Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) Australian Migration Lawyers

Daniel Moya

Founder of Moya Migration Law

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Our Services for Your Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) Application

Temporary Partner Visa (820) Applications

We expertly prepare your initial onshore application, focusing on genuine relationship evidence for the temporary Subclass 820 visa.

Permanent Partner Visa (801) Submissions

Our lawyers guide you through the second stage, preparing submissions to demonstrate your ongoing relationship for the permanent Subclass 801 visa.

Complex Case & Evidence Strategy

We provide strategic advice for complex partner visa scenarios, including relationship changes and compiling robust evidence for both 820 & 801 stages.

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We encourage a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation & map out a path to securing your Subclass 820 & 801 Onshore Partner Visa.

What Our Happy Clients Say

Hear directly from our successful learners.

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The Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

The Subclass 820 visa is the first stage of the onshore partner visa process. It allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily while their combined application for permanent residency is processed.

To be granted, you must be in Australia, in a genuine and ongoing relationship, and meet health and character criteria. Successfully obtaining the 820 visa is crucial, as it allows you to work, study, and access Medicare while awaiting the permanent stage.

Securing Your Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

The Subclass 801 visa is the permanent stage, granting indefinite stay in Australia. It’s usually for those who already hold a temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820). You become eligible for 801 assessment approximately two years after lodging your initial combined 820/801 application.

You must continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsor and meet other requirements. A granted 801 visa allows you to live, work, and study indefinitely, sponsor family, and apply for citizenship if eligible.

Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Partner Visa (820/801)?

Applying for an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 leading to 801) is a significant commitment towards your future in Australia. Moya Migration Law offers specialised experience in partner visas, a client-focused approach to your unique relationship, and meticulous preparation for both temporary and permanent visa stages.

Experienced in Onshore Partner Visas (820 & 801)

Our lawyers have extensive experience successfully guiding clients through the complexities of both Subclass 820 and 801 visa applications.

Client-Focused Relationship Support

We provide personalised attention, understanding your genuine relationship and advising on presenting the strongest case for both visa stages.

Meticulous 820/801 Application Preparation

We develop tailored strategies for compiling robust relationship evidence and meticulously prepare your applications to meet all criteria for both stages.

In-Depth Knowledge of Partner Visa Law

Our profound understanding of partner visa legislation, policy, and evidence requirements ensures your entire 820/801 journey is expertly handled.

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Our 5-Step Onshore Partner Visa (820/801) Process

Securing your future in Australia with your partner via the onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is a two-stage journey. Moya Migration Law provides a clear, structured process, offering expert guidance and dedicated support from your initial temporary application through to permanent residency.

1

Initial Consultation & Combined Strategy

We assess your relationship, sponsorship, and eligibility for the combined Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) and outline a comprehensive application strategy.

2

Subclass 820 Evidence & Application Preparation

Our team meticulously prepares your temporary (Subclass 820) visa application, guiding you on compiling robust evidence of your genuine relationship.

3

Lodgement & Temporary Visa Processing

We manage the online submission of your combined 820/801 application, advise on your Bridging Visa, and liaise with the Department during 820 processing.

4

Subclass 801 Permanent Visa Assessment

Approximately two years after lodgement, we assist with providing updated evidence to demonstrate your ongoing relationship for the permanent (Subclass 801) visa assessment.

5

Securing Permanent Residency & Future Guidance

Following a successful Subclass 801 outcome, we guide you on your permanent residency. We also advise on next steps, including citizenship eligibility.

Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya

Meet Daniel Moya, Your Onshore Partner Visa Lawyer

Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally manages each client’s onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) application journey. With over two decades in Australian migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert guidance through both the temporary and permanent stages to secure your future with your partner in Australia.

Daniel is committed to providing clear, plain-English advice and meticulously preparing your application with comprehensive relationship evidence for both the Subclass 820 and 801 visas. He understands the importance of your life together. Daniel also offers legal assistance in Spanish.

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Key Evidence for Your Partner Visa (820/801)

For both the temporary (820) and permanent (801) partner visas, proving your relationship is genuine and ongoing is paramount. The Department requires substantial evidence across financial aspects, the nature of your household, social context, and mutual commitment.

Insufficient evidence is a major cause of partner visa refusals. Meticulous preparation and comprehensive documentation demonstrating cohabitation, shared responsibilities, and public recognition of your relationship are vital for success at both stages.

Navigating Bridging Visas & Processing

When you lodge your onshore Partner Visa (820/801) application, you’ll typically receive a Bridging Visa A if your current substantive visa expires. This allows you to stay lawfully in Australia during processing, usually with work rights and Medicare access.

Processing times for both 820 and 801 stages can be lengthy and vary. Submitting a complete, decision-ready application and promptly responding to any Department requests can help minimise delays in your journey to permanent residency.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801)

What is the onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) process?

It’s a two-stage process. You first apply for the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) while in Australia. If granted, you later become eligible for assessment for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).

Who can sponsor me for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)?

Your sponsor must generally be your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

What are the main requirements for the Subclass 820 visa?

You must be in Australia, in a genuine and ongoing relationship (married or de facto for at least 12 months, with exceptions) with your sponsor, and meet health and character criteria.

When can I apply for the permanent Subclass 801 visa?

You apply for both the 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) visas at the same time. You typically become eligible for the Subclass 801 assessment about two years after your initial combined application was lodged.Yes, Subclass 820 visa holders are typically eligible to apply for access to Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare.

Can I work and access Medicare on these visas?

Yes, once the Subclass 820 visa is granted (and usually on the Bridging Visa A granted after application), you can live, work, study, and access Medicare in Australia. These rights continue with the Subclass 801 visa.

What if my relationship ends before the Subclass 801 visa is granted?

You must inform the Department. You might still be eligible for the permanent (801) visa in special circumstances, such as if there’s family violence, a child of the relationship, or your sponsor has passed away.

How long can I stay in Australia on these visas?

The Subclass 820 visa is temporary, allowing you to stay until the Subclass 801 visa is decided. The Subclass 801 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely.

What is the "12-month rule" for de facto relationships?

De facto partners usually need to prove they have been in a relationship, living together as if married, for at least 12 months immediately before applying. Exceptions can apply, such as if the relationship is registered.

What are the main costs for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)?

The main cost is the Department of Home Affairs visa application charge, starting from AUD 9,365.00 for most applicants (as of 10th July 2025). This single charge covers both the temporary (820) and permanent (801) visa applications and is paid at the time of initial lodgement. Other costs can include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

Our Services

Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Appeals ART Visa Appeals

Visa refused or cancelled? Don’t give up hope. Expert representation for your ART review to challenge the decision.

Visa Refusals

If your Partner Visa has been refused, Daniel Moya offers 20+ years of experience in achieving positive outcomes at the Tribunal.

Visa Cancellations

Facing visa hurdles like refusals, cancellations, or PIC 4020 issues? Get expert advice and management for your unique circumstances.

Partner Visas

Begin your journey to permanent residency. Expert support for all Partner Visa applications, navigating the complex system with confidence.

Protection Visas

Seeking asylum or facing persecution? Daniel Moya provides crucial guidance and strategic advice for complex Protection Visa applications.

Family Visa

Reunite with loved ones in Australia. Explore options for Parent, Child, Carer, and other Family Visas with clear, expert advice.

Citizenship

Ready to become an Australian citizen? Navigate the application requirements and process smoothly with experienced legal support.

Notary Public in Adelaide Notary Public

Need documents notarised in Adelaide for international use? We provide prompt, convenient, and reliable Notary Public services.

Court Appeals (Judicial Review) Judicial Review

Unfavourable Tribunal ruling? Challenge appealable errors in the Federal Courts with experienced legal guidance for Judicial Review.