Partner Visa (Temporary & Permanent) (Subclass 820/801)
Live in Australia With Your Partner on a Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia and progress toward permanent residency.
Our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne assist couples with relationship assessment, evidence strategy, and end-to-end visa lodgement, ensuring applications meet the strict legal requirements applied by the Department of Home Affairs.
This visa is relationship-based, not automatic, and requires strong, consistent proof.
What Is the Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801)?
The onshore Partner Visa pathway consists of two stages:
- Subclass 820 – Temporary Partner Visa
- Subclass 801 – Permanent Partner Visa
Applicants usually apply for both visas together, with the temporary visa granted first, followed by permanent residency once relationship criteria are satisfied.
This visa allows you to:
- Live and work in Australia
- Study in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Progress to Australian Permanent Residency
- Apply for Australian citizenship (when eligible)
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa?
You may be eligible if you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship as:
- A married spouse, or
- A de facto partner (usually 12 months of relationship, unless exempt)
And your partner is:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
An eligible New Zealand citizen
Relationship Requirements (Critical Section)
Your relationship must meet all four legal pillars:
1) Financial Aspects
Joint finances, shared expenses, bank accounts, liabilities.
2) Nature of the Household
Living arrangements, shared responsibilities, household setup.
3) Social Aspects
Recognition by friends and family, joint activities, social proof.
4) Commitment to Each Other
Length of relationship, future plans, communication history.
Weak or inconsistent evidence is the number one reason for refusal.
Eligibility Requirements – Subclass 820 / 801
- Genuine Relationship Evidence
Detailed documents covering past, present, and future commitment.
- Sponsorship
Your partner must formally sponsor you and meet sponsorship obligations.
- Health & Character
Medical examinations and police clearances for all applicants.
- Onshore Requirement
Subclass 820 applications are lodged while you are in Australia.
How the Partner Visa Process Works
- Eligibility & Relationship Assessment
- Evidence Strategy & Document Structuring
- Statutory Declarations & Statements
- Lodgement of 820/801 Application
- Temporary Visa (820) Grant
- Permanent Visa (801) Assessment
Some long-term relationships may be eligible for direct PR consideration, but this is strictly assessed.
How V CAN Migration Services Helps
Partner visas are evidence-heavy and legally complex.
Our structured approach includes:
- Relationship Strength Assessment
- Evidence Gap Identification
- Document & Statement Strategy
- Sponsorship Compliance Review
- Visa Lodgement & Monitoring
- 801 PR Stage Planning
Key Benefits of the Partner Visa (820/801)
- Work & Study Rights
Work and study without restriction in Australia.
- Medicare Access
Access Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Permanent Residency Pathway
Progress from Subclass 820 to Subclass 801 PR.
- Family Inclusion
Eligible dependent children can be included.
Important Facts You Must Understand
- ❌ Marriage alone does not guarantee approval
- ❌ Fake or staged relationships lead to refusal and bans
- ❌ Poorly organised evidence weakens genuine cases
- ❌ Inconsistent timelines raise serious concerns
This visa requires proof, structure, and consistency, not emotion.
Why Choose V CAN Migration Services?
- Registered Migration Agent-led partner visa strategy
- Strong experience with complex relationship cases
- Evidence-focused, compliance-first approach
- No false promises or shortcuts
Need Help With a Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801)?
Speak with Registered Migration Agents at V CAN Migration Services – Melbourne for accurate advice and structured partner visa lodgement.
Eligibility Requirements – SID (Subclass 482) Visa
Employer / Sponsor Requirements
- Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit locally unless exempt under international trade obligations.
- Minimum Salary Threshold
Sponsored workers must be paid:
- At least the Core Skills Threshold (CST)
- And in line with the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
Visa Applicant Requirements
- Work Experience
Applicants must demonstrate at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
- English Language Ability
Applicants must meet English language requirements unless an exemption applies.
- Police Clearance Certificates
Police clearances are required for every country lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
Need Advice on the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa?
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a temporary visa leading to PR (801).
Usually assessed after 2 years, depending on the case.
Yes. Full work rights apply.
No. De facto relationships are accepted with evidence.
Refusals are difficult to overturn. Proper preparation is critical.