possible bundle of documents; it is to provide clear, consistent evidence that explains your genuine and continuing relationship and meets the requirements that apply to your circumstances.

What are the 820 and 801 visas?

The Partner visa (Temporary) subclass 820 is the first stage for applicants who are in Australia when they apply. If granted, it is generally the step before the Partner visa (Permanent) subclass 801.

Both stages are applied for together. The Department of Home Affairs usually considers the permanent 801 stage two years after the date you first applied for the 820/801 visas. In some circumstances, a permanent visa may be considered earlier, including where the relationship was long-term when the application was made. The Department assesses each case under the applicable rules.

Who can apply?

In most circumstances, the applicant must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The applicant must be in Australia when applying for the onshore 820/801 pathway.

A married relationship must be valid under Australian law. For a de facto relationship, applicants generally need to show they have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before applying. There are exceptions, including where the relationship is registered under an Australian state or territory law or there are compelling and compassionate circumstances. These rules can be nuanced, so individual circumstances matter.

The four areas of relationship evidence

Home Affairs looks at evidence across the relationship as a whole. A useful way to organize documents is around four areas:

1. Financial aspects

Examples may include a joint lease or mortgage, joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint loans or evidence of shared financial responsibility. Not every couple manages money in the same way, so the documents should reflect your actual arrangement rather than an artificial one.

2. Nature of the household

This can include evidence of where you live, household bills, correspondence to the same address, statements explaining how you share domestic responsibilities, and documents about joint responsibility for children where relevant.

3. Social aspects

This evidence helps show that other people know about your relationship. It may include joint invitations, travel, activities, photographs in context, and evidence of shared friends or community connections. Home Affairs also requires two adult witness statements. Form 888 can be used as supporting relationship evidence; separate requirements may apply where an applicant does not hold a substantive visa at lodgement.

4. Commitment to each other

Documents and statements can demonstrate your knowledge of each other’s background and family, how you stay in touch while apart, how you have combined personal matters, and your plans for the future. A well-prepared relationship statement gives the evidence a clear timeline and context.

What to prepare before lodging

• Identity documents and valid passport pages for the applicant and sponsor.

• Evidence of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship, permanent residence or eligible New Zealand status.

• A relationship history that explains how you met, how the relationship developed, periods apart, significant events and future plans.

• Evidence organised across financial, household, social and commitment aspects.

• Information about former relationships and any dependent children, where relevant.

• Current police certificates, health information and other documents requested for your circumstances.

Upload documents that are clear and readable. If documents are not in English, check the current translation requirements. Keep copies of what you submit and respond to any Department requests by the required date.

Important timing and visa-status points

The 820/801 pathway is for applicants in Australia. Before lodging, check your current visa, its conditions and whether there are any restrictions that may affect an onshore application. If you do not hold a substantive visa at the time you apply, additional criteria can apply. Do not assume a particular outcome based on another person’s visa history.

After a temporary 820 visa is granted, do not obtain another visa without understanding the effect it may have: Home Affairs states that to receive the permanent 801 visa, you must hold the temporary 820 visa or a Dependent Child visa (subclass 445).

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting documents without a clear story. A timeline and well-structured statements help the decision-maker understand how evidence fits together.

• Relying on one type of evidence. Photographs alone rarely explain the financial, household and commitment aspects of a relationship.

• Creating inconsistent dates or addresses. Check forms, statements, leases, bank records and travel history for consistency.

• Leaving changes unreported. Tell Home Affairs about relevant changes, such as a new address, passport, relationship status or the birth of a child.

• Ignoring safety concerns. Family violence provisions may be available in particular circumstances. If safety is an issue, seek appropriate support and refer to official guidance.

When to seek tailored advice

It can be helpful to seek advice before lodging if you have a complex visa history, a prior refusal or cancellation, a period without a substantive visa, a short de facto relationship, dependent children, relationship changes, or concerns about evidence. A tailored review can focus on the rules and evidence relevant to your circumstances.

To discuss an onshore partner pathway, book an appointment with Possible Migration.

Official sources

• Department of Home Affairs: Partner visas (apply in Australia)

• Department of Home Affairs: Partner visa (Temporary) subclass 820

• Department of Home Affairs: Partner visa (Permanent) subclass 801

• Department of Home Affairs: Partner visa FAQs

Information checked 26 July 2026. This article is general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policy settings can change.