Applying for an Australian Partner Visa (Subclass 820) yourself can feel daunting, but with careful preparation, it’s completely possible. The key is to understand the process, organise your documents, and ensure all requirements are met. This guide provides a step-by-step DIY roadmap for a successful application.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before starting, make sure you:

• Are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an eligible partner
• Are onshore in Australia at the time of application (otherwise, you may need Subclass 309 offshore visa)
• Your partner is an eligible sponsor (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen)
• Meet health and character requirements

DIY Tip: Eligibility also depends on whether you are married or in a de facto relationship. De facto applicants generally need 12 months of cohabitation unless exceptions apply.

Step 2: Gather Relationship Evidence

Evidence is the foundation of a successful application. Prepare documents showing your relationship is genuine and ongoing:

Financial Evidence

• Joint bank accounts or shared expenses
• Lease or mortgage documents in both names
• Shared bills, insurance policies, or loans

Household Evidence

• Proof of living together (rental or utility bills)
• Photos of shared life over time

Social Evidence

• Photos from holidays, social events, or family gatherings
• Invitations addressed to both partners
• Statements from friends/family (statutory declarations)

Commitment Evidence

• Wills or powers of attorney naming each other
• Shared parental responsibilities if children are involved
• Evidence of long-term plans (travel, home purchase, study)

DIY Tip: Organise your evidence into categories and in chronological order. Include a summary pageexplaining each piece of evidence.

Step 3: Complete Health and Character Checks

Health and character requirements are mandatory:

• Medical examination – completed by an approved panel doctor
• Police certificates – from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more since turning 16

DIY Tip: Complete these early to avoid delays in processing.

Step 4: Complete the Application Forms

The main form for a Subclass 820 visa is Form 47SP (Sponsorship) and Form 47SP (Visa Application):

• Fill out all personal details carefully
• Double-check partner information and sponsor eligibility
• Attach evidence to support each section

DIY Tip: Keep copies of every form and document for your records.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

• As of 2026, the Partner Visa application fee is AUD $8,085 (check the Department of Home Affairs website for updates)
• Payment can be made online via credit card or bank transfer

DIY Tip: Make sure your receipt is kept safely as proof of payment.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

• Submit your application online through ImmiAccount
• Attach all supporting evidence and forms
• Make sure your partner’s sponsorship form is included

DIY Tip: Label files clearly (e.g., “Financial Evidence – Joint Bank Account.pdf”) to make it easy for the Department to review.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation and Bridging Visa

Once lodged:

• You will receive a confirmation of lodgement from the Department
• Onshore applicants usually receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to stay in Australia legally while waiting for the 820 decision
• If travel is required, you may need a Bridging Visa B

Step 8: Respond Promptly to Requests

The Department may request:

• Additional evidence of your relationship
• Clarifications about your application

DIY Tip: Respond promptly to avoid processing delays. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Step 9: Track Your Application

• Use your ImmiAccount to monitor updates
• Check estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website

DIY Tip: Patience is key; onshore 820 processing usually takes 12–22 months.

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or disorganised evidence
• Forgetting health or character requirements
• Applying too early in de facto relationships (less than 12 months cohabitation)
• Missing sponsor eligibility checks
• Ignoring Bridging Visa rules for travel and work

Final Thoughts

A DIY Subclass 820 Partner Visa application is achievable with careful planning and preparation. The process requires strong evidence of a genuine relationship, health and character compliance, and properly completed forms.

For a smoother process:

• Confirm eligibility before starting
• Gather evidence systematically
• Complete health and character checks early
• Organise and label documents clearly
• Keep track of all correspondence and deadlines

With diligence and organisation, a DIY application can be successful, allowing you to live in Australia with your partner while waiting for permanent residency (Subclass 801).

✅ Quick Recap

• Confirm eligibility: genuine relationship, onshore, eligible sponsor
• Gather strong evidence: financial, household, social, commitment, and children
• Complete health and character checks early
• Submit correctly filled forms and pay the fee
• Receive confirmation, Bridging Visa, and respond to requests
• Track your application and stay organised

Want step-by-step guidance? Check out our DIY Partner Visa Package here.

Found this helpful? Feel free to read our other blog posts!

If you found this post helpful and want to support us, consider buying us a coffee!