Partner visa (apply in Australia)
Partner visa (apply in Australia)
Visa Cost
AUD 9,365
Processing Time
820 temporary about 14-15 months (50%) / 26-28 months (90%)
Eligibility
- The applicant is in Australia
- Married to or the de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- The relationship is genuine and continuing
- Meet health and character requirements
Key Information
Validity / Stay / Residence
820 is a temporary visa valid until the 801 decision; 801 is a permanent visa allowing indefinite residence in Australia.
Eligible Dependants
Can include the spouse's/de facto partner's dependent children and other dependent family members, who must meet health and character requirements.
PR / Permanent Residence Pathway
The 801 stage of this visa is permanent residence (PR). You first get the 820 temporary visa; the 801 is assessed 2 years after lodgement, moving to PR if you continue to prove the relationship is genuine; citizenship is possible later once residence requirements are met.
View provisional-to-permanent transition overview →Common Visa Conditions
Full explanations of condition codes are in the Visa Conditions Lookup
Application Steps
Prepare Relationship Evidence
Prepare Relationship Evidence
Gather materials proving the relationship is genuine
- Proof of cohabitation (lease, utility bills, etc.)
- Proof of shared finances (joint accounts, joint assets, etc.)
- Evidence of social ties (friends' declarations, photos together, etc.)
- Evidence of mutual commitment (joint plans, correspondence, etc.)
Lodge Application
Lodge Application
Lodge the 820/801 visa application online
- Lodge the application in ImmiAccount
- Apply for 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) at the same time
- Upload all relationship evidence
- Pay the visa fee
- Undergo a health examination
Wait for Decision
Wait for Decision
Wait for the visa decision
- First obtain the 820 temporary visa
- The 801 permanent residence is assessed 2 years after lodgement
- You may be asked for further documents or an interview during this time
Required Documents
| Document Name | English Name | Required | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Passport | The applicant's and sponsor's passports | - | |
| Marriage/Relationship Certificate | Marriage/Relationship Certificate | Marriage certificate or de facto partner evidence | - | |
| Relationship Statement | Relationship Statement | A statement of how the relationship developed | - | |
| Cohabitation Evidence | Cohabitation Evidence | Proof of a shared address | - | |
| Financial Evidence | Financial Evidence | Joint accounts, joint assets, etc. | - | |
| Sponsor's Status | Sponsor's Status | Proof of the sponsor's Australian status | - | |
| Police Clearance | Police Clearance | Police clearance | - | |
| Health Examination | Health Examination | Health examination report | - | |
| Form 888 Statutory Declarations | Form 888 Statutory Declarations | Statutory declarations from at least 2 witnesses | - |
FAQ
Does the partner visa require marriage?
Can you work in Australia while it is being processed?
What are the requirements for the sponsor?
Common Refusal Reasons
- Insufficient evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship (weak on the four elements of cohabitation/shared finances/social recognition/commitment)
- The sponsor is ineligible or the sponsorship is limited (such as having sponsored another within 5 years)
- Health or character requirements not met (including character refusal risk)
- Insufficient Form 888 statutory declarations or non-credible witnesses
- Failing to prove the relationship still exists after the two-year 801 stage (without evidence for separation/family violence exceptions)
- Fraudulent documents or contradictory statements causing PIC 4020 integrity issues
Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.