Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

The Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801) is an onshore two-stage pathway for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. You apply for both the temporary (820) and permanent (801) visas together in a single application, paying one combined fee. This pathway is designed for applicants already in Australia at the time of application.

The visa operates as a two-stage process: you are first granted the temporary 820 visa, which allows you to live and work in Australia while your permanent 801 visa is assessed. After 2 years from lodgement (or sooner in certain circumstances), you become eligible for the permanent 801 visa, which grants indefinite residency.

Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa)

Once granted, you can:

Residency and Work

• Live in Australia temporarily until the permanent visa decision is finalized or the application is withdrawn
• Work full-time for any employer in any industry with full work rights
• Be protected by Australian workplace law

Study and Language

• Study in Australia without restrictions (though at your own expense without government funding)
• Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) if eligible

Healthcare

• Apply for access to Medicare (Australia's public health care scheme) once your application is lodged and a bridging visa is granted

Travel

• Travel to and from Australia as many times as desired while holding the visa

Family

• Include dependent children in the application or add them after lodgement but before the 820 decision is made

Conditions

You must:

• Obey all Australian laws
• Meet all visa conditions
• Maintain the genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsor
• Notify the Department of any changes in circumstances

Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa)

Once granted, you have Australian permanent residency and can:

Residency

• Live in Australia permanently and indefinitely

Work and Study

• Work and study in Australia without restrictions
• Access government support for study (unlike the 820 visa)

Healthcare and Benefits

• Access Medicare (Australia's public health care scheme)
• Access Australian Government payments and benefits (subject to newly arrived residents' waiting periods)

Travel

• Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years without needing to apply for a new visa

Family Sponsorship

• Sponsor eligible family members to migrate to Australia

Citizenship

• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible (generally after meeting residency requirements)

English Classes

• Join free English classes (Adult Migrant English Program) if eligible