Partner Visas 820 and 801

The Australian Partner Visas 820 and 801 are two types of visas that allow spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia. These visas are commonly referred to as the “onshore partner visas,” as they are intended for applicants who are already in Australia.

The Partner Visa (subclass 820) is the first stage of the two-stage visa process, while the Partner Visa (subclass 801) is the second stage. The 820 visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia temporarily while their permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) is processed.

To be eligible for the Partner Visa (subclass 820), the applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The applicant must also meet health and character requirements, and meet certain age requirements.

After the 820 visa is granted, the applicant will be allowed to stay in Australia with their partner for a temporary period of up to two years. During this time, they will be eligible to work and study in Australia, and can also travel in and out of the country as needed.

Once the temporary visa period is over, the applicant can then apply for the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801), which allows them to stay in Australia permanently. To be eligible for the permanent visa, the applicant must continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including maintaining their genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner.

Overall, the Partner Visas 820 and 801 provide a pathway for partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live and work in Australia. The process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to seek professional advice and assistance when applying for these visas.