A new Ministerial Direction gives family visas made in Australia the highest processing priority.
Visa file / Partner and family visas
Partner visa (in Australia) 820 / 801
For the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying in Australia.
In force
File: 820 / 801
Main chargeA$11,710
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
You are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you apply while in Australia. One application covers the temporary 820 and then the permanent 801.
Published eligibility
- A genuine, continuing and exclusive relationship. De facto relationships usually need 12 months living together before you apply, unless registered or another exception applies.
- Age 18 or older in most cases.
- An approved sponsor (your partner), who cannot be changed later. Limits apply to repeat sponsorships.
- Sponsor character checks and consent to share relevant convictions.
- Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) must be waived first if it applies. Some regional visa holders must have held their visa for 2 or 3 years.
- If you hold no substantive visa, extra criteria and extra documents at lodgement apply.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
In Australia. A bridging visa usually starts when your current visa ends. You need a Bridging B to travel and return.
Your safety comes first. The Department publishes information for visa holders and applicants affected by family violence. Home Affairs: family violence and your visa.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Free first call, then a consultation
The first 15 minutes are free and general. A longer consultation is quoted in writing before it starts.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains your honest options, risks, costs and timing.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence
Evidence across finances, household, social life and commitment; statements from both partners; two Form 888 statements.
Where a registered migration agent can helpKeeps statements consistent and explains what does not count.
- 05
Lodgement
Lodge the combined application and pay the charge; your partner lodges the sponsorship.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges before your current visa ends.
- 06
Bridging visa
Keeps you lawful while you wait.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks work rights and Bridging B timing.
- 07
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 08
820 decision
Live, work, study and enrol in Medicare. Do not take another visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpDiarises the 2-year date.
- 09
801 permanent stage
About two years after lodgement, provide updated evidence.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the second-stage evidence.
- 10
Permanent residence and citizenship
Citizenship when you meet the residence requirement.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans the next steps.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (covers both stages) | A$11,710 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$5,860 |
| Family member under 18 | A$2,935 |
| Current Prospective Marriage (300) holder who married the sponsor | A$1,955 |
| Dependent Child (445) holder | Nil |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| 820 temporary stage | 22 months | 30 months |
| 801 permanent stage (from eligibility) | 8 months | 19 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Relationship not shown to be genuine and continuing.
- De facto under 12 months without an exception.
- Sponsor limits, character or consent.
- Invalid application: 8503 not waived, or missing statutory declarations.
- Inconsistent statements.
- A previous relationship not legally ended.
- False documents.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Identity
Relationship
Family and character
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Do we need to be married?
No. A de facto relationship can qualify, usually after 12 months of living together, unless it is registered or another exception applies.
Can I travel while I wait?
If you hold a Bridging A, apply for a Bridging B before you leave, or you may not be able to return on it.
Sources
- Home Affairs: Partner visa (subclass 820)
- Home Affairs: Partner visa (subclass 801)
- Home Affairs: family violence and your visa
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.