Partner Visa Australia – Comprehensive Guide for Subclass 820 & 801
If you are looking to Apply Partner Visa Australia, the onshore pathway is an excellent choice for couples. The Partner Visa Australia program allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen to live, work, and build their life in Australia. In most cases, you can lodge a combined application for both the temporary and permanent stages.
Understanding the Onshore Partner Visa Australia Pathway
Navigating the immigration system can be complex, but the Onshore Partner Visa Australia process is designed to keep families together. This pathway is split into two distinct steps: the temporary stage and the permanent residency stage. To begin, you must be physically present in Australia when you apply. Submitting a strong, well-documented application is the key to minimizing delays and securing your future. If you are exploring other visa options as well, you can browse our other Australian visa services.
- First Stage: Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 820
- Second Stage: Partner Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 801
Partner Visa Subclass 820 (Temporary Stage)
The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is the crucial first step. It is a temporary visa that lets you live, work, and study in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs processes your permanent visa application. Once granted, it provides immediate relief by allowing you to travel freely in and out of the country and granting access to Australia's public healthcare system.
- Live, work and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Gain access to Medicare (Australia’s healthcare scheme).
- Travel in and out of Australia as often as you want.
- Attend free English language classes up to 510 hours.
- Base application charge: AUD 9,365 for most main applicants.
- Discounted fee of AUD 1,560 onwards for Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa holders.
- Secondary applicants over 18 fee: AUD 4,685.
- Secondary applicants under 18 fee: AUD 2,345.
Partner Visa Subclass 801 (Permanent Stage)
The Partner Visa Subclass 801 is the final goal for most applicants. This permanent visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. Generally, two years after you first lodged your combined 820/801 application, you will be invited to provide further evidence that your relationship is still genuine and continuing. If approved, you become an Australian Permanent Resident.
- Settle permanently in Australia.
- Pathway to apply for Australian Citizenship (if eligible).
- Sponsor other eligible family members to come to Australia.
- Travel freely for 5 years from the date of grant.
Why Professional Help is Essential When You Apply Partner Visa Australia
To successfully Apply Partner Visa Australia, you must provide comprehensive evidence covering four key pillars: financial aspects, nature of the household, social aspects, and the nature of your commitment to one another. Gathering this documentation can be overwhelming. A minor mistake or missing document can lead to severe delays or even a visa refusal. Professional migration support ensures that your application is decision-ready, presenting the strongest possible case to the immigration authorities.
Need expert help with your Partner Visa (820/801)?
Zen Migration is here to help you with eligibility assessments, gathering relationship evidence, and complete application support from start to finish.