Partner visa - onshore (subclass 820/801)

Eligibility requirements

• Married or in a de facto relationship (generally 12+ months of cohabitation, unless the relationship is registered or there are compelling circumstances) with an eligible sponsor.
• Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen; sponsorship is approved separately and lifetime-sponsorship limits apply.
• Apply onshore: the 820 (temporary) is granted first, then the 801 (permanent) is generally decided about 2 years after lodgement.
• Provide evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship (financial, social, household and commitment aspects).
• Meet health and character requirements; the sponsor undergoes police/character checks.
• No fixed English or points test for the visa itself (though English may affect later citizenship).

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.