Provisional Partner Visa (Subclass 820): Temporary Onshore Residence
Visa Class
820
Length of Stay
Stay until a decision is made for Subclass 801
Cost
From AUD 9300
What is the Provisional Partner Visa (Subclass 820)?
The Provisional Partner Visa (Subclass 820) is a temporary onshore partner visa that allows eligible applicants to live in Australia with their Australian partner while their permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is being assessed. This visa is designed for couples who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship and are already in Australia at the time of application.
The Subclass 820 visa is usually lodged together with the Subclass 801 application as part of a combined partner visa process. Once granted, it provides lawful residence and full work rights in Australia during the assessment period.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 820 Visa?
You may be eligible for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa if:
- You are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- You are inside Australia when lodging the application
- You and your partner are at least 18 years old
- Your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and exclusive
- You meet health and character requirements
This visa is commonly used by couples already living together in Australia.
Relationship Evidence Requirements
To succeed with a Subclass 820 application, you must provide strong evidence covering all aspects of your relationship, including:
Shared finances (joint accounts, shared expenses)
Living arrangements (lease agreements, utility bills)
Social recognition (photos, invitations, statements from friends and family)
Long-term commitment (personal statements, future plans, beneficiary details)
Well-organised and consistent evidence significantly improves approval chances.
How to Apply for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa
The application is lodged online through ImmiAccount with the Department of Home Affairs. Both the applicant and sponsor must complete their sections and upload supporting documents.
After lodging the application and paying the visa fee, most applicants are granted a Bridging Visa, allowing them to remain in Australia lawfully while the Subclass 820 visa is assessed.
Immigration may request additional documents during processing, and applicants must notify the Department of any changes in circumstances.
Subclass 820 Processing Time
Subclass 820 processing times vary depending on individual circumstances. Factors that may affect processing include:
- Quality and completeness of relationship evidence
- Health and character checks
- Previous visa history
- Immigration workload at the time
Submitting a well-prepared application helps reduce delays.
Cost of the Subclass 820 Partner Visa
The main cost is the government application charge, which covers both the temporary (820) and permanent (801) partner visa stages.
Additional costs may include health examinations, police certificates, and document translations.
Benefits of the Subclass 820 Visa
Holders of the Subclass 820 Partner Visa can:
Live in Australia legally while awaiting permanent residency
Work and study without restrictions
Access Medicare
Travel in and out of Australia
Progress to the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
Pathway from Subclass 820 to Subclass 801
The Subclass 820 visa is the first stage of the onshore partner visa process. After a qualifying period, the Department of Home Affairs assesses eligibility for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).
In most cases, no new application is required, provided the relationship is ongoing.
Common Reasons for Subclass 820 Refusal
Subclass 820 visas may be refused due to:
Insufficient or inconsistent relationship evidence
Incomplete documentation
Sponsor ineligibility or sponsorship limitations
Failure to meet health or character requirements
Professional guidance can help avoid these risks.
Check Eligibility
FAQs
How long does it take to get a Partner Visa Subclass 820?
Processing times vary depending on the quality of documents, relationship evidence, health and character checks, and the Department of Home Affairs’ workload. Well-prepared applications with complete evidence are usually processed faster.
Can I work and study on a Subclass 820 visa?
Yes. Once granted, the Subclass 820 visa allows you to work and study in Australia without restrictions. You can also enrol in Medicare for access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
Can I travel while waiting for a Subclass 820 decision?
After applying, most applicants receive a Bridging Visa. Travel rights depend on the type of bridging visa granted. Once the Subclass 820 visa is approved, you can usually travel in and out of Australia while it remains valid.
What evidence is required for a Partner Visa 820 application?
You must show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This includes evidence of shared finances, living arrangements, social recognition, and long-term commitment, supported by documents and personal statements.
Does the Subclass 820 visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. The Subclass 820 is the temporary stage of the onshore partner visa pathway and can lead to permanent residency through the Partner Visa Subclass 801 if the relationship continues.
What happens after my Subclass 820 visa is granted?
After the Subclass 820 is granted, the Department of Home Affairs will later assess your eligibility for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). In most cases, no separate application is required.
Can a Subclass 820 visa be refused?
Yes. Refusals may occur due to insufficient relationship evidence, incomplete documents, sponsor ineligibility, or health and character issues. Careful preparation reduces refusal risks.
Do I need a separate application for Subclass 820 and 801?
No. A single application covers both the temporary Subclass 820 and the permanent Subclass 801 stages.
Contact Us Today!
Expert Guidance at Every Step
Trusted by Thousands Worldwide
500+ Industry Partnerships
