Australia · Family Visas

Partner visas (subclasses 820/801)

The onshore partner visa lets the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen apply in Australia, first for a temporary visa (820) and then permanent (801).

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Couples in a genuine and continuing relationship, where the applicant is in Australia.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Married, or in a de facto relationship (usually 12 months, or registered)
  • A sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen
  • Applicant in Australia when applying
  • Health and character requirements
Process

How the process works

  1. The applicant and sponsor apply together online
  2. A bridging visa usually applies while the application is processed
  3. The temporary 820 is decided
  4. After the waiting period, the permanent 801 is assessed
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Marriage certificate or de facto evidence
  • Evidence of financial, household, social and commitment aspects of the relationship
  • Sponsor's status documents
  • Police certificates
Good to know

What to keep in mind

If you do not hold a substantive visa when you apply, Schedule 3 criteria may apply.

Official source: Official source. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Ecosystem Architecture

Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for Partner visas (subclasses 820/801)

Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.

article

Supporting Briefings & Advisory Articles

4 min read

Australia DAMA Visa Guide: How UAE Expats Can Fast-Track Employer Sponsorship

While major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne are highly competitive, Australia’s regional areas are experiencing massive economic growth—and they are facing critical workforce shortages. To combat this, the Au...

Read briefing arrow_forward
4 min read

Australia PR Score Calculator 2026: Check Your Eligibility & Get PR Faster from the UAE

Planning to settle in Australia in 2026? You are not alone. Thousands of skilled professionals and expats currently residing in the UAE are exploring Australia PR pathways for better career growth, an unmatched lifestyle...

Read briefing arrow_forward
3 min read

Can You Get Australia PR Without IELTS? The 482 to 186 Visa Pathway for UAE Professionals

For many highly skilled professionals and expats residing in the UAE, the prospect of moving to Australia is incredibly exciting. However, there is often one major hurdle that delays their plans: achieving a perfect IELT...

Read briefing arrow_forward

Is Partner visas (subclasses 820/801) the right route for you?

Get a free, no-obligation assessment of your profile. A senior adviser will review your options and explain the realistic pathways that fit.