Onshore Partner Visa (subclasses 820/801)
For eligible spouses and de facto partners applying in Australia. Subclasses 820 and 801 form a combined temporary-to-permanent pathway, with relationship evidence and application validity assessed separately.
- Pathway
- 820 temporary → 801 permanent
- Apply from
- In Australia, with eligibility to lodge a valid onshore application
- At decision
- May be in or outside Australia at decision, subject to applicable requirements
- Permanent stage
- 801 · generally included in the original combined application
- Work rights
- Work and study on 820 after grant. While waiting, check the visa currently in effect.
Important cautions
- Being in Australia or marrying an Australian does not by itself establish eligibility to lodge a valid onshore application.
- A valid application may lead to a bridging visa, but grant, commencement, work and travel conditions depend on your circumstances. A pending application is not permission to work or travel.
- Do not assume a bridging visa lets you leave and re-enter Australia. Review travel arrangements and the visa in effect before departure.
- Relationship registration may support an exception to the usual de facto duration requirement in qualifying circumstances. It does not prove all relationship or visa criteria.
- Permanent-stage eligibility is generally considered two years after the original combined application—not two years after the temporary visa grant. Earlier consideration can apply to qualifying long-term relationships. This is an eligibility milestone, not a promised decision date.
- You do not have to remain in an unsafe relationship. If the relationship ends, do not assume withdrawal or refusal is inevitable: family violence, a sponsor’s death or qualifying child-related circumstances may affect some applications. Eligibility depends on the subclass, stage and circumstances; obtain individual advice.
For subclass-specific family violence eligibility and support, see the official information (opens in a new tab).
The two stages
820 · Temporary partner stage
Usually the first stage of the combined 820/801 application. A grant allows eligible applicants to live, work and study in Australia while the permanent stage is considered.
801 · Permanent partner stage
Permanent-stage eligibility is generally considered two years after the original combined application—not two years after the temporary visa grant. Earlier consideration can apply to qualifying long-term relationships. This is an eligibility milestone, not a promised decision date. Updated evidence and the permanent-stage criteria still need assessment; permanent residence is not automatic.
Key requirements
- Have an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and meets the relevant sponsorship requirements.
- Be legally married or in a qualifying de facto relationship, and demonstrate a genuine and continuing relationship with a mutual commitment to a shared life.
- De facto relationships generally must have existed for at least 12 months immediately before applying, unless an exception applies. Dating or an online relationship alone may not count.
- Be in Australia when applying, along with family members applying with you, and satisfy the requirements for a valid onshore application.
- Review current visa conditions, any No Further Stay restriction, previous refusals or cancellations and any additional criteria arising from immigration status before lodging.
- Meet health, character, identity and other applicable requirements. Any accompanying dependent family members must meet their own criteria.
What this visa allows
- Live, work and study in Australia once subclass 820 is granted.
- Access Medicare subject to eligibility, which must be checked separately.
- Include eligible dependent family members subject to the relevant requirements.
- Progress to subclass 801 if its requirements are satisfied, with possible later citizenship if separately eligible.
Evidence to prepare
- Marriage or qualifying relationship registration evidence, where applicable, alongside evidence of the relationship itself.
- A consistent relationship history supported by relevant financial, household, social and commitment evidence.
- An explanation of any periods living apart, with genuine communication and shared-life evidence.
- Appropriate sponsor, identity, immigration-history and dependent-family documents; updated relationship evidence for the permanent stage.
How the process works
- Assess the relationship, sponsor, immigration history and ability to lodge a valid onshore application.
- Prepare genuine relationship evidence and explain any gaps, separation or unusual circumstances.
- Lodge the combined 820/801 application and arrange the sponsorship application as required.
- Check the visa currently in effect and any bridging visa grant, commencement and conditions. Respond to health, character and information requests.
- If 820 is granted, maintain relevant records and provide updated evidence for the 801 assessment when eligible.
How relationship evidence is considered
Evidence is generally weighed across four areas as a whole picture, not ticked off as a checklist.
01Financial arrangements
Explain shared expenses, financial support and commitments using evidence that reflects your real arrangements. Joint accounts are not a universal checklist item.
02Household arrangements
Explain where and how you live, household responsibilities and care arrangements. If living apart, explain the circumstances rather than creating an artificial shared address.
03Social recognition
Show how friends, family and others know your relationship through relevant statements, activities, visits and records.
04Mutual commitment
Explain the relationship’s development, ongoing communication, knowledge of each other and plans for a shared life. Consistency matters more than document volume.
How we actually help
- Assess onshore application restrictions and sponsor eligibility before lodgement.
- Review genuine relationship documents and consistent statements without treating every couple as the same checklist.
- Prepare the combined application and sponsorship documentation, advise on bridging conditions and assist with the permanent-stage evidence.
Related pathway
820 and 801 are generally applied for together. The permanent stage does not require an unrelated new partner pathway, but updated documents and a separate assessment of the permanent criteria remain necessary.
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing times change and are not promised. Official sources:
About the 820/801
Potentially, if you can make a valid application and meet the other criteria. A No Further Stay condition, immigration history or other restrictions can affect the option. Check before lodging or allowing your current visa to expire.
Do not assume so. Your current visa remains relevant, and a bridging visa may not commence immediately. Work and travel rights depend on the visa actually in effect and its conditions.
There is no universal 12-month marriage requirement. The usual 12-month rule relates to qualifying de facto relationships, subject to exceptions. Married applicants must still prove a legally recognised, genuine and continuing relationship.
No. A qualifying registration can affect the usual de facto duration requirement, but it does not replace evidence of the relationship or satisfy every visa criterion.
Generally no. The usual milestone is two years after the original combined 820/801 application date. Earlier consideration may apply in qualifying circumstances, and the milestone is not a guaranteed decision date.
You do not have to remain in an unsafe relationship. If the relationship ends, do not assume withdrawal or refusal is inevitable: family violence, a sponsor’s death or qualifying child-related circumstances may affect some applications. Eligibility depends on the subclass, stage and circumstances; obtain individual advice.
Your matter:
Onshore Partner Visa (820/801).
Selected service · Onshore Partner Visa (820/801)
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your onshore partner visa (820/801) consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.