Partner Visa
AustraliaTM
Onshore Partner Visa: Subclass 820/801
For couples where the applicant is already in Australia. We assess eligibility, prepare relationship evidence, and manage the application through to the permanent stage.
What Is the Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)?
The Onshore Partner Visa is a two-stage pathway for applicants who are already in Australia. It is available to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is willing to sponsor them.
Best suited for
Applicants already in Australia whose Australian partner is ready to sponsor them
Stage 1: Subclass 820
Temporary stage: Grants the right to live, work, study, and access Medicare in Australia while the permanent stage is assessed
Stage 2: Subclass 801
Permanent stage: Assessed approximately two years after the original lodgement date
Key benefit
Most applicants receive a Bridging Visa A at lodgement, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia with full work rights while they wait
Eligibility
Both the applicant and the sponsor must meet separate requirements. A problem on either side can affect the outcome.
Applicant Requirements
Location
Must be in Australia at the time of lodgement
Visa Status
Must hold a substantive visa or eligible bridging visa. Speak with a registered migration agent before lodging if you have previously had a visa refused or cancelled in Australia as this may impact your eligibility.
Relationship
Spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor
De Facto
Must have been in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months before lodgement, unless a registered relationship is held
Age
18 years or older
Health and Character
Medical examination and police clearances required
Sponsor Requirements
Status
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Age
18 years or older
Sponsorship history
Most sponsors may only sponsor two partner visa applications in their lifetime. A second sponsorship generally requires Ministerial approval
Character
Must not have convictions for relevant offences involving violence or harm
What the Department Assesses
Proving Your Relationship to the Department of Home Affairs Relationship evidence is assessed across four categories, and every category must be addressed at lodgement. The table below sets out what each category requires and what strong evidence looks like in practice.
Financial aspects
Joint finances, shared assets, and financial interdependence
Nature of the household
Shared living arrangements and domestic responsibilities
Social aspects
Recognition of the relationship by family, friends, and the community
Nature of commitment
Mutual long-term commitment expressed through written statements and shared future plans
Identity, Health, and Character Documents
Identity, health, and character checks are mandatory for every applicant and must be completed before lodgement. Here’s what you should look out for when reviewing documents:
Onshore Partner Visa Application Costs
Knowing the full cost upfront lets you plan properly and move forward with confidence. Below is a complete breakdown of the Department's application charges.
Primary applicant
AUD $11,710
Secondary applicant 18 or older
AUD $5,860
Secondary applicant under 18
AUD $2,935
Subclass 300 holders
AUD $1,955
Beyond the government application charge, most applicants will need to budget for additional costs specific to their situation. These typically include health examinations, police clearances from relevant countries, and NAATI-accredited translations for documents not in English. The amounts vary depending on your circumstances and country of origin. Contact us to get a complete picture of the total costs involved in your application.
Please note: Government visa application charges are reviewed and typically adjusted by the Department of Home Affairs each July. The figures in this table reflect the 2026–27 financial year. If you are reading this page after 1 July 2027, some charges may have changed. We recommend confirming current fees at the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator or contacting us directly before you budget for your application.
Onshore Partner Visa Processing Timeframes
Stage 1: Subclass 820 — Temporary Partner Visa
| Percentile | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 16 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 24 months |
Stage 2: Subclass 801 — Permanent Partner Visa
| Percentile | Processing time from eligibility |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 8 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 26 months |
The permanent stage becomes eligible approximately two years after the original lodgement date. A decision-ready application with complete relationship evidence is better positioned for timely processing. Contact us to discuss what a realistic timeline looks like for your specific situation.
Please note: Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs as percentile estimates and are updated monthly. The figures above reflect data available in early 2026. Actual processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, the completeness of evidence provided at lodgement, and application volumes at the time of decision. These figures are a guide only and are not a guarantee of when your application will be decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak With a Partner Visa Australia Agent Today
Getting your Onshore Partner Visa right from the start makes every stage of the process simpler and faster for both of you. Claim your consultation today.
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