Partner visa (temporary) (Subclass 820)

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Explore pathways in Australia Read the five questions ↓

Which family relationships qualify?

The qualifying family relationship is that of the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The applicant must be in a genuine relationship with that person, be sponsored by them, and be in Australia, together with any family members applying with them, when the application is lodged.

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Overview tab
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.
Overview tab — Check your eligibility
be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Overview tab — Check your eligibility
be in Australia when you apply for this visa, along with family that apply with you
Eligibility tab — Be in Australia when you apply
Eligible applicants must apply for this visa in Australia. Family members who apply with you must also be in Australia.

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The applicant's partner, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, is normally the sponsor and must be approved by the department. The sponsor at the time of application cannot be changed and must remain the sponsor for 2 years after the temporary Partner (Subclass 820) visa is granted. Where the applicant does not hold a substantive visa, the sponsor must also complete a 'Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia' form and the application must include at least two statutory declarations from citizens or permanent residents confirming the relationship.

See recorded sources

Overview tab — Check your eligibility
have your spouse or de facto partner sponsor you
Eligibility tab — Have a sponsor
Your sponsor is usually your partner.
Eligibility tab — Have a sponsor
We must approve your sponsor.
Eligibility tab — Have a sponsor
You cannot change your sponsor. The person who sponsors you when you apply for the visa must be the same person who sponsors you for 2 years after we grant your temporary Partner visa (subclass 820).
Eligibility tab — Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused
Include a minimum of two statutory declarations, each made within the last six weeks by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen confirming that you and your sponsor are in a married or de facto relationship.
Overview tab
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.
Overview tab — Check your eligibility
be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Overview tab — Check your eligibility
be in Australia when you apply for this visa, along with family that apply with you
Eligibility tab — Be in Australia when you apply
Eligible applicants must apply for this visa in Australia. Family members who apply with you must also be in Australia.

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

Proof differs by relationship type. A spouse must be in a married relationship. A de facto partner must usually have been in the de facto relationship for at least 12 months immediately before applying, though this rule is waived for compelling and compassionate circumstances, a humanitarian-visa-holder partner, or a registered relationship. Former Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa holders may still be eligible even if the relationship ends or the partner dies before applying, and applicants experiencing domestic or family violence may also remain eligible.

See recorded sources

Eligibility tab — Spouse
To be a spouse, you must be in a married relationship.
Eligibility tab — De facto partners
Usually you must be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months immediately before you apply for this visa.
Eligibility tab — De facto partners
The 12-month requirement will not apply if you can show us compelling and compassionate circumstances exist for you to be granted the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820).
Eligibility tab — Prospective marriage visa holders and former holders
You may still be eligible for the Partner visa (Temporary) (subclass 820) and Partner visa (Permanent) (subclass 801) if your relationship ends or your partner dies before you apply for this visa.

What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

The applicant and any family members applying with them must meet Australia's health and character requirements, and any debt owed to the Australian Government by the applicant or family members must be repaid or arranged for repayment. Adults must sign an Australian Values Statement. The official source does not state an income, accommodation or insurance requirement.

See recorded sources

Eligibility tab — Meet our health requirement
You, any members of the family unit, or dependent children who apply for the visa with you, must meet our health requirement.
Eligibility tab — Meet our character requirement
You and any family members who apply for the visa with you, must meet our character requirement.
Eligibility tab — Have no debt to the Australian Government
If you or any family members owe the Australian government money, you or they must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back.
Eligibility tab — Sign the Australian values statement
sign an Australian Values Statement that confirms you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws
Eligibility tab — Hold a substantive visa
If you do not hold a substantive visa at the time you apply for this visa and you did not previously hold a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa, you must demonstrate that compelling reasons exist for the grant of a Partner visa.

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

This is a temporary visa and the first step towards the permanent Partner (Subclass 801) visa. While holding it, the applicant can live, work and study in Australia, travel to and from Australia freely, attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program if eligible, and access Medicare. The visa costs from AUD11,710.00 for most applicants, or from AUD1,955.00 for Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa holders. The official source does not state how long the visa lasts.

See recorded sources

Overview tab
Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
Overview tab — Cost
From AUD11,710.00 for most applicants. From AUD1,955.00 for Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
Overview tab — With this visa you can
live, work and study in Australia while we process your permanent Partner visa
Overview tab — With this visa you can
attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program if you are eligible
Overview tab — With this visa you can
apply for access to Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Partner visa (temporary) (Subclass 820)

Which family relationships qualify?

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.