Partner visa

What is the Subclass 820 Partner Visa?

The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is a temporary visa designed for individuals in a de facto relationship or married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows applicants to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) to be processed. This visa is essential for couples who wish to build their lives together in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this visa, you must:

1. Be in Australia: You must be physically present in Australia when you lodge your application and when the visa is granted.

2. Sponsor Requirements: Your partner must sponsor you for the visa. The sponsor should:

- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

- Have no record of sponsorship issues (e.g., previous breaches).

3. Relationship Type: You must either:

- Be married legally (under Australian law or a recognized foreign marriage).

- Be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless exemptions apply (such as registered relationships).

4. Meet Health and Character Requirements: You must undergo health checks and provide police clearance certificates.

Key Benefits of the Visa

- Temporary Stay: Live in Australia while your permanent visa is being processed.

- Work Rights: Work unrestricted in Australia.

- Study Rights: Study without government-funded financial assistance.

- Access to Medicare: Eligible applicants can access Australia’s public healthcare system.

Understanding the Five Aspects of the Relationship

Providing strong evidence for these five aspects is critical to proving your relationship is genuine and ongoing:

1. Financial Aspects:

- Include joint financial documents like:

- Joint bank account statements showing shared expenses.

- Joint loans, mortgages, or credit card accounts.

- Shared utility bills (electricity, water, internet) in both names.

- Include documents showing financial support between partners:

- Evidence of sending or receiving funds between each other.

- Proof of sharing major expenses like rent or car payments.

2. Nature of the Household:

- Evidence showing you live together:

- Rental agreements or property ownership documents listing both names.

- A statutory declaration from the landlord or neighbors confirming cohabitation.

- Mail addressed to both partners at the same address.

- Include evidence of shared household responsibilities, such as:

- Grocery or shopping receipts.

- Photos showing shared home life, like preparing meals or hosting events.

3. Social Aspects:

- Demonstrate that your relationship is known and supported by friends and family:

- Wedding invitations, holiday cards, or joint event invitations.

- Photos with family and friends at various social gatherings or events.

- Travel itineraries or bookings showing joint holidays or visits to family.

- Attach statutory declarations from friends and family that describe your relationship and its authenticity.

4. Nature of the Commitment:

- Prove your relationship is strong and long-term by providing:

- Evidence of naming each other in wills, power of attorney, or insurance policies.

- Messages, emails, or letters showing emotional support and affection.

- Proof of long-term planning, such as buying a house together or planning children.

- Highlight the intention to stay together by sharing a timeline of your relationship milestones.

5. Development of the Relationship:

- Show how your relationship has evolved over time:

- Provide a written statement detailing how and when you met, challenges faced together, and future plans.

- Attach photos from significant events, anniversaries, or cultural celebrations.

- Include shared experiences like volunteering, hobbies, or mutual achievements.

Application Process

1. Gather Documentation: Prepare evidence for each aspect of your relationship.

2. Lodge Application Online:

- Create an account on the Australian Immigration website.

- Complete the application form and upload supporting documents.

3. Health and Character Checks:

- Undergo health examinations as requested.

- Provide police clearance certificates for all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months.

4. Pay the Fee: Follow the link given below for the visa application charge.

5. Await Processing: Follow the link given below for the latest processing times.

The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is an incredible pathway for couples wishing to live and build their futures together in Australia. By presenting clear and compelling evidence across the five relationship aspects, you can navigate the process with confidence. Let me know if you’d like assistance in organizing or preparing specific parts of your application!

Visa application charge

Processing times