If you’re already in Australia and want to stay with your partner permanently, the partner visa 820 is one of the most important steps on your journey. It allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia temporarily, while waiting for their permanent visa to be processed.

Let's break down the whole collection of information that you must be aware of for the partner visa 820—eligibility and what is required, fees, processing times, and advice for success.

What is Partner Visa 820?
A partner visa 820 is an intermediate visa enabling you to reside in Australia with your partner until the approval of your permanent partner visa (subclass 801). It's an interim step to a two-step path towards your permanent residence.

Once your temporary visa is granted, you are allowed to study, reside, and work in Australia. Two years from the date you applied, you become eligible for permanent visa.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Partner Visa 820?
You can apply for partner visa 820 if:

1. You are married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a qualifying New Zealand citizen.
2. You are in Australia when you lodge your application (and when it is granted).
3. You meet Australia's health and character requirements.
4. You are not excluded from applying on the basis of your existing visa (there are a few visas that have a "no further stay" condition, which first must be waived).

De facto partners will usually need to provide proof of 12 months living together unless the relationship has been officially registered with an Australian state or territory.

The Application Process
Below is an overview of the partner visa 820 application process:

1. Get Your Documents Ready: Gather proof of your relationship, ID documents, police certificates, and medical certificates.
2. Apply Online: Lodge your application on the Department of Home Affairs website when you are in Australia.
3. Apply for Sponsorship: Your Australian sponsor will also have to apply to sponsor you.
4. Bridging Visa: Upon application, you'll mostly be issued with a Bridging Visa A (BVA) which will, in law, ensure that you can't depart Australia before your 820 visa is finalized.
5. Wait for the Decision: Processing time varies but let 12 to 24 months pass.
6. Permanent Visa Stage: Two years from when you originally lodged your application, you will be interviewed for the partner visa 801 (permanent visa).

What Evidence Do You Need?
In order for your 820 application partner visa to be granted, you will need to submit evidence that your relationship is ongoing and genuine. Your relationship will be scrutinized by the immigration authorities on:

• Financial considerations: Joint bills, joint accounts, or joint financial obligations.
• Social aspects: Photos together, joint invitations, travel history, and witness testimony presented by family and friends.
• Home life: Rental agreements, bills, or documents of residency transferred.
• Together for the future: Future plans, wills, and personal letters.
• It should be coherent. Dates, addresses, and histories should coincide in your papers and in your own narration.

How Much Does the Partner Visa 820 Cost?
In 2025, you will pay around AUD 8,850 to apply for a partner visa 820. The fee also includes the follow-up application for the permanent 801 visa—it's one payment.

You will pay extra for:

1. Health checks
2. Police certificates from any country you've resided in for more than 12 months
3. Certified copies of documents (if they're not already in English)

How Long Does It Take to Process a Partner Visa 820
Processing times for the partner visa 820 are highly unpredictable based on your individual circumstances. As of early 2025, the current average processing times are:

• 75% of applications: Finished in around 14 months
• 90% of applications: Finished in around 21 months

Your wait time may be influenced by delays such as the completeness of your application, the speed at which you reply to requests for additional information, and security checks.

Can You Work or Study on a Partner Visa 820?
Yes! After you have been granted your partner visa 820, you can study and work in Australia. Even prior to the grant of your visa, if you hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you also have unfettered work rights—especially if you already held a substantive visa with work rights.

It will become easier for you to settle into your new Australian life without the need for work visas anymore.

Some Helpful Hints on Partner Visa 820 Application

1. Be Prepared: Have a checklist and all documents in front of you before you start.
2. Be Honest: Inconsistencies or lies will ruin your application.
3. Check and Re-Check Evidence: Make sure your evidence documents all aspects of your relationship.
4. Reply Promptly: If immigration responds with more details, reply at the earliest opportunity.
5. Seek Expert Assistance: In case your matter is complicated, a registered migration agent can guide you in filing a strong application.

Conclusion
Applying for partner visa 820 is a critical step towards beginning life with your partner in Australia. Although the process seems intimidating, preparation, planning, and genuineness will go a long way to boost your success rate.

If you're not sure or would like the confidence that it's all happening properly, then utilize the services of a professional migration agent. With the experts' help, you'll be all set and settled in Australia in no time.