Visa Subclass 820- Onshore Partner Visa
The temporary partner visa subclass 820 lets the de facto partner or spouse of the Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily. If this visa is granted then it is the first step towards a permanent partner visa, Subclass 801.
We will help you to understand everything you need to know about subclass 820 including eligibility, benefits, cost, processing time, step by step process, etc.
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What is the Subclass 820 Partner Visa?
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is a temporary Australian visa that forms the first stage of the onshore Partner Visa process. It is particularlly designed for applicants who are already living in Australia and are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen at the time of application.
Once the Subclass 820 visa is approved, the person can stay in Australia legally while waiting for a decision on the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). During this time period, they can live with their partner and can also start building a good life in Australia without worrying about overstaying or visa cancellation.
This visa 820 also provides full work rights, access to Medical facilities, permission to study in Australia and the ability to travel in and out of the country without any restrictions. Most importantly, it serves as a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia, as long as the relationship keeps meeting the requirements.
The main focus of the Subclass 820 Partner Visa is to assess whether your relationship is genuine, ongoing and exclusive. Immigration officials closely look at how you live together, emotional commitment, the money you both take care of and your plans for the future. Having a well-prepared application with solid proof is very important for getting approval. Get in touch with GIEC Global Galle, Sri Lanka to apply for Australia immigration or PR visa.
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When This Visa Is Granted When What Can You Do in the Meantime?
- Stay in Australia while the permanent residency visa is processing.
- Work and study in Australia while the permanent residency visa is processing. But the study can be only done at your expense, the government will not pay any fee or study cost.
- Travel to & fro from Australia as much as you want.
- You can attend the English program which is, the Adult Migrant English process if you are eligible for that.
- You can apply for the health program as well.
Eligibility Criteria for subclass 820
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has set certain requirements that both the applicant and the sponsor must meet to apply for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa. Meeting these eligibility criteria is important for a successful visa outcome:
- You must be inside Australia when you apply for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa and also when the visa decision is made.
- You must be in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The relationship can be a marriage or a de facto partnership, but it must be genuine, ongoing and exclusive.
- For de facto partners, the relationship usually needs to be at least 12 months old, unless it is officially registered or there is a strong reason to waive this rule.
- You and your partner must show shared commitment such as living together, joint finances, emotional support and future plans.
- Your sponsoring partner must be approved as a sponsor and meet character requirements.
- You must fulfill health and character requirements including medical tests and police clearance certificates.
- You must hold a valid visa when applying or be eligible for a bridging visa.
Strong documentation is important for meeting these requirements. At GIEC Global Galle, Sri Lanka, our experts review your eligibility, identify gaps and help you create a clear and complete application, which can increase your chances of 820 visa approval.
Requirements for Partner Visa 820
To apply for the Partner Visa Subclass 820, you must meet specific requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities. Fulfilling these requirements correctly is essential for visa approval.
- The applicant must be physically present in Australia at the time of application and when the visa decision is made.
- You must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Your relationship must be genuine, ongoing, and exclusive, with clear evidence of commitment to a shared life.
- You need to provide strong relationship documents, including joint finances, shared living arrangements, social evidence, and future plans.
- The Australian partner must be approved as a sponsor and meet character requirements.
- The applicant must meet health requirements, including medical examinations by approved doctors.
- Police clearance certificates are required to satisfy character criteria.
- A valid visa or bridging visa eligibility is required at the time of application.
At GIEC Global Galle, Sri Lanka, our expert Education & Immigration Consultant in Sri Lanka carefully review your documents, explain each requirement clearly, and ensure your Partner Visa 820 application is strong, complete, and decision-ready.
Documents required for a temporary visa.
- Age proof.
- Nomination showing document.
- Visa history.
- Sponsorship showing document.
- If you are holding a substantive visa, then the proof of that.
- Health insurance proof.
- English proficiency proof.
- Character proof.
- Debt clearance proof.
The applicant could include members of the family when the application for the visa is lodged and you can also add a dependant child after the application is lodged but before the temporary visa is decided. The family members who are applying should meet all the requirements related to health and character. If the applicant has a prospective marriage visa (subclass 300), their family can be included and cannot be included if the application is submitted.
Health insurance
The applicant can be eligible for the Australian public health care system, and medical care, depending on the circumstances meanwhile waiting for the decision on the visa application. If you are not eligible for health insurance, the best recommendation is to take out health insurance to cover any unforeseen medical treatment which might appear while you stay in Australia, otherwise, personal liability arises. Health insurance can limit financial liability.
There are also certain reciprocal healthcare agreements between certain countries with Australia which you can read on the immigration website. And if you have a blue or a green card with you, you can get Australian residents private health insurance.
Complete 820 Visa Overview
| Feature | 820 Visa Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary Partner Visa (onshore application) |
| Purpose | Allows the applicant to stay in Australia while waiting for the 801 permanent stage |
| Who Can Apply | Partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen |
| Application Location | Must be inside Australia during application and decision |
| Visa Cost | Paid at the time of lodging the combined 820/801 visa application |
| Work Rights | Full work rights allowed |
| Study Rights | Can study in Australia (no government support) |
| Medicare Access | Yes, eligible for Medicare |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on case and documents |
| Relationship Requirement | Must prove a genuine and continuing relationship |
| Documents Required | ID, relationship evidence, police checks, health checks, financial & social evidence |
| Travel Rights | Can travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid |
| Pathway | Leads to the 801 Visa (Permanent Partner Visa) |
| Sponsor Requirements | Sponsor must meet character and sponsorship rules |
| Bridging Visa | Issued to allow stay until 820 decision; provides work and travel rights |
| Eligibility for 801 Visa | Usually assessed 24 months after initial application |
Onshore Partner Visa Cost
Cost of the Visa for temporary Visa and Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) are as follows: –
Main applicant- AUD 8,085
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300 holders)- AUD 1,350.
If you previously applied for a prospective marriage Visa but didn’t apply for the subclass 820 and 801 visas before that visa expired:- AUD 1,710.
There is a separate fee for each family member that applies to the main applicant. The visa will not proceed further if the Visa fee is not deposited. Extra charges such as health checks, biometrics, and police checks can also be altered.
Subclass 820 Processing Time
The following time is generally taken to process an application:-
25% of the application- 6 months
50% of the application- 9 months
75% of the application- 18 months
90% of the application- 37 months
And the process could vary from person to person and the documentation. Complex cases can take more time to proceed. The timings provided above are just for reference for the idea of completion. You cannot wholly depend on the timelines provided above. And the application can take a longer time to proceed if it is not filled in correctly, the documents which are required are not uploaded correctly and more information is needed also the verification and authenticity of the information would take time to get checked.
After Visa 820 Application Process
Organisation of health examinations.
Application status updates.
Travel updates.
Biometrics checked and updated.
If there is any more information, then get it attached.
Family members are added.
If things are postponed or changed then inform the immigration and why.
Relationship is no longer valid, or it ends.
Law is properly followed while submission of the documents.
If there is required help needed in the further application process.
Mistakes are present in the application.
Additional Points for Partner Visa 820
- If the visa is granted then the immigration will provide the visa grant number, the date of visa starts, and visa conditions if any.
- If there is a refusal of the visa then the immigration will let you know why they have refused the visa, and whether the applicant has a right to review the decision.
- Australian visa is digital. The passport has no physical visa label. The digital visa record is linked directly to the passport. And the digital information is checked mainly by airlines, Australian government agencies, employers, banks, or other registered organizations.
- To get the permanent partner visa (subclass 801), you must have this subclass 820 visa. And if any new visa is granted in the meantime, then it will replace your subclass 820 visa, furthermore, the applicant will not be eligible for the permanent partner visa (subclass 801).
- You can live on this visa until you are granted a permanent partner visa.
- There is no refund of the application fee when immigration refuses the application in any manner.
- With the temporary partner visa, you can work and will have full working rights which will be protected by Australian workplace law. The workers who are employed in Australia have equal rights as the workplace laws in Australia. Employers who are engaged as foreign workers must ensure that they comply with both Australian workforce laws and immigration laws.
Why Choose GIEC Global Sri Lanka for Your Visa 820?
Choosing the right immigration consultant is one of the most important decisions for your Subclass 820 Partner Visa. At GIEC Global Sri Lanka considered as the top spouse visa agent. We focus on accuracy, honesty, and results.
Experienced Australia Immigration Experts
Our team has in-depth knowledge of Australian partner visa rules and stays updated with the latest immigration changes.Honest Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate your relationship carefully and give you clear, truthful advice—no false promises or shortcuts.Step-by-Step Application Support
From profile assessment to visa lodgement, we guide you through every stage in a simple and stress-free way.Strong Documentation Strategy
We help you prepare and organise powerful relationship evidence that meets immigration standards and avoids refusal risks.Clear Communication & Regular Updates
You stay informed at every step with timely updates and easy explanations.High Success Rate in Partner Visa Cases
Our structured approach and attention to detail help improve approval chances.
At GIEC Global Sri Lanka, we understand that your partner visa is not just paperwork—it’s your future together. We handle every case with care, confidentiality, and complete professionalism.
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FAQs-
Yes, but ensure your tourist visa remains valid during the application. Overstaying can negatively affect your 820 visa application.
Notify the Department immediately. You may still qualify if you can prove the relationship was genuine at the time of the sponsor’s death.
Yes, dependent children can be included if they meet the definition of a dependent (under 18 or financially dependent).
No upper age limit exists, but both partners must be at least 18 years old.
Yes, the 820 visa grants full work and study rights in Australia.
Yes, you can submit both applications simultaneously, allowing a smooth transition from temporary to permanent residency.
