Onshore Partner Visa
(Subclass 820/801)
For partners of Australians who are already in the country. This dual stage visa allows you to stay in Australia with your loved one while transitioning to permanent residency.
Process
2-Stage
Temporary to Permanent
Eligibility
Spouse/De Facto
Genuine relationship
Location
In Australia
Apply while onshore
Application Fee
$9,095 AUD
Covers both stages
Understanding the Onshore Partner Visa
The Subclass 820/801 Visa is a specialized pathway for couples where one partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and the other is currently in Australia on a temporary visa.
Unlike many other visas, this process is focused entirely on the genuineness and commitment of your relationship. It is granted in two steps: first, a temporary visa (820) that gives you immediate rights to stay, and eventually, a permanent residency grant (801) once the relationship has stood the test of time.
Navigating the mountains of evidence required to prove your life together can be daunting. We specialize in structuring your "Four Pillars" of evidence financial, social, household, and commitment to present the strongest possible case to the Department.
The Four Pillars of Evidence
To secure a partner visa, you must demonstrate your relationship through these four critical perspectives.
Financial
Joint bank accounts, shared assets, joint loans, and shared financial responsibilities.
Social
Joint invitations, photos with friends/family, shared travel, and being recognized as a couple in public.
Household
Joint leases or utility bills, shared household chores, and evidence of living under the same roof.
Commitment
Future plans together, relationship statements, and naming each other in wills or as beneficiaries.
Visa Benefits
Key Features of the 820/801 Visa
Explore the rights and future opportunities this visa provides for you and your partner.
The Four Pillars
Your relationship is assessed across four key areas: Financial (joint money), Social (public recognition), Household (living together), and Commitment (future planning).
Outcome
Dual Stage Process
Key Detail
Must prove a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian partner.
Future Potential
Each couple's evidence is unique, but balanced across these pillars.
Who Can Apply?
Ensure you meet these fundamental benchmarks before beginning your application.
Genuine Union
You must be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian partner.
Age Limit
Both the applicant and the sponsor must be 18 years of age or older.
Onshore Only
You must be physically present in Australia when you lodge this application.
Health & Character
Pass standard medical screenings and provide clean police records.
Roadmap
The Application Lifecycle
A simplified step by step horizontal guide to your partner migration journey.
Gather Records
Collect the Four Pillars of evidence and identity documents.
Lodge Application
Submit your 820/801 online and receive your Bridging Visa.
Verifications
Complete medical exams and submit international police checks.
Temporary (820)
Receive your temporary grant allowing you to stay indefinitely.
Permanent (801)
Confirm the relationship is still ongoing 2 years later to get PR.
Critical Advice
Partner visas don't use a points test, but they have strict legal hurdles:
- No Points Test: Your approval is based on your relationship history, not age or English skills.
- Bridging Visa: You are granted a BVA immediately upon lodgement to maintain legal status.
- Mistakes to Avoid: Incomplete evidence or failing to address past visa issues (Schedule 3) can lead to refusal.
Application Costs
*Covers both temporary and permanent stages. Excludes medicals, police clearances, and document translation fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to secure your life in Australia together?
Don't leave your partner's future to chance. Let our migration experts ensure your relationship evidence is unbreakable.