Moving to Australia to be with your partner is an exciting prospect, but the visa process can seem daunting. The Partner Visa Subclass 820 allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily. This visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801).

What is the Partner Visa Subclass 820?

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia if you are married to or in a de facto relationship with:

• An Australian citizen,

• An Australian permanent resident, or

• An eligible New Zealand citizen.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Partner Visa Subclass 820, you must:

1. Be in a genuine relationship: You must prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing.

2. Be onshore: You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa and when it is granted.

3. Meet health and character requirements: You must meet Australia's health and character requirements.

4. Have sponsorship: Your partner must sponsor you for at least two years.

Required Documentation

To support your visa application, you need to provide evidence such as:

• Proof of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, joint bank accounts, lease agreements).

• Personal documents (e.g., passports, birth certificates).

• Character documents (e.g., police checks).

• Health examinations.

Temporary Visa to Permanent Residency

Once you have been granted the Partner Visa Subclass 820, you can live in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801 is processed. Typically, you can apply for the permanent visa two years after submitting your initial application, provided you still meet all the requirements.

Benefits of the Partner Visa Subclass 820

• Live in Australia: You can live and work in Australia while your permanent visa is processed.

• Healthcare: You can enroll in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.

• Study: You can study in Australia, although you won't have access to government funding.

Challenges and Considerations

• Processing times: The process can be lengthy, sometimes taking up to two years.

• Cost: The visa application fee can be significant, and there may be additional costs for health checks and police certificates.

• Documentation: Providing comprehensive evidence of your relationship can be challenging, especially for de facto couples.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Detailed evidence: Provide as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship.

• Organize your documents: Make sure all your documents are in order and easy to navigate.

• Stay informed: Keep up to date with any changes in visa requirements or processing times.

Conclusion

Applying for the Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a significant step towards building a life in Australia with your loved one. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, thorough preparation and understanding of the requirements can help ensure a successful application. By meeting all the eligibility criteria and providing detailed evidence of your relationship, you can navigate the visa process with confidence.