🛂 Visas
Partner visa (subclass 820/801)

Partner visa (subclass 820/801)

Lets you live in Australia if your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It's applied for in two stages: first temporary (820), then permanent (801).

For the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or resident
Do I have to be married to qualify?

Not necessarily — it also applies if you have a genuine, continuing de facto relationship with your partner, generally with at least 12 months of living together, with some exceptions.

How do you prove the relationship is genuine?

With evidence of shared life: joint bank accounts, a lease in both names, photos, statements from family and friends, and ongoing communication over time. The more varied the evidence, the better.

Can I work while it's being processed?

Yes, the temporary visa (820) gives you full work rights while you wait for the permanent stage (801) to be decided.

How long does the process take?

Processing times vary a lot and tend to be long. Check current processing times on the official site before making plans.

Official links
Subclass 820/801 en Home Affairs
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General information, not personalised migration advice. Always verify on the official Australian government websites. · Updated: Agosto 2026