Partner Visa 820 801 Requirements

What is a Partner Visa 820/801 in Australia?

The Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) is a two-stage onshore pathway for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. You lodge a combined application for the temporary Subclass 820 visa and permanent Subclass 801 visa together.

The 820 lets you live, work and study in Australia while your permanent visa is processed. After two years, the Department assesses your ongoing genuine relationship for the Subclass 801 permanent visa. This route is perfect for Melbourne couples and applicants across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide who want to stay onshore.

Key Partner Visa 820/801 Requirements

To qualify for the partner visa Australia, you must meet these core criteria (as per official Department of Home Affairs 2026 guidelines):

• Genuine and continuing relationship – Prove a committed spouse or de facto partnership (financial, social, household and commitment evidence required).
• Eligible sponsor – Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is willing to sponsor you.
• Onshore application – You (and any family members) must be in Australia when lodging the 820.
• Health and character checks – Pass medical examinations and provide police certificates from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.

Missing any requirement risks delays or refusals – common pain points for Melbourne-based applicants.

Documents and Processing Stages Explained

Document checklist examples (upload via ImmiAccount; use the official checklist tool for your exact list):

• Relationship proof: joint bank statements, utility bills, photos, statutory declarations from friends/family.
• Identity: passports, birth certificates.
• Sponsor documents: proof of Australian status, sponsorship form.
• Health & character: medical results, police certificates.

Processing stages (2026 median times):

1. Lodge combined 820/801 application – 17 months median for Subclass 820 grant.
2. Receive temporary 820 visa – live and work freely.
3. After exactly 2 years from lodgement, submit Stage 2 for Subclass 801 assessment (permanent residency).

Partner visa processing time varies, but early complete applications rank faster.

How Edvise Hub Can Help You Succeed

Delays, refusals and missing documents are the biggest risks with partner visa Melbourne applications. Edvise Hub solves this with personalised support from Registered Migration Agent Fahad Shamim (MARN 2619225).

We offer:

• Free eligibility assessment for partner visa 820/801
• Expert document preparation and review
• Seamless lodgement and ongoing case management
• Strategies to avoid refusals and speed up processing

Whether you’re in Melbourne, Sydney or anywhere in Australia, our team builds watertight applications that convert temporary stays into permanent residency.

Check your eligibility today or book a partner visa Australia consultation with Fahad. Don’t risk your future – get expert help now and lodge with confidence. Contact Edvise Hub for your free assessment.