Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801)

The Partner visa (subclass 820 and 801) is a two-stage visa for individuals who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Here's an overview of the subclass 820 and 801 visas:

1. Subclass 820 Visa (Temporary):
   • The subclass 820 visa is the first stage of the Partner visa application process and is a temporary visa.
   • To be eligible for the subclass 820 visa, applicants must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
   • Applicants can apply for the subclass 820 visa while they are in Australia or overseas, but if they apply from within Australia, they must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B, or C.
   • Once granted, the subclass 820 visa allows the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily until a decision is made on the subclass 801 visa application.
2. Subclass 801 Visa (Permanent):
   • The subclass 801 visa is the second stage of the Partner visa application process and is a permanent visa.
   • To be eligible for the subclass 801 visa, applicants must continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner and meet all the relevant criteria.
   • The subclass 801 visa application is usually assessed approximately two years after the subclass 820 visa application is lodged, provided that the relationship is still genuine and ongoing at that time.
   • Once granted, the subclass 801 visa allows the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, and it provides access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.
3. Evidence of Relationship:

   Applicants for the subclass 820 and 801 visas are required to provide evidence of their genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner. This may include documents such as joint bank statements, lease agreements, photos together, and statements from family and friends. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the evidence provided to determine whether the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

4. Health and Character Requirements:

   All applicants for the subclass 820 and 801 visas must meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. This includes undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.

5. Processing Time:

   Processing times for the subclass 820 and 801 visas can vary depending on various factors such as the completeness of the application, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the processing office. It's important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for the subclass 820 and 801 visas and seek advice from a registered migration agent if needed to ensure a smooth application process.