Partner visa (subclass 820 801)

The Partner visa (subclass 820 801) is a visa that allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa is designed to enable partners or spouses to join their Australian partners in Australia and live together.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the Partner visa (subclass 820 801), you must be the spouse (married) or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It is important to note that you must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner, and you must meet certain health and character requirements.

Application Process

The application process for the Partner visa (subclass 820 801) involves applying for both the temporary and permanent partner visas together. The temporary visa allows you to live in Australia while the permanent visa allows you to stay permanently.

When applying for the Partner visa, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with your partner, including documents such as marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, and shared bills. You will also need to undergo health and character checks as part of the application process.

Benefits

The Partner visa (subclass 820 801) provides a range of benefits to successful applicants. These include the ability to live and work in Australia, access to Medicare (Australia's healthcare system), and the opportunity to study in Australia. In addition, this visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want until a decision is made on your permanent visa application.

Processing Time

The processing time for the Partner visa (subclass 820 801) varies depending on individual circumstances and the number of applications being processed. On average, it can take between 17 to 24 months for the temporary partner visa to be processed, and an additional 12 to 18 months for the permanent partner visa.

Conclusion

The Partner visa (subclass 820 801) provides an opportunity for partners or spouses of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their partners in Australia and live together. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and provide all necessary documentation to support your application. The application process may take some time, but the benefits of living and working in Australia make it worthwhile.