Onshore Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 820 & 801) – Complete Guide

The Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801) allows the partner of an:

• Australian citizen

• Australian permanent resident

• Eligible New Zealand citizen

to stay in Australia while their Partner Visa is being processed.

It’s called “onshore” because you must be inside Australia at the time of application.

This pathway is generally suitable if:

• You and your partner are already together in Australia

• You hold a visa that allows you to apply onshore (and does not have a “No Further Stay” condition)

• You want the security of a Bridging Visa so you can remain lawfully in Australia during processing

To apply for the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa, you must show:

• You are in a genuine and ongoing relationship (married or de facto)

• Your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen

• You both meet health and character requirements

If applying as a de facto couple, you must generally:

• Have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before lodgement

• Be living together (or not living separately on a permanent basis)

Unless:

• Your relationship is registered, or

• There are compelling and compassionate circumstances

The onshore Partner Visa is a two-stage process.

Stage 1 – Subclass 820 (Temporary)

Once you lodge your application:

• You will usually receive a Bridging Visa

• This allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while your visa is processed

In most cases, the Bridging Visa includes:

• Full work rights

• Access to Medicare

• Study rights

Always check your individual visa conditions in VEVO.

Stage 2 – Subclass 801 (Permanent)

Approximately two years after your initial application date, the Department will assess your eligibility for permanent residency. You will need to make an application to begin this process. Whilst applying, you must show your relationship is still genuine and ongoing

Once approved, you become a permanent resident of Australia.

Here’s a simplified overview:

1. Create an ImmiAccount through the Department of Home Affairs website

2. Complete Form 47SP (ONLINE applicant form)

3. Upload supporting documents

4. Pay the visa fee

5. Submit the application and receive your TRN

6. Your partner completes Form 40SP and uploads their documents

From there, processing begins.

After lodging, you will usually receive a Bridging Visa.

Most applicants receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) if they applied while holding a valid visa.

If you were unlawful or on another bridging visa, you may receive a Bridging Visa C (BVC) instead.

Important:

• Your Bridging Visa only comes into effect once your current visa expires

• Work and travel conditions vary

• Always check your grant letter

If you need to travel overseas, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB).

If you leave Australia without a BVB:

• Your Bridging Visa A will cease

• You may not be able to return to Australia

Always get proper advice before travelling.

Here are a few things many applicants miss:

1. Schedule 3 Issues

If you are currently unlawful or on a Bridging Visa E, you may need to meet additional Schedule 3 requirements. These are strict and require careful preparation.

2. Police & Health Clearances

These are usually valid for 12 months only. You may need updated clearances if processing takes longer.

3. Respond to Department Requests

If the Department sends a request for information, you typically have 28 days to respond. Missing this deadline can result in refusal.

4. Keep Updating Your Evidence

Upload new:

• Photos

• Joint leases

• Travel bookings

• Shared financial documents

This shows your relationship is continuing.

The Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) is designed to keep couples together in Australia while their relationship is assessed.

It can feel overwhelming, but with the right structure and preparation, it becomes much more manageable.

Every relationship is unique. Every case has nuances.

If you would like your application reviewed before lodgement, I offer a Partner Visa Review Service to help you feel confident before submitting.

Or if you’d prefer to talk through your situation first, you can book a free 15-minute consultation with the AIVS team and me.

You’re not alone in this. We’re here to guide you every step of the way 💛