Partner visa (in Australia) 820 / 801
For the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying in Australia.
In force
Who it is for
You are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you apply while in Australia. One application covers the temporary 820 and then the permanent 801.
Main requirements
- A genuine, continuing and exclusive relationship. De facto relationships usually need 12 months living together before you apply, unless registered or another exception applies.
- Age 18 or older in most cases.
- An approved sponsor (your partner), who cannot be changed later. Limits apply to repeat sponsorships.
- Sponsor character checks and consent to share relevant convictions.
- Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) must be waived first if it applies. Some regional visa holders must have held their visa for 2 or 3 years.
- If you hold no substantive visa, extra criteria and extra documents at lodgement apply.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
In Australia. A bridging visa usually starts when your current visa ends. You need a Bridging B to travel and return.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Free first call, then a consultation
The first 15 minutes are free and general. A longer consultation is quoted in writing before it starts.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains your honest options, risks, costs and timing. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Evidence
Evidence across finances, household, social life and commitment; statements from both partners; two Form 888 statements.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent keeps statements consistent and explains what does not count. - Lodgement
Lodge the combined application and pay the charge; your partner lodges the sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges before your current visa ends. - Bridging visa
Keeps you lawful while you wait.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks work rights and Bridging B timing. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - 820 decision
Live, work, study and enrol in Medicare. Do not take another visa.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent diarises the 2-year date. - 801 permanent stage
About two years after lodgement, provide updated evidence.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the second-stage evidence. - Permanent residence and citizenship
Citizenship when you meet the residence requirement.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans the next steps.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (covers both stages) | A$11,710 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$5,860 |
| Family member under 18 | A$2,935 |
| Current Prospective Marriage (300) holder who married the sponsor | A$1,955 |
| Dependent Child (445) holder | Nil |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| 820 temporary stage | 50% in 22 months, 90% in 30 months |
|---|---|
| 801 permanent stage (from eligibility) | 50% in 8 months, 90% in 19 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Relationship not shown to be genuine and continuing.
- De facto under 12 months without an exception.
- Sponsor limits, character or consent.
- Invalid application: 8503 not waived, or missing statutory declarations.
- Inconsistent statements.
- A previous relationship not legally ended.
- False documents.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Identity
- Relationship
- Family and character
Recent and upcoming changes
- 25 July 2026
A new Ministerial Direction gives family visas made in Australia the highest processing priority.
Questions
Do we need to be married?
No. A de facto relationship can qualify, usually after 12 months of living together, unless it is registered or another exception applies.
Can I travel while I wait?
If you hold a Bridging A, apply for a Bridging B before you leave, or you may not be able to return on it.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.