At first glance, applying for a Subclass 820 Partner Visa in Australia can be a daunting prospect. But proper guidance can make it a simpler process. This visa is suitable for a long-term plan to live with a spouse in Australia on a temporary basis. It provides a route to PR, allowing couples to reside together whilst the long-term visa is being processed.

Understanding the Subclass 820 Visa
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa is a temporary visa for partners. This visa permits the applicant to reside in Australia based on their marriage or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The initial visa is a two-step process to obtain a permanent partner visa.
Eligibility Criteria
Confirm eligibility before applying. The applicant should be in a bona fide or committed relationship with a qualifying partner. The age of partners must be above 18 years. The relationship must be exclusive and continuous. This would involve providing proof of shared economic duties and social aspects of life. The applicant would also need to satisfy health and character criteria.
Gathering Necessary Documents
One of the most crucial elements required for the application is documentation. It is essential to have relevant documents. These include identity papers such as passports and birth certificates. Applicants must show proof of the relationship. This may entail joint bank records, rent contracts, and pictures together. You must provide character documents and police checks. Keep all necessary papers ready before completing the application.
Lodging the Application
The Subclass 820 Visa is an online application process. It is important to fill each segment very carefully. Double-check all information for accuracy. Typically, a bridging visa is granted after the application is lodged. This enables the applicants to stay in Australia until a decision is made. The process of applying for this visa gets simplified with an online system that guides applicants through every step, ensuring none are skipped.
The Waiting Period
Generally, processing times for Subclass 820 Visas can vary. You must have patience. Checking the status of the application online periodically can help you stay updated. A timely response to requests for further information made by immigration should be a priority during this period. Keeping contact information current helps with the receipt of all mail.
Health and Character Checks
Applicants must undergo health examinations. These checks ensure that the applicant does not have health conditions that may be a risk to the public. Character assessments are also necessary. A police certificate must be obtained from the countries where the applicant has resided. These ensure that the individual complies with Australian immigration character requirements.
Interview Process
The process does entail a potential interview. It will test the integrity of the relationship if necessary. It is essential to ensure that both partners are prepared to discuss their relationship openly. At this point, honesty is everything. The interviewer will want to hear that the relationship is legitimate and productive.
Receiving the Visa Decision
A decision will be made once all these checks and interviews have been completed. Once the application is approved, the applicant gets the Subclass 820 Visa. This enables them to reside and be employed in Australia temporarily. If your application had been refused, you would receive a letter detailing the reasons for refusal. In any case, these reasons should be considered when thinking about the next steps.
Preparing for the Next Steps
Once you receive the Subclass 820 Visa, the next step is applying for the Subclass 801 Visa. This is a partner visa, but permanent. There is more paperwork involved, and you must undergo another application process to obtain a permanent visa. During all of this time, it’s essential to uphold the relationship and continue to fulfil any responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to prepare when applying for a Subclass 820 Partner Visa in Australia is vital. Having a complete guide to filling out the visa application will help you make successful applications. Couples visas, which allow both partners to live together in Australia while affording a pathway to permanence. You can absolutely do it; with perseverance & patience,

Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
