Partner Visa Subclass 820: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia

🌟 Overview

The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live, work, and study in Australia. This visa is the first step toward obtaining the permanent Subclass 801 Partner Visa.(Migration Explorer, aumglobal.com.au)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 820 visa, applicants must:

  • Relationship Status: Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This includes both married and de facto relationships.(au.graceintlgroup.com)
  • Cohabitation: For de facto couples, live together for at least 12 months before applying, unless there are compelling reasons for not doing so.(altrialaw.com)
  • Health and Character: Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates from any country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.(EasiVisa)
  • Age: Both the applicant and sponsor must be at least 18 years old.

📄 Application Process

  1. Prepare Documentation: Gather evidence of your relationship, including joint financial commitments, shared household responsibilities, and social recognition of your relationship.(Migration Explorer)
  2. Submit Application: Lodge your application online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.(aumglobal.com.au)
  3. Bridging Visa: Upon submission, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing you to stay in Australia legally while your application is processed.(aumglobal.com.au)
  4. Attend Biometrics and Health Checks: Complete any required biometrics collection and medical examinations.(aumglobal.com.au)
  5. Await Decision: Processing times can vary; however, as of 2025, the average processing time is approximately 18 to 24 months.(aumglobal.com.au)

💰 Costs

Note: Fees are subject to change; please refer to the official Australian Government website for the most current information.

🎓 Rights and Benefits

  • Work Rights: Full work rights in Australia.(Knowbal)
  • Study Rights: Eligibility to enroll in educational courses.(Knowbal)
  • Medicare: Access to Australia’s public healthcare system.(Knowbal)
  • Travel: Ability to travel within Australia.(Knowbal)
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: After holding the Subclass 820 visa for at least two years, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa.(aumglobal.com.au)

📌 Important Considerations

  • Processing Delays: Due to high demand, processing times for the Subclass 820 visa can be lengthy. As of 2025, the backlog for partner visas has been reported to be over 76,000 applications, leading to extended waiting periods. (The Guardian)
  • Documentation: Ensure all documents are complete and accurately reflect your relationship to avoid delays.(IdP)
  • Legal Advice: Consider seeking advice from a registered migration agent to navigate the application process effectively.(EasiVisa)

📞 How Earth Link Can Assist

At Earth Link, we specialize in providing comprehensive support for individuals applying for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: Determine your eligibility for the Subclass 820 visa.
  • Document Preparation: Assist in gathering and preparing the necessary documentation.(The Guardian)
  • Application Lodgment: Guide you through the online application process.
  • Ongoing Support: Provide updates and assistance throughout the processing period.
  • Transition to Permanent Residency: Support you in applying for the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa after meeting the eligibility criteria.(aumglobal.com.au)

For personalized guidance and to begin your journey toward securing a Partner Visa Subclass 820, contact Earth Link today.