The Partner Visa Subclass 820 is one of the most useful pathways into Australia for anyone intending to settle in Australia with their partner. It allows a non-Australian partner to enter and stay temporarily in Australia pending the completion of the assessment of their permanent partner visa.
While the Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a highly valuable option, the application process can be lengthy, complicated, and expensive when not done properly. In this article, we will provide you with the cost of applying for a Partner Visa Subclass 820, the estimated processing times for applications for a Partner Visa Subclass 820, and some common pitfalls applicants make in applying for this visa—along with tips on how to avoid them.
What is a Partner Visa Subclass 820?
The Partner visa 820 is a temporary visa to stay in Australia until a decision is made on your permanent Partner visa (subclass 801). To apply and to receive a decision, you need to be in Australia at the time of application and the time of decision.
The partner visa is available to those who are in a:
– Married relationship; or
– De facto relationship (directly with a partner with whom you have lived for 12 months or more, unless there are exemptions).
Once granted, the partner visa permits you to:
– Live in Australia legally
– Work without restrictions
– Study (without government funding in many circumstances)
– Have access to Medicare
The partner visa subclass 820 is not a standalone visa and is part of a two-stage process. The first stage is assessed by Immigration, who will assess your relationship and eligibility for the temporary visa (820), followed by the second stage, where the Immigration Department will assess if you are eligible for permanent residency and the visa subclass (801).
Understanding Partner Visa Subclass 820 Fees
The costs associated with the Partner Visa Subclass 820 are one of the biggest concerns for applicants–this is for a very good reason, as it is one of the more expensive Australian visa options.
1. Government Application Fee
The base application fee for the main applicant, as of the date of this writing, is approximately AUD 8,850. This is the fee charged by the Australian Government, and typically is for both the temporary (subclass 820) and permanent (subclass 801) visa.
2. Additional Costs to Expect
Aside from paying for the government application fee above, many applicants forget about any associated costs, which include:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates (Australia and overseas)
- Translation of documents
- Relationship evidence preparation
- Professional help from a visa consultant Perth or a migration agent
The total of all costs can often exceed AUD 10,000 – particularly for complicated visa applications, so while it might seem like a good idea to save a few dollars due to a tight budget, mistakes throughout the process can often end up costing you more than you saved in the long run.
Visa Subclass 820 Processing Time
The Processing time for visa subclass 820 is highly variable due to the number of unique circumstances surrounding each applicant and the quality of the application submitted.
Average Processing Time
- 75% of applications: around 12–18 months
- 90% of applications: up to 24 months
These timelines can change based on:
- Completeness of application documentation
- Quality of supporting relationship evidence
- Criminal background checks
- Health and character assessments
- Workload of the immigration department at the time of submission
Generally, a well-prepared application that contains a strong partner visa 820 checklist will usually process faster than an equally valid application that contains unclear, missing, or inconsistent information.
Partner Visa 820 Checklist: What You Must Prepare
A properly prepared and organized partner visa 820 checklist can determine the acceptance or rejection of your application. When considering evidence associated with your application, immigration not only evaluates documentation but also determines if you have a genuine and ongoing relationship.
Key Documents You’ll Need
- Identity proof (passports & birth certs)
- Evidence of Relationship (marriage certificate or proof of a de facto relationship)
- Proof of Shared Finances (joint bank accounts, tenancies/leases, bills)
- Evidence of Socially Recognized Relationship (photos, messages, invitations, statements from friends)
- Evidence of Sharing a Home (shared address, division of household duties, living arrangements)
- Evidence of Commitment to the Relationship (shared plans, trips, long-term goals/intentions)
- Form 888 Declarations from Australian Witnesses
- Proof That You Are the Sponsor (Australian citizen/p.r status)
Consider your application as a “story” about your Relationship from the moment you met until now, and how you plan to continue your Relationship into the future.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Even true relationships may be turned down based on wrong reasons. These are the 5 biggest mistakes made by applicants for the partner visa 820:
1. Weak or Disorganized Evidence
Immigration does not want 100s of random pictures of you without context, immigration wants you to show them clear, organised evidence, not random digital clutter of your relationship!
2. Inconsistent Information
Large inconsistencies in any of your statements, dates, or addresses may give the immigration officer serious cause to raise a red flag on your application. Even the smallest inconsistencies may delay processing or require further questioning from immigration.
3. Ignoring the Relationship Criteria
Many applicants only think about emotional aspects when preparing their application. The four key pillars Immigration will consider in determining your eligibility are:
- Financial
- Household
- Social
- Commitment
If you do not address all four of these components, then you may strongly hinder your application.
4. Lodging Without Professional Guidance
Although you can apply for a partner visa yourself, the majority of applicants who do this have their application rejected due to not following the instructions correctly. In order to identify any deficiencies with your application before you submit it, talk to a Registered Migration Agent Perth as soon as possible.
5. Delaying Document Requests
If immigration requests additional information and you do not respond promptly or have submitted unsatisfactory information, this can lead to delays in your application or potentially the rejection of your application altogether.
Should I use a Visa Consultant in Perth?
If your visa consultant Perth is qualified and experienced, partnering with them provides comfort if:
- Your relationship is long-distance
- You have limited joint documents.
- One partner has visa refusals or character issues.
- You want to avoid costly mistakes.
A professional can help you:
- Prepare a tailored partner visa 820 checklist
- Draft strong relationship statements.
- Organize evidence clearly
- Communicate with Immigration on your behalf.f
While it’s an extra cost, many couples see it as an investment in their future together.
Conclusion
The partner visa subclass 820 is more than just filling out a form; it is an exhaustive assessment of your relationship as a couple. Educating yourself about the costs, processing times, and mistakes to avoid can help you to avoid unnecessary stress, time, and financially draining situations associated with obtaining a partner visa 820.
A well-managed application process will significantly improve your odds of obtaining a partner visa 820, whether you apply for it solely by yourself or with the assistance of a visa consultant Perth. The key ingredients for success are transparency, clarity, and consistency.
