How to Apply for a Partner Visa Subclass 820 in Australia

If you are in a real relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and wish to remain with them in Australia, the Partner Visa Subclass 820 might be your visa. The visa enables partners of Aussies to reside in Australia during their transition to permanent residents.

Let us see what this visa is, who can apply for it, and how the entire process works without all this lawyer jargon.

What is the Partner Visa Subclass 820?

Partner Visa Subclass 820 is an onshore de facto provisional visa for individuals who have a de facto or married relationship with an Australian complying partner. The visa will allow you to work in, stay in, and study in Australia as your application for the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) is ongoing.

It must be remembered that this visa can only be applied for by those who are already in Australia when the application is made. If you make an application outside Australia, you will require the subclass 309 visa instead.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the partner visa 820, you should be either:

• Legally married to your Australian partner, or
• In a de facto relationship of over 12 months (if your relationship has not been registered with an Australian state)

You must also establish that your relationship exists and is ongoing. This includes the following proof:

• Joint bills or joint bank accounts
• Rental document or evidence of shared accommodation
• Photographs and messages that reflect your relationship
• Documentation of your relationship from friends or relatives

Your sponsor must also be eligible to sponsor you. They will usually have to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

What Happens After You Apply

Once you submit the partner visa subclass 820 application, you are usually granted a Bridging Visa so you can remain in Australia while your application is being processed. The bridging visa will usually have unlimited work rights and Medicare access.

Processing times are different. It is reasonable to anticipate that between 20–28 months would pass before a decision on the 820 visa is made. Throughout this period, you will continue to add and update evidence of the relationship. You will be rewarded for this when you apply for the permanent visa (subclass 801), typically two years after application.

Why People Choose the 820 Visa

Following are some real advantages of the Subclass 820 Partner Visa:

• Remain legally in Australia until permanent visa is issued
• Work and study freely
• Have access to public health care (Medicare)
• Add dependent children on the same application

It is a convenient option for couples who intend to remain together in Australia and settle there.

Do You Need Help With the Process?

Getting a partner visa is a personal and scary experience. You'll have to provide lots of information about your relationship, and you don't want to get it wrong.

It's because of this that some couples prefer to use the services of a registered migration agent. A good agent will word your documents, build your application, and offer some relief in a stressful time.

Final Thoughts

Partner Visa Subclass 820 is more of a process than a visa itself, yet the process of maintaining couples together while they progress towards permanent residency in Australia. With careful planning, truthful disclosure, and possibly a bit of assistance from the experts, you should find that you navigate the process confidently and are able to look forward to a life together in the sun.