How to get an Australian 820 subclass partner visa.

The 820 Temporary Partner Visa may be the starting point to building a new life with your partner in Australia. In this guide we’ll go through what you need to do as a couple to apply for an 820 Temporary Partner Visa. We’ll also touch on a few ways Wise can help to make the transition to living in Australia a little cheaper.

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What is an 820 partner visa?

Officially called the Subclass 820 Partner Visa (temporary), this visa allows a person to legally stay in Australia while their Subclass 801 Partner Visa (permanent) is being processed or is withdrawn.¹

Main benefits provided by an 820 subclass visa

There are a few benefits of having an 820 Temporary Partner visa.²

• You can live, work and study in Australia while the outcome of your 801 Permanent Partner visa is being decided.
• It’s possible to enrol in Medicare.
• You can freely travel to and from Australia.
• Dependent children can be included in your application.

How to apply for an 820 partner visa

When you apply for an 820 Temporary Partner visa there are a few things the applicant and sponsor have to do.

Let’s start with the applicant.³

1. Gather your original documents and have any documents that aren’t in English translated. You’ll then need to digitise them for the online application. There are some translation guidelines for you to be aware of.

• Within Australia: Translations must be done by someone who’s accredited with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
• Overseas: Translators need to write their full name, address, phone number, qualifications and experience on each translation in English.

1. If you want help with your application or want to authorise somebody else to be able to talk to the Department of Home Affairs about your application then you’ll have to fill in an Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person form. This form is lodged with the application.

2. File your application online using the ImmiAccount system. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay any associated fees and the application must be lodged while you’re in Australia. Note down the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) and application ID for your partner, as they’ll need them.

What to do as the sponsor:

Once the visa application has been lodged, the sponsoring partner needs to go online and complete their sponsor application.³

1. Gather and digitise your original documents.
   2 Log onto yours or your partner's ImmiAccount and select “Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia (300, 309/100, 820/801)”. You’ll need to know your partner's TRN and application ID to be able to complete the application.

Eligibility requirements for an 820 partner visa

To be eligible to apply for an 820 Temporary Partner visa there are a few requirements.

Requirements for the couple

As a couple you need to meet the following criteria.⁴

• You are in a committed, genuine and lasting marriage or de facto relationship.
• You live together or can show you don’t live apart on a permanent basis.

Additional requirements for the applicant

If you’re the applicant you’ll also need to fit these requirements.⁴

• You and any family members on the application meet the Australian health and character requirements.
• You and your family, including those who aren’t on the application, are debt free to the Australian government.
• You need to be 18 or older unless you’re in a valid marriage.

Additional requirements for the sponsor

A sponsor must also show their suitability for the role by meeting these requirements.⁴

• You must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible citizen of New Zealand.
• You’ll need to be willing to sponsor the person for 2 years after the 820 Partner visa is granted.
• Aged 18 or older.
• You’re willing and able to provide police certificates.

It’s also important to know that it could be an issue if you’ve held or been a sponsor for one of these Australian visas in the past.

• Prospective Marriage visa
• Partner visa
• Contributory Parent visa
• Refugee visa — Subclass 204 Women at Risk

Documents needed for an 820 partner visa application

These are the documents that are generally required for a Subclass 820 visa application.³

• Birth certificate
• Copy of the photo page of your current passport
• National identity card
• Proof of any change of name
• Marriage certificate or proof of a de facto partnership
• A written statement detailing your relationship history and future plans
• Evidence of shared financial matters
• Evidence that you share a household
• Proof that your relationship is public knowledge
• Proof of your long term commitment to one another
• Proof any prior marriages are no longer valid
• Police certificates

There are additional documents that need to be included if you have dependent children on your application.

Documents for sponsor application

There are also a few documents that should be provided when the sponsor application is submitted.³

• Proof you’re an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Proof Australia is your normal place of residence if you’re an Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Police certificates

Application costs and fees.

It costs $7850 AUD for a Subclass 801/820 visa application¹, plus any additional fees for dependent family members. If you hold a Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa then the fees start at $1310 AUD.

Keep in mind that there may be other additional costs, such as the fees for translations, copies of documents or police clearances.

Time needed to process and get an 820 partner visa

Processing times vary with 75% of applicants receiving an outcome within 22 months and 90% of applicants within 32 months.¹

Visa and immigration contact details

For more information you can call the Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and Citizenship.

• 131 881 within Australia
• +61 2 6196 0196 from overseas

Frequently asked questions about the 820 partner visa

How long is this visa valid for?

The Subclass 820 visa remains valid while the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa is being processed.¹

Can my children apply for this visa with me?

You can include dependent children on your application. They will need to meet the health and character requirements and be in Australia when you apply.²

What are my obligations to be eligible to obtain this visa?

Your main obligations are to make sure you and any family members meet the visa requirements and follow Australian law.²

Can I travel out of and back into Australia with this visa?

Once you have the Subclass 820 visa you’re allowed to travel in and out of Australia as much as you want.¹

What happens if the relationship breaks down during the visa process?

If your relationship ends during the application process you need to let the Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and Citizenship know using their online form. Depending on the circumstances you may still be eligible to be granted a temporary visa.³

Wrapping up.

With international relationships come international finances. Wise is tailor-made for you and can come in handy if you or your partner needs to spend money abroad, or send and receive transfers internationally.

With Wise, sending money overseas becomes stress-free, cheap and transparent. Your recipient will get more for your money, thanks to the low fees and real exchange rate you'll get on your transfers.

Wise also offers a Multi-Currency account that is cheap and easy to use. You can also get a Wise debit card linked to this account that can be used like any debit card at home and spend like a local while abroad.

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Best wishes for your visa application.

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Sources:

1. Australian Department of Home Affairs Subclass 820 Partner Visa (temporary): Overview
2. Australian Department of Home Affairs Subclass 820 Partner Visa (temporary): About this visa
3. Australian Department of Home Affairs Subclass 820 Partner Visa (temporary): Step by step
4. Australian Department of Home Affairs Subclass 820 Partner Visa (temporary): Eligibility
   Sources checked on date: 8 December 2021