In today’s globalised world, love knows no borders. Whether you’ve met your partner in Australia or abroad, the ability to live together legally in the same country is an essential step toward building your future. If you’re looking to sponsor or join a loved one in Australia, the Partner Visa 820 is often the first step—and PACE Immigration is here to help.
As one of Australia’s most trusted immigration consultants, PACE Immigration specialises in assisting couples through the complex process of obtaining a partner visa Australia. With expert guidance, personalised support, and a deep understanding of the migration system, they make this emotional and administrative journey smoother for both parties.
Understanding the Partner Visa Australia Program
The Australian Government offers partner visas to enable the spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. These visas are designed to reunite couples and allow them to begin or continue their lives together legally.
There are two main types of onshore partner visas:
Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner Visa)
Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner Visa)
The process begins with the Partner Visa Subclass 820, which allows the applicant to stay in Australia temporarily while the permanent visa (801) is processed.
What is Partner Visa 820?
The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a temporary visa granted to individuals who are currently in Australia and are in a genuine, committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Key Features:
Allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent visa is processed.
Provides access to Medicare.
Lets you travel to and from Australia freely while the visa is valid.
Leads to a permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) after approximately two years, if the relationship is ongoing.
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa 820?
To be eligible for the Partner Visa 820, applicants must meet several requirements:
Relationship Criteria
You must be:
Legally married to an Australian partner, OR
In a de facto relationship for at least 12 months, unless exceptional circumstances apply (e.g. registered relationship in some states).
Sponsor Requirements
Your partner must be:
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Willing to sponsor you and meet character and sponsorship obligations.
Applicant Requirements
Must be onshore in Australia at the time of application.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Must not have had a visa cancelled or refused recently.
How PACE Immigration Simplifies the Partner Visa Process
Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be overwhelming. From compiling extensive documentation to writing personal statements and responding to immigration requests, the process is detailed and time-consuming. That’s where PACE Immigration comes in.
Services Offered:
Initial Consultation: Understand your relationship circumstances and visa eligibility.
Document Checklist: Receive a detailed list of documents tailored to your case.
Application Preparation: Let their team draft, review, and lodge your visa application.
Relationship Statements: Guidance on how to write compelling partner statements.
Ongoing Support: Prompt response to any case officer requests and changes in circumstances.
Permanent Visa Planning: Ensure you’re prepared for the transition to Subclass 801.
Benefits of Partner Visa 820
Here’s what makes this visa so crucial—and beneficial—for couples:
Live in Australia
You can stay with your partner while awaiting the outcome of your permanent visa.
Work and Study Rights
You’re free to work full-time or part-time and enroll in educational institutions.
Medicare Access
Get access to Australia’s public healthcare system after receiving the Bridging Visa A or 820 visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After approximately two years (or sooner in long-term relationships), you can apply for the Partner Visa Subclass 801, which grants permanent residency.
Timeline and Processing Stages
Here’s how the partner visa Australia application process generally works:
Partner Visa 820 Application
You lodge the 820 visa and 801 visa together while onshore.
Bridging Visa
You receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which becomes active when your current visa expires. This allows you to stay in Australia legally while waiting for the 820 visa to be granted.
820 Visa Granted
Once granted, you can enjoy full temporary resident rights.
Two-Year Relationship Check
After two years from the original application date, the Department assesses your relationship again to determine eligibility for the 801 visa.
801 Visa Granted
This visa grants you permanent residency in Australia, allowing indefinite stay and access to most benefits.
Note: In some cases, the permanent visa can be granted earlier if the relationship has existed for more than three years or if children are involved.
Documentation Required
A strong application requires substantial evidence to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship. PACE Immigration helps organise and review these documents, which may include:
Proof of shared finances (joint bank accounts, leases)
Social proof (photos, joint social events, declarations from family and friends)
Communication history (emails, chats, call logs)
Travel history together
Evidence of living arrangements
Marriage or relationship registration certificates
Common Reasons for Partner Visa Refusals
Understanding the common pitfalls helps prevent costly delays or rejections. Here are some common issues:
Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship
Incomplete documentation
Contradictory statements
Poorly written partner or statutory declarations
Applying while on a visa with “No Further Stay” condition
By working with PACE Immigration, you avoid these mistakes with the support of seasoned migration consultants.
Why Choose PACE Immigration?
Expertise in Australian Partner Visas
PACE Immigration has helped countless couples across Australia reunite and begin their lives together legally.
Personalised Case Handling
Every relationship is unique. PACE offers tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.
Clear Communication
Get timely updates and full transparency throughout the visa process.
High Success Rate
With a detailed, compliance-driven approach, their clients enjoy consistently high approval rates.
Testimonials from Happy Clients
Thanks to PACE Immigration, my partner visa 820 was approved in record time. Their team helped us compile all the necessary documents and made us feel confident throughout the process.
Maria A., Sydney
We had no idea how complex the process could be. PACE not only guided us through it but also made it stress-free. Highly recommend!
Vikram S., Melbourne
Let Love Lead the Way
Navigating immigration law while managing a relationship can be emotionally taxing. With the right support, however, you don’t have to face it alone. PACE Immigration brings not only professional expertise but also genuine care for couples looking to make Australia their forever home.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are ready to lodge your application, the partner visa Australia process can be smooth and stress-free with the right guidance. With PACE Immigration, you gain more than a migration consultant—you gain a partner who cares about your journey.
