Complete Guide to Applying for the Australian Subclass 820 Partner Visa Onshore in 2026

The Subclass 820 Partner visa allows de facto partners or spouses of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily while their permanent partner visa (Subclass 801) is processed. This comprehensive guide walks you through the application process step-by-step.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before starting your application, ensure you meet the basic requirements: - You must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your Australian sponsor - You must be in Australia when applying and when the decision is made - Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen - Both parties must be 18 years or older (or have consent if under 18)

Consider using a pathway checker to verify your eligibility and explore all available visa options before proceeding.

Step 2: Sponsor Application Process

Your Australian partner must first lodge a sponsorship application (Form 40SP) before you can apply for the partner visa. The sponsor needs to:

• Complete Form 40SP online through ImmiAccount
• Pay the sponsorship application fee (approximately $330 as of 2026)
• Provide identity documents and evidence of Australian status
• Undergo character assessments, including police checks if required
• Demonstrate they can provide adequate support

The sponsorship application typically takes 2-4 weeks to process and must be approved before submitting your visa application.

Step 3: Gather Required Evidence

Collecting comprehensive evidence is crucial for a successful application. You'll need:

Identity and Status Documents: - Current passport and any previous passports - Birth certificate - Evidence of current visa status in Australia

Relationship Evidence: - Joint bank statements and financial commitments - Lease agreements or property documents showing cohabitation - Utility bills in both names - Photos together spanning your relationship - Statutory declarations from friends and family - Evidence of shared social activities and travel

Additional Documents: - Form 888 statutory declarations from witnesses (minimum 2 recommended) - Evidence of any previous relationships and their breakdown - Children's documents if applicable

Step 4: Complete Your ImmiAccount Application

Creating and Completing Forms

1. Set up ImmiAccount: Create an account at the Department of Home Affairs website if you don't already have one 2. Complete Form 47SP: This is the main partner visa application form 3. Complete Form 80: Personal particulars for character assessment 4. Complete Form 1221: Additional personal particulars information

Upload Documents

Organize your evidence into clear categories within ImmiAccount: - Scan all documents in color at high resolution - Ensure file sizes meet requirements (usually under 60MB) - Label documents clearly for easy identification - Include certified translations for non-English documents

Step 5: Health Examinations

Health checks are mandatory for most partner visa applicants:

• Book examinations with an approved panel doctor
• Required tests typically include chest X-ray and medical examination
• Additional tests may be required based on your country of origin or health history
• Pregnant applicants can defer X-rays until after delivery
• Health examination results are valid for 12 months

Upload your Health Appointment Service (HAS) identifier to your application once examinations are complete.

Step 6: Police Clearances

Character requirements include police certificates from: - Australia (if you've lived here for 12+ months since age 16) - Any country where you've lived for 12+ months since age 16 - Military service records if applicable

Police clearances must be obtained within 12 months of your application and be valid at the time of decision.

Step 7: Submit Application and Pay Fees

The 2026 application fee for Subclass 820 is approximately $8,850 for the main applicant, with additional charges for dependents. Payment methods include credit card, PayPal, or BPAY through ImmiAccount.

After payment, you'll receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) confirming your application submission.

Step 8: What to Expect After Lodgement

Immediate Steps - Maintain your current visa status while the application is processed - Work rights typically continue if you held a valid visa when applying - You'll receive automatic work authorization if you were on a tourist visa

Processing Timeline - Initial processing: 29-57 months (as of 2026) - Case officer allocation varies depending on application complexity - You may be requested to provide additional information or attend an interview

Communication - All correspondence occurs through ImmiAccount - Respond promptly to any requests for additional information - Notify the Department of any changes in circumstances, including relationship breakdown, address changes, or travel plans

If you're considering professional assistance with your application, platforms like Visafold can connect you with registered migration agents who specialize in partner visa applications.

Important Considerations

Remember that if granted, the Subclass 820 is a temporary visa valid for approximately 2 years. You'll automatically be considered for the permanent Subclass