Partner Visa ( Subclass 820/801 ) ( Temporary and Permanent ) – ( Onshore )

Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa

The Subclass 820 (Temporary) and Subclass 801 (Permanent) Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This is a two-stage process, where applicants first receive a temporary visa (820) before progressing to the permanent visa (801).

Key Features

• Two-Stage Process: Initial grant of Subclass 820 (Temporary) visa, leading to Subclass 801 (Permanent) visa.
• Work and Study Rights: Allows unrestricted work and study opportunities in Australia.
• Medicare Access: Eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Pathway to Citizenship: Progression to permanent residency enables eligibility for Australian citizenship.
• Family Involvement: Include dependent family members in the application.

Eligibility Criteria

1. 1. Relationship:

   Applicant must be married to or in a de facto relationship with:

   • An Australian citizen,
   • An Australian permanent resident, or
   • An eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. 2. Genuine Relationship: Evidence of a continuing and genuine relationship.
3. 3. Onshore Application: Applicant must be in Australia when applying.
4. 4. Age Requirement: Both parties must generally be at least 18 years old.
5. 5. Health and Character: Meet specific health and character requirements.

Secondary Applicant Requirements

• Must be a dependent family member of the primary applicant.
• Must meet health, character, and relationship requirements.
• Can apply as part of the primary applicant’s submission.

Application Process

1. 1. Lodge Subclass 820 Visa:
   • Complete the application while onshore.
   • Provide supporting evidence of your relationship.
2. 2. Grant of Subclass 820 Visa:
   • Temporary visa granted after the relationship is assessed.
   • Begin enjoying temporary stay benefits.
3. 3. Apply for Subclass 801 Visa:
   • Submit additional evidence of your ongoing relationship (generally after two years).
4. 4. Grant of Subclass 801 Visa:
   • Permanent residency is granted upon approval.

Visa Conditions

• Must continue to maintain the genuine nature of your relationship.
• Adhere to Australian laws and visa requirements.
• Inform the Department of any significant changes to personal circumstances.

Validity and Benefits

1. 1. Temporary Visa (Subclass 820):
   • Valid until the permanent visa decision.
   • Enables residence, work, and study in Australia.
2. 2. Permanent Visa (Subclass 801):
   • Indefinite stay in Australia.
   • Full work and study rights.
   • Eligibility for Australian citizenship (subject to additional criteria).
   • Access to Medicare and other government benefits.