Subclass 820
Temporary Visa
Stay in Australia with your partner while you move toward permanent residency.
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa, allows people who are already in Australia and in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to remain onshore while applying for the permanent Subclass 801 Partner Visa.
Hansen Migration supports you at every step from eligibility to evidence to long-term residency with trusted advice and a 100% success rate.
Subclass 820 Visa Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be inside Australia when they apply for the visa
- Receive appropriate sponsorship from their spouse or de facto partner
- Provide evidence they are in a genuine relationship with their partner
- Pass the health, identity, and character tests set by the Australian Government
What is a Subclass 820 visa?
The subclass 820 visa, also known as an onshore temporary Partner visa, lets the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live temporarily in Australia. Getting this visa is typically the first step in achieving a permanent onshore Partner visa (subclass 801).
Are you eligible to apply for the Subclass 820 visa?
To apply, you must:
- Be inside Australia at the time of application
- Hold a valid visa without condition 8503
- Be in a married or de facto relationship with your sponsor
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship
- Be sponsored by your partner (who must be an Australian citizen, PR, or an eligible NZ citizen)
- Meet health and character requirements
Your relationship
You must provide strong evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This includes proof across four key aspects: financial, social, household, and commitment.
Marriage
If you are legally married to your sponsor, you must show that your relationship is genuine and that you both intend to live as spouses.
De facto relationship
If you are in a de facto relationship, you must demonstrate that you’ve lived together for at least 12 months, unless your relationship is legally registered in Australia.
Your visa status
You must be on a valid visa at the time of application. If your visa has a “No Further Stay” (condition 8503), you will need to request a waiver before applying. Once you lodge your application, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A to stay in Australia legally while the decision is made.
How can you apply for the Subclass 820 visa?
Applications are submitted online via your ImmiAccount. Working with a registered migration agent helps ensure all evidence is properly prepared and reduces the risk of delays or refusal.
The type of evidence to be provided includes the following:
- Joint bank accounts or bills
- Lease agreements or shared property ownership
- Photographs and travel history
- Social media records or invitations addressed to you both
- Personal statements and statutory declarations
- Letters from friends and family
- Evidence of joint responsibilities and future plans
What will it cost?
The current application fees for lodging a Subclass 820 visa are listed in the table below
As of July 2025, the following visa application charges apply:
- Main applicant (820/801 combined): $9,365 AUD
- Additional applicant over 18: $4,685 AUD
- Additional applicant under 18: $2,345 AUD
This visa application fee is paid when lodging your Subclass 820 application and covers both visa stages.
Other expected costs
- Migration agent professional fees
- Health examinations
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) check
- Overseas police certificates (if required)
- Translation and certification of non-English documents
How long will it take for a decision to be made on your Subclass 820 application?
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances. In our experience:
- Most decisions are made within 8 to 18 months
- Providing complete and accurate documentation upfront can help reduce delays
What happens when you lodge a temporary Subclass 820 application?
Once you lodge your application, you will:
- Be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing you to stay in Australia lawfully
- Be able to work and study, usually with full rights
- Receive Medicare access
What happens once 2 years have passed since you lodged your application?
If you’re still in a genuine relationship, the second stage of the application must be lodged with the Department of Home Affairs. You will then be assessed for the Subclass 801 permanent visa.
What happens if the Subclass 820 visa is granted?
You’ll receive temporary residency in Australia, with:
- Full work and study rights
- Medicare access
- The ability to remain in Australia until a decision is made on your permanent Partner Visa
What happens if the Subclass 820 visa is refused?
You’ll receive a written explanation from the Department of Home Affairs. In most cases, you’ll have the right to appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Working with an experienced migration agent can significantly reduce the chance of refusal.
The 820 visa application process usually requires a large amount of detailed documentation. Failing to provide all of the information in the right formats can result in the application being refused. We typically recommend seeking professional guidance on all 820 visa applications.
But don’t worry – Hansen Migration is here to help.
We specialise in Partner visas like the subclass 820, and have a 100% success rate in getting 820 visas approved. We can help guide you through the submission process, catch any mistakes, and give you the best chance of a fast, successful visa outcome.
Applying for an 820 Visa
Applying for an onshore Partner visa is usually a multi-stage process. The first stage involves lodging a combined application for a temporary Partner visa (visa subclass 820) and a permanent Partner visa (visa subclass 801) at the same time.
The temporary 820 visa will typically be granted first. It allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia temporarily, while their permanent visa is being considered. Later, if your permanent visa application is successful, the permanent subclass 801 visa will replace your 820 visa.
Onshore
Subclass 820 Temporary Visa
Onshore
Subclass 801 Permanent Visa
Benefits of an 820 Visa
- The right to live, work, and study in Australia on a temporary basis
- Unrestricted access rights to travel to and from Australia
- The right to apply for access to Medicare, Australia’s public health care system
- Access to free English lessons
Common Challenges of an 820 Visa
Applying for the 820 visa can be a lengthy and complex process. Challenges include establishing the eligibility of your sponsor; gathering sufficient evidence to show your relationship with your partner is genuine; passing all the health, identity and character checks; and ensuring all your documentation is in order and submitted before the deadlines. Staying on top of all the details during the application process can be stressful and demanding.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. At Hansen Migration, our Registered Migration Agents are up to date on all the current laws and requirements for 820 visa applications. We can help guide you through the application process, reduce your stress, and ensure you get the best chance of a fast, successful visa outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can remain in Australia temporarily and will be considered for the permanent 801 visa after 2 years.
Not immediately. It’s a temporary visa. You must be assessed for the permanent 801 visa after the two-year mark.
Yes. Once you are granted a Bridging Visa A or your 820 visa, you are eligible for Medicare.
In most cases, No.
820 visa holders are generally not eligible for Centrelink payments.
Yes, but you may need a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to travel and re-enter Australia while waiting for your 820 visa decision.
Most applications are processed within 8 to 18 months, depending on your situation and document quality.
The 820 is temporary, allowing you to stay in Australia. The 801 is permanent residency, granted after continued assessment of your relationship.
Yes. Your Bridging Visa A typically gives you full work rights while your 820 is processed.
This can affect your visa eligibility. However, you may still have options depending on your situation (e.g. family violence provisions, children, or other compassionate grounds). Seek professional advice immediately.
Download Your Free Family Visa Handbook
Looking for more details on the different visas and the requirements? We’ve put together this handy guide to help answer your questions. Just click below to download a copy today.
If you’ve still got questions after reading it, don’t stress – we can help. Book a free consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents today.
