How to Apply for Partner Visa 820 While in Australia

There’s nothing quite like finding your person—the one you want to build a life with. But if one of you lives in Australia and the other doesn’t, making that dream a reality takes a little more than love. That’s where the partner visa 820 comes in.

Designed to help couples stay together, the partner visa 820 allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia temporarily. It’s often the first step toward a more permanent life together—and eventually, permanent residency.

What Is the Partner Visa 820?

The partner visa 820 is an onshore visa, meaning it’s for applicants who are already in Australia when they apply. It’s the first stage of a two-part process. Once granted, this temporary visa lets you stay, work, and study in Australia while your permanent partner visa (subclass 801) is being processed.

Essentially, the 820 visa is your bridge visa—a way to legally stay in the country while your relationship and application are assessed over time.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the partner visa 820, you must:

• Be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

• Be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Be married or in a de facto relationship (usually for at least 12 months before applying, unless your relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory).

It’s important that your relationship is real and not just for visa purposes. The Department of Home Affairs looks closely at the evidence you provide to confirm that you’re genuinely committed to each other.

The Application Process

Applying for a partner visa 820 isn’t something you do on a whim. It requires careful planning, gathering of documents, and a whole lot of patience. Here's how the process usually works:

1. Prepare your documents: This includes identity documents, relationship evidence, police checks, health exams, and more.

2. Submit your application online: Make sure you’re in Australia at the time of lodging your application.

3. Get your Bridging Visa A: Once your application is submitted, you’ll be issued a bridging visa that lets you stay legally in the country while you wait for the outcome.

4. Provide additional documents if requested: The Department might ask for more evidence to support your case.

5. Await a decision: Processing times can vary, often taking between 12 to 24 months.

After two years from the initial application date, you may become eligible for the permanent partner visa subclass 801, assuming your relationship is still genuine and ongoing.

What Kind of Evidence Do You Need?

This part can be a little daunting, but it’s also crucial. You’ll need to prove your relationship is legit in several areas:

• Financial commitment: Joint accounts, shared bills, or financial responsibilities.

• Social recognition: Photos, travel records, social media posts, and statements from family or friends.

• Living arrangements: Lease agreements, mail addressed to the same place, household bills.

• Emotional support: Communication logs, future plans, and declarations from both partners.

Each relationship is unique, so the evidence you submit should paint a clear, honest picture of your life together.

Benefits of the Partner Visa 820

While you wait for your permanent visa, the partner visa 820 comes with several benefits:

• You can stay in Australia while your visa is processed.

• You can work and study without restrictions.

• Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

• You can include dependent children in your application.

It gives couples the peace of mind to live together and move forward with their plans without the stress of temporary travel or legal uncertainty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some of the most common slip-ups to steer clear of:

• Not providing enough or the right kind of relationship evidence.

• Forgetting to translate non-English documents.

• Giving inconsistent details between forms and supporting documents.

• Failing to keep your information updated during the waiting period.

Getting help from a registered migration agent can really make a difference here—they know exactly what the Department looks for and can help you avoid common errors.

Final Thoughts

The partner visa 820 isn’t just a formality—it’s a meaningful first step toward living your life in Australia with the person you love. While the process might seem overwhelming, especially at first, it’s all worth it when you’re building a shared life without borders.

So if you're already in Australia and ready to start this journey, begin gathering your evidence, stay organized, and consider seeking professional guidance to make your application as smooth and strong as possible.