If you are in a real relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and are currently living in Australia, then the subclass partner visa 820 may be your way to live together for a long time. This visa allows an Australian partner or husband to live temporarily in Australia and eventually, applies to a permanent residence through the Subclass 801 visa.

Applying for partner visa subclass 820 can be a life-changing, but also includes a wide and often complex process. In this post, we will find out who are eligible, what the visa allows you to do, how to apply, and practical suggestions to improve success prospects.

What is the Subclass 820 Visa?

Partner Visa (Subclass 820) is a temporary onshore visa that allows a qualified Australian's spouse or real partner partner to live in Australia. This is the first step towards obtaining a permanent partner visa (subclass 801).

This visa makes unique that when you apply you should be in Australia and when the visa is given. This is ideal for couples who are already together in Australia and want to make their future here.

Major features of subclass 820 visa
Allows you to live, work and study in Australia while your permanent visa is processed.

Medicare gives you access to the public health system of Australia.

You can include dependent children in your application.

Nearly two years after applying, a permanent subclass leads to 801 visas.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the lesson 820 visa, you need:

Stay in a real and continuous relationship with your sponsors, which should be:

An Australian citizen, or

An Australian permanent resident, or

An eligible New Zealand citizen.

Be in Australia when you lodge the application and when the visa is granted.

Meet health and character requirements.

Be either:

Legally married, or

In a de facto relationship (usually for at least 12 months, unless your relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory).

Relationship Types Accepted

Australia recognizes equally equal-sex and uniform sex relations under the law. You do not need to get married, but you need to show that your relationship is real, exclusive and continuing. This means sharing your life together emotionally, economically and socially.

The Application Process
1. Create an ImmiAccount
All Partner Visa applications must be submitted online through the ImmiAccount.

2. Prepare Your Evidence
This is the most critical part.

You’ll need to prove the genuineness of your relationship through:

Financial evidence (joint bank accounts, shared bills)

Living arrangements (joint lease, utility bills)

Social aspects (photos, invitations, social media history)

Commitment (travel together, joint plans, communications)

3. Submit Your Application
You’ll need to submit both the 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) applications together, even though the permanent visa will only be considered two years later.

4. Pay the Visa Fee

By 2025, the cost of partner visa is around 8,850. This is an important investment, so it is important to correct the application for the first time.

5. Complete health and police investigation
You will have to undergo a health examination and provide a police clearance certificate from every country for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

What happens after logant?

Once your application submissions:

You can be eligible for a bridging visa A (BVA), so that you can stay in Australia in Australia while waiting.

The processing time varies, but may be from 12 to 24 months for 820 visas.

After two years from the initial residence, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your eligibility for the subclass 801 permanent partner visa.

General challenges and tips
1. Inadequate relationship evidence
Due to lack of evidence, many applications are delayed or rejected. Make sure your evidence is consistent and covers the entire duration of the relationship.

2. De Facto Time Requirement

If you do not live together for 12 months, you may be able to bypass it by entering your relationship with a state government (eg, Victoria, NSW, Queensland).

3. Character or Health Concerns
Disclose any criminal records or medical conditions early and be honest in your application.

4. Changes in Relationship

If your relationship ends after 820 visas, but before the 801 visa is approved, you may still be eligible for permanent visa in some cases (eg, domestic violence or if you have children together).

Briding Visa A (BVA)
After applying for 820 visas, you will usually be provided a bridging visa A, which allows you:

When your 820 visa is processed, be law in Australia.

Work and study (subject to conditions).

Travel restrictions may apply, and you will need a bridging visa B (BVB) to leave and re -enter Australia.

After You Get the 820 Visa
Once granted, the 820 visa allows you to:

Stay in Australia temporarily.

Work and study with no restrictions.

Access Medicare.

Wait to evaluate your 801 visa after about two years of initial application.

final thoughts

Subclass 820 partner visa is a powerful route for couples that want to live together in Australia. While the process can take time-consuming and emotionally demand, award-living, working, working and building life with your partner.