Couples pursuing a Partner Visa often seek stability and the chance to build a shared life without the disruption of being separated from one another.
One of the key advantages of the 820 801 Partner Visa pathway is that it allows couples to remain together throughout the visa application process.
This visa is designed for partners already living together in Australia, enabling the applicant to lodge their application onshore.
Arrange a Partner 820 Visa Consultation with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents to discuss your options.
The 820 801 Visa: Partner Visa Features
The 820 Visa applicant must be in Australia at the time of application.
The Partner 820 Visa is available to those in a genuine and ongoing relationship with a partner sponsor – an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The 820 801 Visa process involves:
- Subclass 820: Temporary visa allowing the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia.
- Subclass 801: Permanent Residence Visa eligible for approval two years after the initial application, provided the relationship continues to meet eligibility criteria.
Permanent Residence provides access to Medicare, social services, and eventually eligibility for Australian citizenship.
Dependent children can be included in the application.
Comparing partner visa options
To assist couples with understanding key considerations between Australia’s three Partner Visa options, Interstaff has prepared a comparative analysis based on our experience.
300 Prospective Marriage Visa (Offshore)
Suitable For:
Couples planning to marry in Australia
Relationship Type:
Engaged to be married to eligible partner sponsor
Applicant Location:
Outside Australia when applying
Visa Stages:
300 (Temporary) → 820 (Onshore Partner Visa) → 801 (Permanent)
Time to Permanent Residence:
Longer overall (3-stage process)
Bridging Visa Access:
Not available; lodged while offshore
Cost:
Higher overall (separate government fees for 300 and later 820/801)
Key Considerations:
Must marry within 300 Visa validity (generally 9 to 15 months)
A longer pathway to PR and higher overall cost
309/100 Visa
(Offshore)
Suitable For:
Couples living apart or unable to enter Australia
Relationship Type:
Engaged, married or de-facto with eligible partner sponsor
Applicant Location:
Outside Australia when applying
Visa Stages:
309 (Temporary) → 100 (Permanent)
Time to Permanent Residence:
Generally 2-4 years
Bridging Visa Access:
Not available; lodged while offshore
Cost:
Single government fee for combined 309/100 application per applicant
Key Considerations:
Prolonged separation at times of extended processing
Read more
Cannot travel to Australia until visa is granted without the grant of another type of visa (e.g. Visitor Visa).
820/801 Visa
(Onshore)
Suitable For:
Couples living together in Australia or visiting on another visa
Relationship Type:
Married or de-facto with eligible partner sponsor
Applicant Location:
Outside Australia when applying
Visa Stages:
820 (Temporary) → 801 (Permanent)
Time to Permanent Residence:
Generally 2-4 years
Bridging Visa Access:
Can apply for Bridging Visa A to remain with partner while 820 Visa is processing – this may provide work and study rights
Cost:
Single government fee for combined 309/100 application per applicant
Key Considerations:
Couples can generally remain together during visa processing
Read more
Complexities arise where the applicant does not hold a valid visa at the time of submitting an
Talk to our migration agents to discuss how applying onshore or offshore may impact you.
Partner 820 Visa and 801 Visa Evidence Requirements
Partner Visas require careful preparation and precise documentation. Interstaff works with couples to ensure applications are accurate, timely, and compliant with Home Affairs requirements.
Our approach is structured yet considerate, helping applicants feel confident that every requirement has been addressed with care and attention.
Here’s how we assist with the 820 801 Partner Visa Process.
STEP 1
Assess and Strategise:
Partner Visa 801 Strategy
- We assess whether your relationship meets the eligibility criteria for a Partner Visa—such as being genuine, ongoing, and either married or in a de facto partnership.
- We advise whether you can pursue the 820 801 (Onshore) visa or 309 100 (Offshore) pathway based on current location, visa status, and long-term goals.
- We prepare a visa strategy that evaluates potential risks such as gaps in documentation that could affect eligibility or processing.
STEP 2
Apply and Comply:
Partner 820 Visa Management
- We manage the application process through to lodgement and liaise with Home Affairs on your behalf.
- We advise on how to structure your application for maximum clarity and impact, including evidence across key relationship aspects: financial, social, household and commitment.
- We provide clear guidance on what evidence to provide, how timelines are likely to unfold, and what to expect once the application is underway.
- We deliver tailored advice if circumstances change (such as travel plans, visa status or relationship dynamics) or if any questions arise.
- We provide the oversight and expertise needed to keep a Partner Visa application on track, while remaining available whenever clarity or reassurance is required.
STEP 3
Settle and Thrive: Subclass 801 Visa
Future Planning
- We assist with future immigration pathways, such as Australian Citizenship.
- We advise on visa options for family members.
- We stay up to date with policy changes and advise clients on how these may impact their long-term migration goals.
Experience and Insights
820 801 Visa
Explore more about how we work, our industry experience and insights.
Partner Visa Issue Resolution
