The temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) allows you to live in Australia if you are the spouse or de facto partner of:
- an Australian citizen
- an Australian permanent resident
- an eligible New Zealand citizen.
In some circumstances the visa can be granted where your partner relationship has ended.
The temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) is the first stage towards a permanent Partner visa (subclass 801). You must be in Australia when you apply and also when this visa is decided.
You lodge one application form for your temporary and permanent visas and pay one application charge. Your application is processed in two stages, about two years apart.
More information
More information is available from the Partner Migration booklet.
What this visa lets you do
The temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) lets you:
- stay in Australia until a decision is made about your permanent Partner visa
- work in Australia
- study in Australia, but with no access to government funding
- enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
You can include your dependent children in your application, but not other dependent relatives (unless you hold or held a Prospective Marriage visa). Dependent applicants must be in Australia when they apply.
If you are later granted a permanent visa, you can:
- stay in Australia indefinitely
- work and study in Australia
- apply for Australian citizenship (if you are eligible)
- sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- receive some social security payments
- travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted – after that time you will need another visa to enter Australia.
Before you apply
Your passport
You need a valid passport or other travel document for this visa. If you plan to get a new passport, you should do so before applying for your visa. If you get a new passport after you have lodged your application, give the details of your new passport to one of our offices. If you plan to lodge an online visa application, certified copies of original documents can be scanned and attached to your visa application through your ImmiAccount.
Cost
The visa application charges are listed in Fees and charges.
Other costs
You might have to pay other costs, such as the costs of health assessments, police certificates, or any other certificates or tests. You are responsible for making the necessary arrangements.
