Temporary Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 820) Guide
Understanding the Temporary Partner Visa
This Visa 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 → Partner Visa / Visa 820
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.
Temporary Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for the 820 Visa, applicants generally must:
Be in Australia when applying
Be in or outside Australia while the decision is being made
Be married to or in a de facto relationship with:
A) An Australian citizen
B) Australian permanent resident
C) Eligible New Zealand citizenHave a genuine and continuing relationship
Be sponsored by your partner
Meet health requirements
Meet character requirements
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Be 18 years or older
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.
Check Your Eligibility With Us!
Documents Required for the Visa:
Common documents required for a 820 Visa application include:
Identity documents: passport, birth certificate, photographs
Relationship evidence: bank statements, lease agreements & photos together
Character documents: police checks
Health Requirements: health examination as part of the visa process
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
Relationship Evidence Checklist:
You need to provide evidence of:
Your relationship with your partner
Any former relationships
Any dependants you have
How to apply for the Temporary Partner Visa:
Check your Eligibility for the Visa
Gather and prepare your documents
Apply for both Partner Visas 820 & 801
Your Temporary Visa 820 is granted
Seek our guidance to avoid mistakes during the application process.
Apply for Your Temporary Partner Visa With Us!
Temporary Partner Visa Cost:
Most applicants: AUD $9,365.00
Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) holders: AUD $1,560.00
What does the Department of Home Affairs need?
To be granted a 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 Partner 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.
Temporary Partner 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.
Temporary Partner Visa Benefits:
How Can a Partner Visa Benefit You?
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
Take free AMEP English classes if you qualify
Request access to public healthcare in Australia (if eligible)
Book an appointment today to discuss your Partner Visa Australia application and take the next step towards living and working in Australia.
Why Apply with our Registered Migration Agent?
Applying for a Partner Visa Australia 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.
Temporary Partner Visa| Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Ready to apply for a Temporary Partner Visa?
Turner-Rowe Migration helps you with your 820 Visa application.