PARTNER VISAS
Partner visas allow spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.
Disclaimers: While we strive to ensure the information on this website is accurate and up to date, the information provided on this website is intended as a general guide and was accurate at time of publication.. Migration laws and policies can change frequently. We recommend visiting the Department of Home Affairs' website for the most current information.
The visa requirements listed on this website are general guidelines and represent the most common criteria. However, additional requirements or different criteria may apply based on individual circumstances. It is important to consult with an immigration professional or the relevant authorities to ensure you meet all specific requirements for your situation.
The onshore partner visas allow those in a spousal or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand to live in Australia. This involves a two-step process that involves applying for a temporary visa (subclass 820) and a residence visa (subclass 801) while the applicant is in Australia.
Partner (Temporary) Subclass 820
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
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You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa
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You must be in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
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You must have a sponsor - the spouse/de facto partner
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​Be in a relationship that is either a married relationship or a de facto relationship
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You must meet health and character requirements
WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS YOU TO DO
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Live, work and study in Australia during the validity period of the visa
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Travel to and from Australia during the validity of the travel facility of the visa
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Access Australia's health care scheme - Medicare. You may find information about Medicare eligibility at Services Australia website.
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Apply for permanent residency via subclass 801 once 2 years have passed since you first applied for the subclass 820 visa
IMPORTANT INFORMATION*
Subclass 820 visa holders should be aware that:
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They must inform the Department of Home Affairs of any relevant change to their circumstances
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They must comply with all conditions imposed on the visa applicant when the visa was granted
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They must obey Australian law
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FEES AND CHARGES
An application for a Subclass 820 visa is part of a combined application with the Subclass 801 visa. The combined application charge is paid at the time of lodging the Subclass 820 application.. No fees are payable for applying for a Subclass 820 itself, however, a fee is required for the Subclass 801 visa (refer to the fees further below).
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Please check the Department of Home Affairs' website for the latest information relating to visa application charges
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Please note that the visa application charge is the application fee charged by the Department to assess the application. Any professional fees or other services such as police checks, health examinations, translations, etc., are charged separately.
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View our schedule of fees for professional services here.
PROCESSING TIMES
Processing time for a subclass 820 visa application may vary from 4 to 25 months, depending on the individual circumstances and completeness of the application.
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More information may be found at the Department's website.
Partner (Residence) Subclass 801
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
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You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa
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You must hold a temporary partner visa (subclass 820) or a dependent child visa (subclass 445) or a prospective marriage visa (subclass 300).
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You must have applied for the subclass 820 at least 2 years before the application for a subclass 801 (some exceptions apply)
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You must continue to be in a genuine, comimtted and ongoing relationship with the sponsoring partner (some exceptions apply)
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You must meet the health and character requirements​
WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS YOU TO DO
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Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely
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Travel to and from Australia during the validity of the travel facility of the visa
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Access Australia's health care scheme - Medicare. You may find information about Medicare eligibility at Services Australia website.
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Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
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If eligible, apply for Australian citizenship
IMPORTANT INFORMATION*
Subclass 801 visa holders should be aware that:
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They must comply with all conditions imposed on the visa applicant when the visa was granted
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They must obey Australian law
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The travel facility is usually valid for 5 years from date of grant. After this, the visa holder will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa to be able to leave Australia and then re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
FEES AND CHARGES
Base visa application charge for a Partner Visa (subclass 801) is of AUD9,365.00​.
Additional applicant charge for those who are 18 or over is of AUD4,685.00
Additional applicant charge for those under 18 is of AUD2,345.00
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Please check the Department of Home Affairs' website for the latest information relating to visa application charges
​
Please note that the visa application charge is the application fee charged by the Department to assess the application. Any professional fees or other services such as police checks, health examinations, translations, etc., are charged separately.
​
View our schedule of fees for professional services here.
PROCESSING TIMES
Processing time for a subclass 801 visa application may vary from 6 to 12 months after applicant becomes eligible for the visa, depending on the individual circumstances and completeness of the application.
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More information may be found at the Department's website.