If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Partner Visa (Subclass 820) allows you to live legally in Australia while your permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is processed. Understanding the basics and eligibility is the first step in preparing a successful DIY application.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about Subclass 820, including who can apply, eligibility requirements, relationship criteria, common mistakes, and practical tips for gathering evidence.
What is the Subclass 820 Partner Visa?
The Subclass 820 visa is the temporary stage of the Australian Partner Visa process for applicants who are onshore (inside Australia). It is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency under the Subclass 801 visa.
With Subclass 820, you can:
- Stay legally in Australia while your permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is assessed.
- Work and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Travel in and out of Australia, usually under a Bridging Visa once your application is lodged.
- Access Medicare benefits, depending on your circumstances.
Typically, after around two years, your relationship will be reassessed. If your relationship is ongoing and genuine, you may become eligible for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).
Tip for DIY applicants: Think of the Subclass 820 as a temporary “bridge” visa that lets you live and work in Australia while your permanent residency is being considered.
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa 820?
You may be eligible for the Subclass 820 visa if you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with someone who is:
- An Australian citizen, or
- An Australian permanent resident, or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
Your relationship can be one of the following:
Married Couples
- You must be legally married to your Australian partner.
- Your marriage must be recognized in Australia.
De Facto Couples
- You must have lived together in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying (exceptions exist for couples with children or other compassionate circumstances).
- The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
DIY Tip: Even if you are married, your application must include evidence that your relationship is real and continuing. Simply having a marriage certificate is not enough.
Subclass 820 Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Subclass 820 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Genuine Relationship – You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner.
- Onshore Application – You must be physically present in Australia at the time of application.
- Eligible Sponsorship – Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and meet the sponsorship criteria.
- Health Requirements – You must meet certain health standards. This often involves:
- A medical examination to check for significant health conditions.
- Any additional tests requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Character Requirements – You must provide:
- Police certificates from countries you have lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16.
- Any other documentation requested by the Department to prove you meet character requirements.
Additional Considerations for DIY Applicants
When preparing a DIY application, you should also consider:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Financial independence: While not strictly required, evidence of shared finances can strengthen your case. Examples include joint bank accounts, shared loans, or utility bills in both names.
- Previous visas: Being on a valid visa does not automatically disqualify you, but certain visa types may affect timing or require additional documentation.
- Children: Dependent children can be included in your partner visa application, and evidence of care and support for children can help establish the genuineness of the relationship.
Marital vs De Facto Relationships
Understanding the difference between married and de facto relationships is key to preparing your Subclass 820 application.
Married Couples
- Must provide proof of a legally recognized marriage.
- Evidence may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Joint finances (bank statements, bills)
- Photos together over time
- Travel documents showing shared trips
De Facto Couples
- Typically must show 12 months living together before applying.
- Evidence may include:
- Lease agreements in both names
- Shared utility bills
- Joint bank accounts
- Statutory declarations from friends or family
- Photos and social media posts demonstrating your life together
Important: Exceptions exist for de facto couples with children together, or in certain compassionate situations. In such cases, the 12-month cohabitation rule may be waived.
How to Check if You Are Eligible
Before starting your DIY application, ask yourself the following:
- Is my partner eligible to sponsor me?
- Am I onshore in Australia when applying?
- Do I have sufficient evidence of a genuine relationship?
- Do I meet the health and character requirements?
- Does my relationship qualify as married or de facto?
Answering these questions honestly will help ensure your application is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of delays or refusal.
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
Even small mistakes can cause delays or refusals. Common DIY errors include:
- Skipping relationship evidence – Photos, joint bills, statutory declarations, and shared financial documents are critical.
- Applying too early – De facto relationships must usually show 12 months together. Applying before this can lead to refusal.
- Incorrect visa choice – Offshore applicants should apply for Subclass 309, not 820.
- Missing health checks or police certificates – Any missing or outdated documentation can significantly delay processing.
- Poor organisation – Submitting unorganised evidence can confuse the Department of Home Affairs and slow down assessment.
Pro Tip: Keep a checklist of all required documents and evidence to make the application smoother and more professional.
Why Evidence Is Critical for DIY Applicants
The Subclass 820 visa requires proof that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This is often the most challenging part of a DIY application. Examples of evidence include:
- Joint bank accounts, loans, or bills
- Lease agreements or property ownership documents
- Photos together over time, including special occasions or family events
- Travel documents showing joint trips
- Statutory declarations from friends or family confirming your relationship
- Communication evidence for long-distance relationships
DIY Tip: Start collecting and organising evidence from the start of your relationship. It is much easier than trying to compile years of proof at once.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Processing times for Subclass 820 visas can vary depending on your circumstances, but generally:
- Initial assessment: 12–18 months for onshore applications (as of 2025).
- Transition to permanent visa: After roughly 2 years, your relationship is reassessed before granting Subclass 801.
Note: During processing, you are usually granted a Bridging Visa, allowing you to live, work, and study legally in Australia.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is the first step to staying in Australia with your partner permanently. While DIY applications are possible, the key to success is:
- Understanding eligibility requirements
- Gathering strong evidence
- Avoiding common mistakes
- Staying organised
Pro Tip: Detailed records of your relationship—bank statements, travel plans, photos, and statutory declarations—make a DIY application far more likely to succeed.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Subclass 820 = temporary onshore partner visa
- Eligibility = genuine relationship + onshore + sponsorship + health/character checks
- Evidence = critical for married or de facto relationships
- Transition to permanent visa = Subclass 801 after 2 years
- Common mistakes = incomplete evidence, applying too early, missing documents
Next Steps for DIY Applicants
- Start gathering relationship evidence early.
- Confirm that your partner meets sponsorship requirements.
- Prepare all health and character documents in advance.
- Use a checklist or template to organise all documents clearly.
- Stay informed about processing times and updates from the Department of Home Affairs.
With careful preparation and attention to detail, a DIY Subclass 820 application can be completed successfully, giving you the opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent partner visa is processed!
Want step-by-step guidance? Check out our DIY Partner Visa Package here.
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