Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 are the two varieties of Partner Visas. The Subclass 820 visa is a partner visa that permits you to temporarily reside in Australia. The Subclass 820 visa is the preliminary step in obtaining a permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). You apply for both visas together and simply pay one application fee. Applications are handled in two stages, separated by approximately two years.

To qualify, you must be married to or living in a common-law partnership with:

An Australian citizen

An Australian permanent resident

An qualified New Zealand citizen

What Advantages Does a Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801) Offer?

The Temporary Partner visa provides restricted privileges, such as:

Work and reside in Australia pending a determination on your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

Research in Australia (without access to government funding)

Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s health care and expenditure system.

Include children who rely on you on your application (dependent applicants must be in Australia when they apply)

Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) gives all advantages of permanent residency in Australia:

Work and reside in Australia permanently

Possibility of studying in Australia

Medicare is Australia’s national healthcare program.

Possibility of applying for Australian citizenship

Sponsoring family members for permanent residency

Free movement into and out of Australia

How Do I Submit an Application for a Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801)?

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You must include specific papers with your application to substantiate your claims. These papers are specified on the Document Checklist for Subclass 820/801.

Step 2: Submit an Application

Visa applications for the Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801) may be submitted online, via mail, or in person. At the time of application, you must have all required papers and the visa application cost, which may be paid by credit card.

Step 3: Await a determination

The DHA may take many months to reach a determination on your visa application. In 2016, the 189 visa processing time was three months.

Step 4: Receive your visa and begin your employment

Upon approval of your application, you will obtain your visa and be able to begin working in Australia.