A two-stage pathway to permanent residence with your partner, applying from within Australia
The Subclass 820 (Provisional) and Subclass 801 (Permanent) Partner visas are a two-stage pathway for people who are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying from within Australia. The provisional Subclass 820 is granted first; as your relationship continues, the permanent Subclass 801 is assessed.
A Registered Migration Agent will review your enquiry and respond within one business day. If your matter is urgent, please call us on (08) 6555 7037.
Eligibility criteria
A Subclass 820 and 801 application generally requires the following:
Genuine and ongoing relationship: You must prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing, supported by matters such as shared living and shared financial responsibilities.
Partner sponsorship: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and undertake to support you throughout the application.
Onshore application: You are generally expected to be within Australia when the application is lodged.
Health and character: Both you and your partner must meet the health and character standards; a medical examination and police clearances are provided.
Two-stage process: The provisional 820 is assessed first; as the relationship continues, you move to the permanent 801 stage.
Periods, conditions and processing times change over time and are verified against current Department of Home Affairs sources before proceeding.
Key benefits of the 820 and 801
Living in Australia (820): On the provisional visa, you live with your partner and have full work and study rights, Medicare and unlimited travel.
Family: You can include dependent children in your application.
Permanent residence (801): At the permanent stage, you gain the right to live and work indefinitely, with Medicare and social security.
Citizenship and sponsorship: After permanent residence, you may apply for citizenship and sponsor eligible family members.
These benefits are general in nature, and no visa outcome is guaranteed.
How we manage your application, step by step
We assess your relationship and your sponsor's situation and determine the most suitable pathway.
We compile the evidence that presents your relationship across the four key aspects.
We prepare all required documents, including identity, health, character and supporting statements.
We lodge your application accurately and completely; the 820 is assessed first.
We monitor the process and respond promptly to any requests from the Department.
At the end of the required period, we support you toward the permanent 801 stage and application.
Frequently asked questions
Australian Migration Co is a private migration advisory firm. Immigration assistance is provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418576) registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Australian Migration Co is not a government body and is not part of, or operated by, the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. Visa applications can also be lodged directly with the Australian Government at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, and some are free of charge; our services are provided for a fee. The information on this page is general in nature, does not constitute immigration advice and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Visa periods, conditions, relationship-evidence requirements and processing times change over time and are verified against current sources before proceeding.