Family · Subclass 820 / 801
Partner visa (in Australia)
For the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying in Australia.
Who it is for
You are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you apply while in Australia. One application covers the temporary 820 and then the permanent 801.
You do not have to stay in a relationship where you fear for your safety to keep your visa pathway. Family violence provisions may apply if the relationship ends because of family violence by the sponsor. In danger, call 000. Support: 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Interpreter: TIS National on 131 450.
Key eligibility
- A genuine, continuing and exclusive relationship. De facto relationships usually need 12 months living together before you apply, unless registered or another exception applies.
- Age 18 or older in most cases.
- An approved sponsor (your partner), who cannot be changed later. Limits apply to repeat sponsorships.
- Sponsor character checks and consent to share relevant convictions.
- Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) must be waived first if it applies. Some regional visa holders must have held their visa for 2 or 3 years.
- If you hold no substantive visa, extra criteria and extra documents at lodgement apply.
- Health and character.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In Australia. A bridging visa usually starts when your current visa ends. You need a Bridging B to travel and return.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Free first call, then a consultation
The first 15 minutes are free and general. A longer consultation is quoted in writing before it starts.
How a registered migration agent helps: explains your honest options, risks, costs and timing.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence
Evidence across finances, household, social life and commitment; statements from both partners; two Form 888 statements.
How a registered migration agent helps: keeps statements consistent and explains what does not count.
Lodgement
Lodge the combined application and pay the charge; your partner lodges the sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helps: lodges before your current visa ends.
Bridging visa
Keeps you lawful while you wait.
How a registered migration agent helps: checks work rights and Bridging B timing.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helps: tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
820 decision
Live, work, study and enrol in Medicare. Do not take another visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: diarises the 2-year date.
801 permanent stage
About two years after lodgement, provide updated evidence.
How a registered migration agent helps: prepares the second-stage evidence.
Permanent residence and citizenship
Citizenship when you meet the residence requirement.
How a registered migration agent helps: plans the next steps.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (covers both stages) | A$11,710 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$5,860 |
| Family member under 18 | A$2,935 |
| Current Prospective Marriage (300) holder who married the sponsor | A$1,955 |
| Dependent Child (445) holder | Nil |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Check the current guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Relationship not shown to be genuine and continuing.
- De facto under 12 months without an exception.
- Sponsor limits, character or consent.
- Invalid application: 8503 not waived, or missing statutory declarations.
- Inconsistent statements.
- A previous relationship not legally ended.
- False documents.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
A new Ministerial Direction gives family visas made in Australia the highest processing priority.
Questions
Do we need to be married?
No. A de facto relationship can qualify, usually after 12 months of living together, unless it is registered or another exception applies.
Can I travel while I wait?
If you hold a Bridging A, apply for a Bridging B before you leave, or you may not be able to return on it.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Partner visa (subclass 820)
- Home Affairs: Partner visa (subclass 801)
- Home Affairs: family violence and your visa
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.