How to Apply for the 820 Partner Visa

The 820 Partner Visa is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who want to stay together in Australia. It lets you live, work, and access healthcare while waiting for permanent residency.

This guide explains the steps to apply, the documents you need, and how to avoid delays. Whether you're starting your application or checking if you're eligible, this is everything you need to know. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the 820 Partner Visa

Step 1: Before You Apply

• Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:
  • You must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
  • You must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Consider obtaining police certificates in advance, but remember that certificates are valid for 12 months only.
• Ensure that all information you provide is accurate. Providing false or incomplete information can delay your application or result in refusal.

Step 2: Gather and Prepare Your Documents

• Identity Documents: Include passports, birth certificates, and any name change records.
• Relationship Evidence: Provide proof such as joint bank accounts, shared leases, and photos together.
• Police Checks: National Police Certificates (NPC) from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and overseas police certificates (if required).
• Sponsor Documents: Proof of your sponsor's Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship.
• Organize and clearly label all documents. You can attach up to 100 documents per applicant.

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

1. Log in to ImmiAccount.
2. Select 'New application' → 'Family' → 'Stage 1 – Partner or Prospective Marriage Visa'.
3. Complete the application form and pay the visa application fee (starting from AUD 8,850).
4. Provide your transaction reference number (TRN) to your sponsor, as they will need it for their sponsorship application.
5. Attach all required supporting documents to your completed application. Ensure all attachments are accurate and properly labeled.

• Health Examinations: Organize health checks as instructed. Results are valid for 12 months.
• Police Certificates: Ensure all certificates remain valid throughout the processing time.
• Status Updates: Track your application via ImmiAccount. Attach any additional documents if requested.
• Travel Considerations: If you need to travel, ensure your Bridging Visa A (BVA) allows for re-entry, or apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB).
• Changes to Your Application: Notify the Department of Home Affairs about changes in your contact details, marital status, or other relevant factors using ImmiAccount.

Step 5: Visa Outcome

• Notification: You'll receive the decision in writing.
  • If granted, you'll get details of your visa grant number, start date, and conditions.
  • If refused, you'll be informed of the reasons and whether you can request a review.
• The application fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

Important Notes

• Stay lawful by ensuring you hold a valid visa throughout the processing period.
• Add dependent children before the visa is finalized using Form 1436.
• If your relationship ends or circumstances change, notify the Department using the appropriate forms in ImmiAccount.

For complete details, refer to the official Home Affairs guide.

What Happens After You Apply for the 820 Partner Visa

1. Acknowledgment of Your Application

• After you submit your application through ImmiAccount, you'll receive a confirmation email.
• This email contains your Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which you'll need for tracking your application and for your sponsor's application.

2. Application Processing

• Your application will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times average 20–24 months but may vary based on the completeness of your application.
• Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded promptly to avoid delays.

3. Bridging Visa Activation

• If you hold a substantive visa at the time of application, a Bridging Visa A (BVA) will be granted.
• The BVA becomes active once your current visa expires, allowing you to stay in Australia legally during the processing period.

4. Health Examinations

• You must complete the required health checks, as instructed by the Department.
• Health assessment results are valid for 12 months. If asked, arrange new tests promptly to prevent delays.

5. Updates and Requests

• Use ImmiAccount to check for updates or additional document requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Attach requested documents or updates to your application directly in ImmiAccount.

6. Adding Family Members

• If you wish to include dependent children in your application, submit Form 1436 through ImmiAccount before the visa decision is made.

7. Notification of Outcome

• You will receive a written decision on your application.
  • If granted: You'll be informed of your visa start date, conditions, and grant number.
  • If refused: You'll receive reasons for refusal and information on whether you can request a review.

Important Notes

• Traveling Overseas: Apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if you need to travel outside Australia while your application is being processed.
• Stay Lawful: Ensure you hold a valid visa throughout the application period.
• Changes to Circumstances: Notify the Department of any changes, such as a new address or relationship status.

Visa Outcome for the 820 Partner Visa

1. Receiving the Decision

• You will be notified in writing once a decision is made on your 820 Partner Visa application.
• Notifications include:
  • Your visa grant number.
  • The start date of your visa.
  • Any applicable visa conditions.

2. If Your Visa is Granted

• You can:
  • Continue living in Australia as a temporary resident.
  • Work and study in Australia.
  • Access Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.
• You will remain on the 820 Visa until the permanent 801 Partner Visa is granted.

3. If Your Visa is Refused

• The refusal notice will include:
  • The reasons for refusal.
  • Whether you have the right to request a review of the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
• Note: The visa application fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

4. What to Do Next

• For Approved Applicants:
  • Keep a copy of your visa grant notice and comply with all visa conditions.
  • Begin preparing for the 801 Visa application if eligible.
• For Refused Applicants:
  • Consult immigration advice to determine if an appeal is appropriate.
  • Address any issues identified in the refusal notice before reapplying, if eligible.

Key Reminders

• Ensure all contact details are up-to-date in ImmiAccount so you don't miss important notifications.
• Save all official documents related to your visa decision for future reference.

The journey to obtaining an 820 Partner Visa can be complex, but following the right steps and preparing thoroughly will increase your chances of success. Always rely on official sources like the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most accurate information.