The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a temporary visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa is the first step towards obtaining the permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801, which allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and key considerations for the Partner Visa Subclass 820.

Overview of Partner Visa Subclass 820

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is designed to help partners reunite and live together in Australia. It is a temporary visa that provides the foundation for applying for permanent residency through the Partner Visa Subclass 801.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Partner Visa Subclass 820, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Relationship:

• You must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsoring partner, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

• You must either be married or in a de facto relationship. For de facto relationships, you must have been living together for at least 12 months unless you have registered your relationship.

Sponsorship:

• Your partner must sponsor you. They must be 18 years or older and provide a written statement to support your application.

Health and Character Requirements:

• You must meet health and character requirements, including undergoing medical examinations and providing police certificates.

Financial and Personal Documents:

• You need to provide evidence of your relationship, including joint financial commitments, household responsibilities, social activities, and future plans together.

Application Process

1. Prepare Your Documents:

• Gather necessary documents such as identity documents, relationship evidence, sponsorship forms, health and character certifications, and financial documents.

Lodge Your Application:

• Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure all forms are completed accurately and all required documents are attached.

Pay the Application Fee:

• Pay the required visa application fee. This fee covers both the Subclass 820 and the subsequent Subclass 801 visa applications.

Await Processing:

• Processing times for the Partner Visa Subclass 820 can vary, but it generally takes around 21-24 months. Be prepared for a waiting period.

Health and Character Checks:

• Complete the required health examinations and obtain police clearance certificates as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Provide Additional Information:

• If requested, provide any additional information or attend an interview.

Visa Decision:

• Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision. If approved, you will be granted the Partner Visa Subclass 820, allowing you to live in Australia temporarily.

Benefits of Partner Visa Subclass 820

• Live and Work: You can live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801 application is being processed.

• Healthcare Access: You are eligible for Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.

• Travel Rights: You can travel to and from Australia during the visa validity period.

• Family Reunification: You can be with your partner and build a life together in Australia.

Transition to Partner Visa Subclass 801

After holding the Partner Visa Subclass 820 for two years, you can apply for the permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801. To transition to the Subclass 801 visa, you must continue to meet the relationship requirements and provide additional evidence of your ongoing partnership.

Key Considerations

• Processing Time: The Partner Visa Subclass 820 can take up to 24 months to process, so apply well in advance.

• Relationship Evidence: Provide comprehensive evidence of your relationship, including joint financial accounts, lease agreements, and photos together.

• Compliance: Ensure you comply with all visa conditions, including health and character requirements, to avoid delays in processing.

Conclusion

The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is an essential step for partners wishing to live together in Australia. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing a thorough application, and providing detailed evidence of your relationship, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Once granted, this visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while you wait to transition to the permanent Partner Visa Subclass 801. Reuniting with your partner in Australia and building a future together is a rewarding journey, and the Partner Visa Subclass 820 is the first step towards that goal.