Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) Guide
Understanding the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)
This Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia on a temporary basis. It is the first step toward obtaining a Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801).
Temporary Partner Visa Overview
Visa Name → Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)
Common Name → 820 Partner Visa / 820 Visa
Location → Onshore (Be in Australia to apply)
Who Can Apply → Spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
Stay Period → Temporary Visa leading to Permanent Residency
Work Rights → Full work rights in Australia
Study Rights → Full study rights in Australia
Include Family → Yes
Pathway to PR → Yes
Relationship Requirement → Genuine married or de facto relationship
What is the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)?
The Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) is the first stage of the partner visa application.
This Temporary Visa allows the husband, wife, or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is the first step toward getting a permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801).
Applicants must be in Australia when applying and also when the Visa is granted. This Visa allows the applicant to remain in Australia while the permanent partner visa is processed.
Applicants are typically granted a Bridging Visa, allowing them to stay lawfully in Australia during the Partner Visa processing period.
This stage allows couples to continue living together and provide additional evidence of their relationship if required.
820 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the 820 Visa, applicants generally must:
Not had a Visa canceled or application refused
Don’t hold regional Visas
Be in Australia when applying
Be sponsored
Prospective Marriage Visa Holders
Be the right age
Hold a Substantive Visa
Be married to or in a de facto relationship
Meet health requirements
Meet character requirements
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Sign the value statement
Best Interests of the Child
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.
820 Visa Documents Required
Common documents required for a 820 Visa application include:
Identity documents
Relationship evidence
Character documents
Health Requirements
Translate all documents to English
Scan all documents in colour (English and non-English)
Providing complete and accurate documentation may help reduce delays in Visa processing.
820 Visa Relationship Evidence Checklist
You need to provide evidence of:
Relationship History
Relationship Documents
Relationship Evidence
Finances
Your household
Social matters
Commitment
Former relationships
Dependants
What does the Department of Home Affairs need?
To be granted a Temporary Partner Visa, you must show the Department of Home Affairs that your de facto relationship is genuine and ongoing. Your evidence is assessed across four key areas: finances, household arrangements, social recognition, and commitment to each other.
A strong 820 Visa application includes clear evidence in all four categories, helping demonstrate that you and your partner have built a genuine life together. Providing well-organised de facto relationship evidence can improve the strength of your application and assist the Department in making its assessment.
How to apply for the 820 Visa?
Check your Eligibility for the Visa
Gather and prepare your documents
Visa application
Visa outcome
Seek our guidance to avoid mistakes during the application process.
820 Visa Cost
Most applicants: AUD $11,710.00
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) holders: AUD $1,955.00
*Visa costs do not include additional fees.
820 Visa Processing Time
Current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 19 months
90% of applications are processed within 24 months
Processing times vary depending on application volumes and individual circumstances.
Processing may take time, particularly during periods of high demand or if additional information is requested.
Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to delays.
Applicants should refer to the latest processing information from the Department of Home Affairs Processing Times.
820 Visa Benefits
How Can a 820 Visa Benefit You?
You can live, work and study in Australia
You can travel in and out of Australia freely while the Visa is valid
Your family members can join your application
You can take free Adult Migrant English Program classes if you qualify
You can request access to public healthcare in Australia (if eligible)
Why Apply with our Registered Migration Agent?
Applying for a Partner Visa requires meeting strict eligibility requirements and submitting strong evidence of your relationship.
Our Registered Migration Agent can help you:
Understand Partner Visa requirements clearly
Navigate the Partner Visa application process
Avoid common mistakes or delays
Improve your chances of a successful outcome
Professional guidance may help simplify the process and reduce unnecessary delays.
820 Visa FAQs
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Yes. If you apply for the Partner Visa (subclass 820) while in Australia, you can generally remain in the country lawfully while your application is being processed.
If your current Visa expires during this time, you may be granted a Bridging Visa that allows you to stay in Australia until a decision is made on your partner visa application.
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To support a de facto Partner Visa application, you must provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Department of Home Affairs generally assesses evidence relating to your finances, living arrangements, social recognition, and commitment to each other.
The strength and quality of your evidence are often more important than the number of documents provided.
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Possibly.
There is no strict minimum relationship length for a de facto Partner Visa (subclass 820), but you must still provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Applications based on newer relationships may be assessed more closely, making strong supporting evidence particularly important.
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Yes.
The Subclass 820 is an onshore partner Visa, meaning you must generally be in Australia when you lodge your application and when a decision is made on the Temporary Visa.
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Yes.
If you are granted a Bridging Visa after lodging a valid 820 application, you can generally work in Australia once your Bridging Visa becomes active.
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Yes.
Eligible dependent children can usually be included in your application, either when you apply or, in some cases, before a decision is made.
Ready to apply for a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)?
Check your eligibility today and let our Registered Migration Agent guide you throughout your Partner Visa application.
Live & Love in Australia ♥