Applying for a visa can feel like navigating a maze—but if you're in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the Partner Visa 820 could be your path to staying together in Australia. This visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian to live temporarily in Australia while waiting for permanent residency. In this article, we’ll break down how it works, what documents you need, and what to expect during the process.
What Is the Partner Visa 820?
The Partner Visa 820 is a temporary onshore visa for applicants already in Australia. It’s part one of a two-stage process toward permanent residency. Once granted, it allows you to stay, work, and study in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa 801 is being assessed.
Here’s how it works:
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You apply for both the 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) visas at the same time.
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You’re first considered for the 820 visa.
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After about two years, if your relationship is still genuine and ongoing, you’ll be considered for the 801 visa.
This setup gives you the right to stay legally in Australia during the entire process.
Who Can Apply for Partner Visa 820?
To apply, you must:
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Be in Australia when you apply and when the 820 visa is granted.
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Be in a genuine spousal or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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Have your partner sponsor your application.
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Meet health and character requirements.
If you're in a de facto relationship, you usually need to have lived together for at least 12 months, unless you’ve registered your relationship in a state or territory where that’s possible.
Partner Visa 820 Checklist: What You’ll Need
The paperwork is one of the most important (and time-consuming) parts of your application. Here’s a basic partner visa 820 checklist to help keep you organized:
Personal Documents:
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Passport bio page
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Birth certificate
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Passport-sized photos
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Australian visa grant letter (if applicable)
Relationship Evidence:
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Marriage certificate or evidence of de facto relationship
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Joint lease or home ownership documents
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Shared bills, bank statements, or financial commitments
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Photos together
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Social evidence: invitations, messages, travel together
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Statutory declarations from friends/family who can vouch for your relationship
From Your Sponsor:
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Identity documents (passport, citizenship certificate, etc.)
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Proof of employment/income (optional but helpful)
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Signed sponsorship form
Additional:
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Police checks (Australia and overseas)
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Health exams (you’ll be contacted when it's time)
Tip: Organize your evidence into the four relationship categories the Department of Home Affairs focuses on—financial, social, household, and commitment. That’ll make your application easier to assess.
Partner Visa 820 Processing Time in 2025
One of the most common questions is, “How long does it take?” The partner visa 820 processing time can vary widely depending on your circumstances, the quality of your application, and any policy changes.
As of 2025, here’s what you can generally expect:
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75% of applications are processed within 22 months
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90% of applications are processed within 28 months
That’s quite a wait—but remember, once you lodge your application, you’ll likely be granted a bridging visa that allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while you wait.
You can help speed things up by:
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Submitting a complete application with strong evidence
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Providing police checks and health exams as soon as requested
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Responding quickly to any additional info requests
What Happens After You Get the 820 Visa?
Once your Partner Visa 820 is granted, you can:
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Stay in Australia legally
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Work and study
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Enroll in Medicare
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Travel freely in and out of the country
Around two years after applying, you’ll be contacted about your Partner Visa 801 (permanent residency). You’ll need to submit updated relationship evidence to show that your relationship is still genuine and ongoing. If everything checks out, you’ll move to the permanent stage.
Tips for a Smoother Application
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Start collecting evidence early. The more you have, the better. Think joint finances, shared living, social events, and mutual plans.
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Be honest and consistent. Any inconsistencies in your statements, forms, or timeline could raise red flags.
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Use a migration agent if you feel unsure. They can guide you through the partner visa 820 checklist and help present your case clearly.
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Stay informed. Visa policies and processing times can shift. Keep an eye on the Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a professional for updates.
Final Thoughts
Applying for the Partner Visa 820 can feel like a long and emotional journey, but it’s also a powerful pathway to building your life in Australia with your partner. If you approach it with preparation and patience, it’s absolutely manageable.
From understanding the partner visa 820 processing time to making sure you tick everything off your partner visa 820 checklist, taking the time to get things right from the start will save you a lot of stress later on.
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