820 Partner Visa Overview

The 820 Partner Visa is a temporary visa for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows you to live, work, and access Medicare in Australia while progressing toward permanent residency with the 801 Visa.

This visa is essential for couples building their lives together in Australia. Learn about its eligibility criteria, benefits, and key differences from the 801 Visa to ensure a successful application.

The 820 Partner Visa is a key part of the Australian Partner Visa program, designed for spouses or de facto partners already in Australia. It grants temporary residency, allowing applicants to stay, work, and access Medicare while awaiting permanent residency through the 801 Visa.

This visa is more than a temporary solution—it’s a bridge to establishing long-term stability in Australia. By meeting its requirements, including relationship evidence and sponsorship eligibility, applicants take the first step toward permanent settlement.

Key benefits include:

• Temporary residency while awaiting the 801 Visa.

• Work and study rights in Australia.

• Access to public healthcare through Medicare.

The 820 Visa ensures couples can remain together while securing a pathway to their future in Australia.

The 820 Visa and 801 Visa are closely connected but serve different purposes in the Australian Partner Visa program. Together, they provide a pathway to permanent residency for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Key Differences:

1. Temporary vs. Permanent Residency:

   • The 820 Visa grants temporary residency, allowing you to live, work, and access Medicare while waiting for the permanent residency 801 Visa.

   • The 801 Visa provides full permanent residency rights.

2. Eligibility Stage:

   • The 820 Visa is the first step, applied for while the applicant is in Australia.

   • The 801 Visa is granted after meeting all requirements, typically two years after applying for the 820 Visa.

3. Processing Times:

   • The 820 Visa has a shorter processing time compared to the 801 Visa, as it’s conditional upon fulfilling further residency and relationship requirements.

4. Conditions and Rights:

   • Both visas offer work and study rights, but the 801 Visa includes additional benefits, such as eligibility for Australian citizenship.

By understanding the roles of the 820 and 801 visas, applicants can plan their pathway to permanent residency effectively.

To qualify for the 820 Partner Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Australian Partner Visa program. These requirements ensure that only genuine partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens are granted this visa.

1. Relationship Requirements:

• Must be legally married or in a de facto relationship.

• The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

• De facto partners must demonstrate at least 12 months of cohabitation unless exempted (e.g., registered relationship).

2. Sponsorship Requirements:

• The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

• Sponsors must meet character and financial criteria to support the applicant.

3. Applicant Criteria:

• Must be inside Australia when applying.

• Must meet health and character requirements, including police checks and medical examinations.

• No previous Partner Visa cancellations or refusals (with limited exceptions).

4. Documentation:

• Evidence of the relationship, such as shared finances, joint leases, or photos.

• Proof of identity, including passports and birth certificates.

• Sponsor’s documentation, confirming their eligibility and relationship to the applicant.

Meeting these eligibility requirements is essential for a successful 820 Visa application. Ensure all supporting evidence is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

The 820 Partner Visa offers significant benefits for applicants and their sponsors, providing a secure foundation for couples to build their future in Australia.

1. Temporary Residency:

• Stay in Australia legally while waiting for the 801 Visa decision.

• No need to leave the country during processing.

2. Work Rights:

• Full permission to work in Australia, offering financial independence and stability.

3. Access to Medicare:

• Enroll in Australia’s public healthcare system and access essential medical services.

4. Pathway to Permanent Residency:

• The 820 Visa is the first step toward obtaining the 801 Visa, which grants permanent residency and further benefits like citizenship eligibility.

5. Maintain Family Unity:

• Ensures couples can remain together in Australia during the visa process.

By granting these benefits, the 820 Partner Visa supports applicants and their families while paving the way to long-term settlement in Australia.