If you are in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to apply for a Subclass 820 visa. This visa allows you to live in Australia with your partner while your permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is being processed. The Subclass 820 is a temporary partner visa, but it is the first step toward getting permanent residency through the Subclass 801 visa.
Many people choose this visa because it lets them live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for their permanent visa. It also helps couples stay together and build their lives in Australia. In this blog, we will explain the eligibility, requirements, and benefits of the Subclass 820 visa in simple terms, so you can clearly understand whether this visa is the right choice for you.
What Is the Subclass 820 Visa?
The Subclass 820 visa is a temporary partner visa for people who are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows the applicant to live in Australia with their partner while they wait for the permanent Subclass 801 visa.
The visa is applied for onshore, which means the applicant must be inside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted. After being on the 820 visa for about 2 years, the applicant can then be assessed for the permanent Subclass 801 visa.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 820 Visa?
To apply for the Subclass 820 visa, you must:
- Be in Australia when you apply.
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner.
- Be married or in a de facto relationship.
- Be sponsored by your partner.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have no visa cancellations or past visa refusals in Australia (some exceptions may apply).
If you are in a de facto relationship, you must have lived together for at least 12 months, unless your relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory.
Requirements for the Subclass 820 Visa
Here are the key requirements you need to fulfill:
1. Relationship Proof
You must show that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This includes:
- Sharing finances (joint bank accounts, bills, rent, etc.)
- Living together or making plans to live together
- Photos and messages showing your time together
- Statements from family or friends
- A personal statement from both partners about the relationship
2. Sponsorship
Your partner must sponsor you. The sponsor must be:
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident, or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Not previously sponsored more than one other partner in the past five years (exceptions apply)
3. Health and Character Checks
You must pass:
- A health check with an approved doctor
- A police check from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
4. Application Fee
The cost for the visa application is around AUD 8,850. This fee also covers the permanent partner visa (Subclass 801).
How Long Does the Subclass 820 Visa Take?
Processing times can vary. On average, it can take:
- 23 to 29 months to process the Subclass 820 visa.
After that, you may apply for the Subclass 801 visa. You don’t need to pay a new fee for the Subclass 801, as the payment is already included in your original application.
What Are the Benefits of the Subclass 820 Visa?
There are many benefits of getting the Subclass 820 visa. These include:
1. Live in Australia: You can legally stay in Australia with your partner while your permanent visa is being processed.
2. Work Rights: You can work full-time in Australia on this visa. There are no limits to the type of work you can do.
3. Study in Australia: You can also study in Australia, but you may not be eligible for government support like HECS-HELP.
4. Access to Healthcare: Once you apply, you can get access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system.
5. Travel Rights: You can travel in and out of Australia freely while your visa is valid.
6. Pathway to Permanent Residency: This visa is the first step towards the Subclass 801 visa, which is a permanent visa. After about two years, you can be assessed for permanent residency.
Important Things to Remember
- You must be inside Australia when you apply.
- You must stay in a real and continuing relationship with your partner.
- Keep updating your relationship documents even after the visa is granted.
- If your relationship ends before the permanent visa is granted, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs.
Tips for a Strong Application
Here are some useful tips to make your application stronger:
- Submit clear and detailed relationship evidence.
- Keep your documents well organized.
- Write personal statements in your own words, describing how your relationship started and grew.
- Include evidence of communication (chats, emails, calls).
- Don’t wait until the last minute to gather documents.
- Keep records of travel, gifts, events, or shared plans with your partner.
The Subclass 820 visa is a great option for couples who want to live together in Australia. It allows you to stay with your partner, work, study, and enjoy life in Australia while waiting for permanent residency. While the process may seem long and detailed, it is worth it if you are serious about building a future with your partner. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements and gather strong proof of your relationship. The more evidence you give, the better your chances of getting approved. If you are unsure, you can also speak to a registered migration agent to guide you through the process.
