Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801):
Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 are the two categories of Partner Visas.
The Subclass 820 visa permits you to live in Australia as a temporary partner. And, this visa is the initial step toward obtaining a long-term Partner Visa (Subclass 801).
When you apply for both visas at the same time, you only have to pay one application fee. Applications are reviewed in two rounds, separated by around two years.
You must be married to or in a de facto relationship with to be eligible:
- An Australian Citizen
- An Australian Permanent Resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- Partner Visa (Temporary- Subclass 820):
This visa allows an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily. The first step for a permanent Partner visa is to get this visa (subclass 801).
- It’s a temporary visa.
- This leads to a permanent partner visa.
- You have to be in Australia while applying for this visa.
- Partner Visa (Permanent- Subclass 801):
This visa allows an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen to live continuously in Australia. It is typically only available to those who are currently on a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820).
- It’s a permanent visa.
- You must hold a temporary partner visa (subclass 820).
- Benefits of Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801):
You can get limited benefits with a Temporary Partner Visa, such as:
- Stay in Australia and work until your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is approved.
- Study in Australia (without access to government funding)
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s healthcare and insurance system.
- Include children who are financially reliant on you in your application (dependent applicants must be in Australia when they apply)
The Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) comes with all of the advantages of permanent residency in Australia:
- Indefinitely work and live in Australia
- Study opportunity in Australia
- Enroll in Australia’s government-run healthcare program, Medicare.
- Possibility of obtaining Australian citizenship
- Relatives can be sponsored for permanent residency.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia.