Everything You Need to Know About Partner Visa 820 in Australia

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Jul 10, 2025 - 12:48

Everything You Need to Know About Partner Visa 820 in Australia

Introduction

For couples planning to build a life together in Australia, the Partner Visa 820 offers a reliable path to live with their partner onshore. This visa is particularly beneficial for those who are already in Australia and wish to apply for permanent residency through their relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Partner Visa 820 is the first step in a two-stage process that eventually leads to a permanent Partner Visa 801. Managed by the Department of Home Affairs, the visa allows applicants to remain in Australia temporarily while their permanent visa is being processed. In this blog, well take a detailed look at the Partner Visa 820, including eligibility, processing times, documentation requirements, benefits, and how to get professional assistance.

What is Partner Visa 820?

The Partner Visa 820 is a temporary visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa is granted to applicants who are already in Australia at the time of application and intend to stay with their partner during the processing of their permanent visa (Partner Visa 801). The Partner Visa 820 is the essential first stage of the two-part visa process.

Key Features of Partner Visa 820

Temporary visa allowing residence in Australia.
Applicants must be inside Australia at the time of application and decision.
Leads to permanent residency through Partner Visa 801.
Work and study rights included.
Access to Medicare.
Travel rights within and outside of Australia while the visa is valid.

Who Can Apply for Partner Visa 820?

To apply for the Partner Visa 820, the applicant must:

Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their sponsoring partner.
Be onshore (within Australia) at the time of application.
Meet health and character requirements.
Provide evidence of a shared life together.
Be married or in a de facto relationship (including same-sex couples).

Note: The permanent Partner Visa 801 may take additional time depending on your relationship duration and eligibility.

Benefits of Partner Visa 820

The Partner Visa 820 comes with several advantages, including:

Work rights in Australia.
Access to public healthcare (Medicare).
Study without restrictions.
Pathway to permanent residency.
Travel in and out of Australia.
Inclusion of dependent children on the same application.

Common Challenges in Partner Visa 820 Application

Applicants may face issues such as:

Insufficient relationship evidence.
Missing or incorrect documents.
Complex relationship histories.
Previous visa violations.
Long processing times.

To avoid delays and complications, it's highly recommended to consult with professional migration agents.

Role of a Migration Agent for Partner Visa 820

Using a registered migration agent like KNN Migration Services can ease the entire visa process. Their expertise in managing Partner Visa 820 applications helps in:

Document preparation.
Relationship evidence advice.
Application review and submission.
Responding to requests for more information.
Guidance throughout the 820 to 801 transition.

KNN Migration is MARA-registered and based in Australia, offering personalized support for your Partner Visa 820 journey.

Bridging Visa with Partner Visa 820

While your Partner Visa 820 application is being processed, you may be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows:

Lawful stay in Australia after your current visa expires.
Continued access to work and study rights.
The ability to remain in the country while awaiting a decision.

Note: To travel outside Australia, you must apply for Bridging Visa B.

Financial Cost of Partner Visa 820

The combined application fee (covering both 820 and 801 stages):

Main applicant: AUD 8,850 (subject to change)
Additional applicants over 18: AUD 4,430
Additional applicants under 18: AUD 2,215

These are significant costs, and a professionally prepared application helps avoid expensive mistakes or delays.

Partner Visa 820 and Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

While the Partner Visa 820 is designed for family reunification, the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 serves skilled professionals seeking permanent residency through employment.

The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 includes:

Direct Entry Stream for applicants who meet skill requirements and are nominated by an employer.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream for those already working in Australia under a 457 or 482 visa.
Labour Agreement Stream for applicants sponsored through a labor agreement between an employer and the government.

Each visa pathwaywhether through a partner or an employerhas its unique requirements. Individuals seeking to transition between these pathways or explore alternatives should consult with migration professionals like KNN Migration Services.

Why Choose KNN Migration for Partner Visa 820?

KNN Migration Services specializes in Partner Visa 820 applications, offering:

Proven experience in handling complex cases.
Personalized visa strategies.
MARA-registered professionals.
Transparent process and updates.
Support from 820 to 801 transition.

Their team ensures that each application meets all legal and procedural requirements, increasing the chance of visa success.

The Bottom Line

Applying for a Partner Visa 820 is a life-changing step for couples planning to settle in Australia. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, with the right guidance and a solid application, it paves the way for permanent residency and a secure future together. Whether you're just starting your relationship journey or looking to regularize your stay in Australia, the Partner Visa 820 offers a structured and supportive pathway. With experts like KNN Migration Services, your path to residency can be smoother and more successful.