Subclass 820/801 Visa: Onshore Partner Visa
For partners who apply inside Australia: one application, a temporary 820 visa first, then the permanent 801.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: The onshore Partner visa (subclass 820/801) is for the married or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is in Australia. You apply once for both stages; the 820 is temporary and the permanent 801 is usually assessed about two years after you applied.
Who this visa suits
- Partners already in Australia on another visa
- Couples living together in Australia
- People who want to stay in Australia while the application is processed
| Where you are | In Australia when you apply and when the 820 is granted |
|---|---|
| While you wait | Usually a bridging visa, if you held a valid visa when you applied |
| Stage 1 | Temporary 820: live, work and study in Australia |
| Stage 2 | Permanent 801, usually assessed about 2 years after applying |
| Charge | One charge covers both stages |
Official information: Partner visa (onshore, 820/801). Part of our Partner visa services.
Requirements
The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.
Eligible sponsor
Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Genuine relationship
Genuine, continuing and exclusive.
Married or de facto
De facto usually 12 months together, or registered.
Visa conditions
A “no further stay” condition can stop you applying in Australia.
Health & character
Health checks and police certificates.
Family violence
Provisions may let you continue if the relationship ends.
Document checklist
Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.
- Passports, birth certificates and any change-of-name documents
- Marriage certificate or relationship registration (if any)
- Financial evidence: joint accounts and shared expenses
- Household evidence: leases, bills and mail at the same address
- Social evidence: photos, travel, and statutory declarations (Form 888) from Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Commitment evidence: relationship statements and future plans
- Police certificates and health examinations
- Your current visa and its conditions
Costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partner onshore (820/801) | AUD 11,000–12,000* | One charge covers both stages. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Step by step
- Check your current visaLook for conditions such as “no further stay”.
- Build your evidenceAll four areas, plus statements and Form 888.
- Lodge in ImmiAccountPay the charge; your partner completes the sponsorship.
- Bridging visaUsually granted, keeping you lawful while you wait.
- 820 decisionTemporary visa with work and study rights.
- 801 stageUpdated evidence about two years after applying.
Common mistakes and refusal reasons
- Applying while a “no further stay” condition applies without a waiver
- De facto couples applying before 12 months together without registration
- Thin evidence in one of the four areas
- Statements that do not match the documents
- Letting the current visa expire before applying
Applying from overseas? See the 309/100 offshore partner visa. Planning to marry in Australia? Ask us about the Prospective Marriage visa (300).
Recent changes
1 July 2026: Charge rose to AUD 11,000–12,000*.
Questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationCan I apply if I’m in Australia on a visitor or student visa?+
Can I work while waiting?+
Can I travel while my application is processed?+
What happens at the 801 stage?+
Talk to us about your visa.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges