The Department of Home Affairs permits qualifying New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens, or permanent residents to temporarily or permanently visit their companions or de facto spouses in Australia. A partner Australia classifies a partner visa as either offshore or onshore, depending on the location of the application and the visa’s issuance. rary Partner Visa (subclass 820) and the Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) are two examples of onshore partner visas.
A two-step process is required to obtain an Australian partner visa. The initial stage is to obtain a temporary partner visa (820). Subsequently, after two years of residence in Australia, you may apply for a permanent partner visa (801). You will be able to seamlessly transition from temporary to permanent resident status if you satisfy all of the eligibility criteria. We process an Australian partner visa in two phases. The process involves transitioning from a transitory partner visa to a permanent partner visa.
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What is the Partner Visa 820 in Australia?
A companion visa (subclass 820) enables the partner or de facto spouse of a qualifying New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, or permanent resident to temporarily reside in Australia. Permanent residence in Australia is permitted under this visa through the 801 subclass.
By employing this visa, you are permitted to:
- Live, learn, and work in Australia.
- Within specific time constraints, you are permitted to visit Australia and other countries an unlimited number of times.
- Have access to Medicare, a public health insurance program.
Eligibility Requirements:
The following criteria must be satisfied in order to register for a partner visa 820 in Australia:
- Both you and your companion must be at least 18 years of age.
- In a de facto partnership, you must have resided together for a minimum of 12 months.
- You must be the companion or de facto spouse of an eligible New Zealander, Australian citizen, or permanent resident.
- The Immigration Department has established specific health and character requirements that you and your partner must satisfy.
- The Department requires a police clearance certificate as evidence that you have not been involved in any illicit activity in the past.
- Your companion (sponsor) should not have sponsored anyone else in the past five years.
Benefits of Onshore Temporary Partner Visa 820 in Australia:
- Temporary Residency: The visa enables you to reside in Australia for a limited period while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is being processed.
- Work Rights: Full work rights are granted to holders of the Subclass 820 visa in Australia, which enables them to engage in employment without any restrictions.
- Study Rights: The visa provides holders with the ability to enroll in courses and pursue their education in Australia’s education system. However, they are not eligible for government funding for their studies.
- Medicare Access: Subclass 820 visa holders are entitled to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which guarantees them access to essential medical care.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 820 visa is the initial step in the process of acquiring the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), which ultimately leads to permanent residency in Australia.
- Travel Flexibility: The visa enables its holders to travel in and out of Australia while it is valid, thereby accommodating personal and professional travel requirements.
- Family Members: The visa application may encompass dependent children, thereby enabling the entire family to reside in Australia.
- Protection from Visa Expiry: The Subclass 820 visa application grants a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which enables you to remain in Australia legally while your application is being processed, even if your current visa expires.
- Social Security Benefits: After a waiting period, bearers of the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) are eligible for specific social security benefits.
- Community and Support Networks: The ability to establish social networks and support systems within the community is facilitated by the transitory visa that enables you to reside in Australia, thereby improving your settlement experience.
- Legal Rights and Protections: As a transitory resident, you are entitled to the same legal rights and protections as Australian citizens, which guarantees that you are treated fairly under the law.
- Spousal Support: The capacity to be with your partner in Australia is essential for the stability of your relationship, as it provides emotional and practical support.
- Access to English Language Programs: Certain visa holders may be eligible for government-funded English language courses, which can enhance their language abilities and facilitate their integration into Australian society.
- Cultural Integration: Residing in Australia enables you to immerse yourself in the diverse and multicultural society, thereby improving your comprehension and admiration of various cultures.
- Job Market Access: Work rights enable you to acquire local work experience, which is beneficial for your career and assists in the development of a professional network in Australia.
- Permanent Residency Benefits: The Subclass 801 visa offers long-term stability, access to additional benefits, and the potential to apply for Australian citizenship in the future..
- Children’s Education: Dependent children who are included in your visa application are eligible to attend Australian institutions, which guarantees that they receive a high-quality education.
- Services and Benefits: Temporary visa holders are eligible to utilize a variety of services and benefits that are available to residents, including banking, accommodation, and community services.
- Humanitarian Grounds: The visa application procedure may take into account compelling humanitarian reasons, providing protection and assistance.
- Relationship Stability: A stable environment for your partnership to flourish is provided by being together in Australia, which helps maintain and strengthen your relationship.
How to Apply for Onshore Temporary Partner Visa 820 in Australia?
There are numerous steps involved in the application procedure for a Partner Visa 820. The procedure for applying for a partner visa in Australia is as follows:
1. Check your eligibility.
In order to register for an Australian partner visa 820, you must be present in Australia. You must be the companion or de facto spouse of an eligible New Zealander, Australian citizen, or permanent resident. Additionally, in order to qualify for an 820 companion visa, it is necessary to obtain a substantive visa.
2. Collect and organize the required documents.
Organize all necessary and supporting documentation prior to submitting an application for a temporary partner visa under subclass 820.
Personal Documents:
Personal Documents for the 820 Partner Visa:
- Copies of your passport that have been certified.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- A certified copy of your birth certificate.
- National Identification Card (NIC).
- Certified copy of name change (if applicable)
Relationship Evidence Documents:
Documents that serve as evidence of relationships are summarized below.
- Copies of valid marriage or relationship registrations.
- Bills and invoices serve as proof of shared accommodation.
- Bank statements and pooled insurance policies serve as evidence of mutual financial commitments.
- Two Statutory Declarations (Form 888) from a third party to confirm your relationship.
- Statutory declarations from the sponsor certifying the validity of your relationship with your partner.
Health and Character Requirements:
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of an inspection conducted by the Australian Federal Police.
- Police certificates from each country in which you have lived for more than a year after the age of sixteen.
Submit an application for a visa after compiling all of the aforementioned documentation.
Nevertheless, if you are perplexed or apprehensive about the process of acquiring and compiling all of these documents to ensure that your application is decision-ready, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at The Migration.
3. Apply for Partner Visa 820.
When submitting an application for a companion visa, adhere to the following steps:
- Access the ImmiAccount website by logging in.
- Select “New application” and then “Family.”
- Select “Stage 1: Prospective Marriage Visa or Partner Visa.”
- Please download and complete the application form.
- Please ensure that all necessary documentation is included with your application.
- Complete the form and pay the visa application fee.
- Please forward the transaction reference number (TRN) to your sponsor.
Additionally, it is possible to submit a consolidated application for both temporary and permanent visas (subclass 820/801).
4. Wait for the Visa outcome.
You must wait patiently for the visa’s conclusion after paying the 800 application charge for the partner visa. Your application’s status will be communicated to you by the Department of Home Affairs.
If your visa application is approved, you will receive:
- Visa grant number.
- Start and end dates.
- Other visa criteria.
When your visa application is denied or canceled, you will be notified of:
- Justifications for visa denial and rejection.
- If you have the opportunity to reevaluate the decision.
After two years of spending less than $820, you may petition for the 801 permanent visa if you were granted an 820 temporary partner visa.
Processing Time:
In general, 820 companion visa applications are processed within two years. At present, the majority of temporary companion visa applications are processed within 22 months, with a processing period that spans from 23 to 26 months.
Nevertheless, the processing time can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, such as:
- Unique circumstances.
- An incomplete application form.
- The intricacy of each circumstance.
- The quantity and volume of applications that are currently being processed.
- Processing times are subject to change based on a variety of factors.
What Happens After an 820 Visa Is Granted?
Initially, the companion visa 820 is contingent upon your presence in Australia. While your 801 visa is being processed, you will be permitted to reside in Australia if your Australian partner visa 820 is approved.
The following will be accessible to you upon the receipt of an 820 visa:
- You and your companion have the option to temporarily reside, study, and work in Australia.
- Additionally, Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system, will be accessible to you.
- You will have the opportunity to accumulate evidence regarding your partnership.
- Apply for the perpetual visa (subclass 801) after two years of holding the 820 visa.
Cost of applying for an Australian Partner Visa?
The current application fees for filing a combined application for both subclass 820 and 801 visas are presented in the following table.
The primary applicant and any additional applicants are subject to visa application fees.
| Visa class | Application fees for Main Applicant | For Additional Applicants |
| Subclass 820/801 visa | $8,085 | Under 18: $2,025Over 18: $4,045 |
Please be advised that all fees are subject to change; therefore, you must consult the official website before submitting your application.
Conclusion:
Therefore, that concludes the discussion regarding the 820 companion visa. You have now acquired knowledge regarding the eligibility requirements, application procedures, processing periods, and fees associated with a partner visa in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is onshore partner visa subclass 820?
This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily. Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent partner visa (subclass 801).
How long does it take to get a partner visa (820)?
The Department of Home Affairs currently estimates that onshore partner visa applications can take anywhere between 3 and 9 months to process, and offshore applications can take between 5 and 8 years.
Is 820 a temporary visa?
The partner visa (subclass 820) is a temporary visa. The temporary status of the partner visa (subclass 820) extends from the date of the grant until the decision on your permanent partner visa (subclass 801). The partner visa (subclass 801) is a permanent visa; it lasts indefinitely. The grant date marks the beginning of its duration.
