Partner Visa (Temporary & Permanent) (Subclass 820/801)

Live in Australia With Your Partner on a Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia and progress toward permanent residency.

Our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne assist couples with relationship assessment, evidence strategy, and end-to-end visa lodgement, ensuring applications meet the strict legal requirements applied by the Department of Home Affairs.

This visa is relationship-based, not automatic, and requires strong, consistent proof.

What Is the Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801)?

The onshore Partner Visa pathway consists of two stages:

  • Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa
  • Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa

Applicants usually apply for both visas together, with the temporary visa granted first, followed by permanent residency once relationship criteria are satisfied.

This visa allows you to:

  • Live and work in Australia
  • Study in Australia
  • Access Medicare
  • Progress to Australian Permanent Residency
  • Apply for Australian citizenship (when eligible)

Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa?

You may be eligible if you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship as:

  • A married spouse, or
  • A de facto partner (usually 12 months of relationship, unless exempt)

And your partner is:

  • An Australian citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • An eligible New Zealand citizen

Relationship Requirements (Critical Section)

Your relationship must meet all four legal pillars:

1) Financial Aspects

Joint finances, shared expenses, bank accounts, liabilities.

2) Nature of the Household

Living arrangements, shared responsibilities, household setup.

3) Social Aspects

Recognition by friends and family, joint activities, social proof.

4) Commitment to Each Other

Length of relationship, future plans, communication history.

Weak or inconsistent evidence is the number one reason for refusal.

Eligibility Requirements – Subclass 820 / 801

✔ Genuine Relationship Evidence

Detailed documents covering past, present, and future commitment.

✔ Sponsorship

Your partner must formally sponsor you and meet sponsorship obligations.

✔ Health & Character

Medical examinations and police clearances for all applicants.

✔ Onshore Requirement

Subclass 820 applications are lodged while you are in Australia.

How the Partner Visa Process Works

  1. Eligibility & Relationship Assessment
  2. Evidence Strategy & Document Structuring
  3. Statutory Declarations & Statements
  4. Lodgement of 820/801 Application
  5. Temporary Visa (820) Grant
  6. Permanent Visa (801) Assessment

Some long-term relationships may be eligible for direct PR consideration, but this is strictly assessed.

How V CAN Migration Services Helps

Partner visas are evidence-heavy and legally complex. Our structured approach includes:

  1. Relationship Strength Assessment
  2. Evidence Gap Identification
  3. Document & Statement Strategy
  4. Sponsorship Compliance Review
  5. Visa Lodgement & Monitoring
  6. 801 PR Stage Planning

We focus on approval certainty, not rushed applications.

Key Benefits of the Partner Visa (820/801)

Work & Study Rights

Work and study without restriction in Australia.

Medicare Access

Access Australia's public healthcare system.

Permanent Residency Pathway

Progress from Subclass 820 to Subclass 801 PR.

Family
Inclusion

Eligible dependent children can be included.

Important Facts You Must Understand

  • Marriage alone does not guarantee approval
  • Fake or staged relationships lead to refusal and bans
  • Poorly organised evidence weakens genuine cases
  • Inconsistent timelines raise serious concerns

This visa requires proof, structure, and consistency, not emotion.

Why Choose V CAN Migration Services?

  • Registered Migration Agent-led partner visa strategy
  • Strong experience with complex relationship cases
  • Evidence-focused, compliance-first approach
  • No false promises or shortcuts

Need Help With a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) Application?

Speak with Registered Migration Agents at V CAN Migration Services – Melbourne for accurate residence assessment, substantial ties advice, and compliant RRV application lodgement.

Book an Appointment

Popular Migration Services

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

Partner Visa (Provisional & Migrant) (Subclass 309/100)

Partner Visa (Temporary & Permanent) (Subclass 820/801)

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions about the Partner Visa (Temporary & Permanent) (Subclass 820/801).

No. It is a temporary visa leading to PR (801).

Usually assessed after 2 years, depending on the case.

Yes. Full work rights apply.

No. De facto relationships are accepted with evidence.

Refusals are difficult to overturn. Proper preparation is critical.