Location requirements
- Must be in Australia when lodging the application
- Must hold a substantive visa (or eligible bridging visa)
- Must be in Australia when the 820 is granted
Australian Partner Migration
Onshore Partner Visa 820/801For Partners Applying Inside Australia
Subclass 820 (temporary) · Subclass 801 (permanent)
The pathway for partners already in Australia on a substantive visa. Lodge onshore, receive a Bridging Visa A with work rights and Medicare while you wait, and move through a two-stage application to permanent residency.
How it works
A two-stage application to permanent residency
01
Subclass 820 · Temporary
Lodge onshore and receive a Bridging Visa A. Live, work and study in Australia with Medicare access while your application is assessed.
02
Subclass 801 · Permanent
Granted after a minimum two-year waiting period, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely.
03
One application fee
A single visa application charge covers both the temporary (820) and permanent (801) stages.
Long-term relationship shortcut: if you have been married or in a de facto relationship for 3 years or more at the time of application (or 2 years with a child together), you may be granted the permanent Subclass 801 immediately after the 820 is approved — skipping the two-year wait.
Eligibility
Key requirements for the 820/801
Relationship requirements
- Genuine and continuing relationship, exclusive of all others
- Legally married under Australian law, OR
- 12 months cohabitation (may be waived if your relationship is registered)
Sponsor requirements
- Australian citizen, OR
- Australian permanent resident, OR
- Eligible New Zealand citizen
Health & character
- Meet Australian health requirements
- Meet character requirements (police checks)
- All included family members must also meet requirements
Evidence
The four pillars of relationship proof
You must demonstrate evidence across all four categories.
Financial aspects
- Joint bank account statements
- Joint mortgage/lease documents
- Utility bills in both names
- Joint loan documents
Nature of the household
- Joint lease or mortgage agreements
- Shared mail/correspondence to same address
- Evidence of shared household responsibilities
- Care of children together
Social aspects
- Evidence you are publicly known as a couple
- Joint invitations to events
- Photos with friends/family at social events
- Evidence of shared travel/holidays
Nature of commitment
- Relationship statements from both partners
- History and future plans together
- Evidence of communication during time apart
- Joint wills or life insurance policies
Supporting evidence typically includes Form 888 statutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents who know you as a couple. We confirm exactly what your case needs in your consultation.
Costs & processing
Government fees and expected wait times
| Applicant | Charge (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (820/801 combined) | $11,710 |
| Additional applicant 18 and over | $5,860 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | $2,935 |
This single charge covers both the 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) stages — there is no second Department charge when the permanent visa is decided. A 1.4% surcharge applies to card payments. Additional costs apply for health checks, police clearances and translations. Confirm the current figure on the Department's official 820/801 page or the Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
Subclass 820 (Temporary)
50% processed in
16 – 18 months
90% processed in
24 – 26 months
06 mo12 mo18 mo24 mo30 mo
Subclass 801 (Permanent)
50% processed in
12 – 14 months*
90% processed in
19 – 21 months*
06 mo12 mo18 mo24 mo30 mo
*Note: The Subclass 801 assessment starts two years after the 820 application date. Submitting a comprehensive, decision-ready application is the best way to avoid delays.
Our packages
Professional migration services
Expert guidance through your visa journey — choose the level of support that fits you.
Full Service
Subclass 820/801 Application
AUD $4,200
Fixed fee · 6 milestone instalments
- At agreement
- 3, 6 & 9 months after signing
- At RFI
- At grant
- Full visa strategy
- Evidence preparation
- Statement drafting
- Application management
Subclass 801
Permanent Visa Stage
AUD $1,500
For existing Stage 1 clients
After the two-year waiting period, we'll guide you through the permanent visa assessment.
- Updated evidence review
- Relationship update statements
- Ongoing Department liaison
- Support through to decision
DIY Package
Self-Lodge with Expert Review
AUD $999
One-time payment
- Complete review of your application & forms
- Comprehensive relationship statement
- Complete audit of required documents
- Up to 2 RFI responses
Fees are fixed and agreed in writing before any work begins. Book a consultation to confirm the right package for your circumstances.
Premium Partner Visa Checklist
A full interactive checklist tailored to your exact pathway — step-by-step ImmiAccount guide, comprehensive form guides, a sample relationship statement, and progress tracking on every item.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What happens to my visa status after I apply?
Upon lodging a valid application, you are typically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This BVA takes effect only when your current substantive visa expires and grants you full work rights and Medicare access while you wait for the 820 decision.
Can I travel overseas while waiting for the 820 decision?
If you are on a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving Australia. The BVB allows you to re-enter the country.
What is a "long-term relationship" and why does it matter?
If you have been in a de facto or married relationship for 3 years or more at the time of application (or 2 years if you have a child together), you may be granted the permanent Subclass 801 visa immediately after the temporary Subclass 820 is approved, skipping the standard two-year waiting period.
Can I apply for the 820/801 if my current visa has a "No Further Stay" condition (8503)?
Generally, no. The 8503 condition must be waived by the Department before you can lodge a valid partner visa application. This is only possible in very limited, compassionate circumstances.
About your migration agent
Sam Lotfollahi · Registered Migration Agent
Sam is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0901704) specialising in partner visas. Since 2009 he has guided couples through complex applications, evidence preparation, and Department submissions — with clear communication, precise strategy, and support through to decision.
Ready to lodge a decision-ready application?
The onshore partner visa requires extensive documentation. Start with a free assessment and we'll map out exactly what your case needs — through to decision.