If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be considering applying for a Partner Visa. In Australia, the process is split into two stages: the Subclass 820 (temporary) and the Subclass 801 (permanent). Understanding the difference between these two visas is essential for a smooth DIY application.

What is the Subclass 820 Visa?

The Subclass 820 visa is the temporary onshore partner visa. It is usually the first visa you apply for if you are in Australia. Key points include:

• Temporary status: You can stay legally in Australia while your permanent partner visa is being assessed.
• Work and study rights: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
• Travel: Once lodged, you are generally granted a Bridging Visa to travel in and out of Australia.
• Medicare access: Some applicants may have access to Australia’s public healthcare system during this stage.

Think of the 820 visa as a “stepping stone” to permanent residency. It allows you to live in Australia with your partner while the Department of Home Affairs assesses the genuineness of your relationship.

What is the Subclass 801 Visa?

The Subclass 801 visa is the permanent partner visa. It is typically granted after 2 years of holding a temporary 820 visa if the Department confirms your relationship is ongoing and genuine. Key points include:

• Permanent residency: You can live in Australia permanently.
• Work, study, and healthcare: Full access to work, study, and healthcare benefits, including Medicare.
• Travel rights: Permanent residency allows unrestricted travel to and from Australia for a certain period (usually five years).
• Pathway to citizenship: After holding permanent residency for a required period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

In short, the 801 visa gives you full permanent rights in Australia, whereas the 820 is a temporary bridgewhile your application is being processed.

Key Differences Between Subclass 820 and 801

DIY Tip: When applying onshore, you apply for both visas simultaneously, but the 801 is usually processed after 2 years, following the Department’s reassessment of your relationship.

Eligibility Considerations

Both visas require that you:

• Are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your Australian partner.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Have a partner who is an eligible sponsor (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen).

The main difference is timing and permanence: the 820 is temporary and granted first, while the 801 is permanent and granted later.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters for DIY Applicants

Knowing the distinction helps you:

1. Plan your documentation: Evidence must cover the temporary visa stage and anticipate the reassessment for permanent residency.
2. Understand your rights while waiting: For example, you can work and study on 820, but travel may require a Bridging Visa.
3. Avoid mistakes: Some DIY applicants think they can apply for the permanent 801 immediately. Attempting this may lead to rejection or delays.

Pro Tip: Treat the 820 and 801 as two linked applications. Ensure your evidence shows your relationship is genuine from the start and likely to continue, as this is key for permanent visa approval.

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 820 and 801 visas work together as a two-stage process to grant permanent residency to partners of Australians. While the 820 allows you to live, work, and study temporarily, the 801 visa provides full permanent rights and a pathway to citizenship.

For DIY applicants, the key is understanding the distinction, preparing comprehensive evidence, and staying organised throughout the two-year process.

✅ Quick Recap

• 820 = Temporary onshore visa for living, working, and studying in Australia.
• 801 = Permanent partner visa granted after reassessment (usually 2 years later).
• You apply for both visas together, but the 801 is processed later.
• Strong, ongoing relationship evidence is critical for both stages.
• Understanding your rights during the temporary stage helps avoid mistakes.

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!