If you and your partner wish to build a life together in Australia, the onshore partner visa 801/820 offers a perfect pathway. This two-stage visa allows eligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia and eventually gain permanent residency.
At EduNest, we understand the importance of family and relationships. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of your onshore partner visa application with clarity and confidence
The onshore partner subclass 820/801 visa is designed for individuals already in Australia who wish to stay with their spouse or de facto partner. This visa has two stages:
Partner Temporary Visa Subclass 820: This is the first stage, allowing applicants to stay in Australia temporarily while their permanent visa is processed.
Partner Visa Subclass 801: This is the permanent visa granted approximately two years after lodging the initial application, provided the relationship is ongoing.
Together, these visas allow couples to live together in Australia and eventually transition to permanent residency.
Live, work, and study in Australia during the visa processing period.
Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Include dependent children in your application.
Full support from EduNest, ensuring a smooth and compliant application process.
You may be eligible for the partner visa 820 801 if:
You are in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
You are onshore (already in Australia) at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
You and your partner can provide evidence of your relationship, such as shared bills, joint leases, or photographs together.
You meet health and character requirements.
The onshore partner visa application process involves detailed documentation and a clear understanding of immigration policies. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
You’ll need to provide:
Proof of your relationship
Identity documents
Health and character assessments
Statements from family and friends
You start by submitting your application for the partner visa 820 online while you’re in Australia. This visa grants temporary residency and allows you to remain in Australia while waiting for the 801 visa.
Once the subclass 820 visa is granted, you’ll need to wait around two years before the Department of Home Affairs begins assessing your partner visa 801.
If your relationship is still valid after the 2-year mark, you’ll be invited to submit additional documents for the partner visa 801 stage.
If everything checks out, you will be granted permanent residency under subclass 801.
The onshore partner visa processing time can vary depending on individual circumstances and document completeness. Generally:
Subclass 820 : 6 to 29 months
Subclass 801 : 12 to 24 months after the temporary visa is granted
Using expert migration support from EduNest can help avoid delays caused by missing documentation or incorrect submissions.
At EduNest, we bring a human approach to migration. Our experienced team:
Understands the complexity of partner visa 820 801 applications
Ensures all forms are accurately completed and submitted
Offers personalized support for both applicants and sponsors
Monitors your application from submission through approval
Keeps you updated on changes in immigration policy
Whether you’re at the start of your visa journey or waiting to transition to permanent residency, EduNest is here to simplify the process
Applying for an onshore partner visa 801/820 is a significant step in building a future with your loved one in Australia. With the right guidance and professional assistance from EduNest, you can ensure your application is strong, complete, and ready for approval.
Let us help you reunite and stay with your partner in Australia. Contact EduNest today for a free consultation on your onshore partner visa application.