If you’re studying in Australia on a student visa and are now considering applying for a spouse visa, you have the option to apply for the onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801).
The Subclass 820 is the temporary stage of the visa, while the Subclass 801 is the permanent stage. These visas are intended for individuals in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
This two-step process allows you to begin with temporary residency and, if all requirements are met, transition to permanent residency. It’s a great pathway for couples looking to build a future together in Australia.
For de facto relationships, a minimum of 12 months of living together is typically required. Couples must also provide evidence such as shared bills, joint leases, and financial arrangements to demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship.
What Is a Partner (Spouse) Visa?
A partner visa (partner visa subclass 820/801) allows individuals to live in Australia with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen partner. This visa pathway facilitates family reunification by allowing the spouse or de facto partner to live together in Australia long-term.
In 2025, the partner visa is split into two stages:
- Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820): This allows the spouse or de facto partner to live in Australia while the permanent visa is being processed.
- Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801): After the temporary visa is granted, you can apply for a permanent partner visa once the relationship has been ongoing for a specified period, typically two years.
Documents Checklist for Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 820/801) in 2025
Some of the documents you’ll need include:
- Proof of relationship (photos, joint bills, and statutory declarations from friends and family).
- Evidence of living together (lease agreements, joint financial commitments).
- Health and police clearances.
Apply for Your Partner Visa
- Once you’re ready and have gathered all your documentation, you can apply online for the Partner Visa (subclass 820) from within Australia.
In most cases, you will receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that becomes active once your student visa expires, thus allowing you to stay in Australia legally while your partner visa application is processed.
Partner Visa Processing Time
- The processing time for the partner visa can vary depending on your individual circumstances. On average, you can expect to wait from 15 to 32 months for your temporary partner visa (subclass 820) and from 12 to 18 months for your permanent partner visa (subclass 801). During this time, you will need to keep immigration authorities updated on any changes in your circumstances.
Important Considerations in 2025
Do I Need To Cancel My Student Visa Before Applying For A Partner Visa?
- It’s not advisable to cancel your student visa before applying for a partner visa. In fact, cancelling your student visa could leave you in an unlawful status. As mentioned earlier, a Bridging Visa A (BVA) will allow you to remain lawfully in Australia once your student visa expires.
Can I Cease Studying After Lodging a Partner Visa Application?
- Applicants should not stop their studies prior to the activation of their Bridging Visa A (BVA). A common misconception among international students is that they may cease their studies immediately after lodging their application for the Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820). However, the BVA only becomes active once the applicant’s current Student Visa expires and the subclass 820 application remains undecided. As such, visa holders are required to continue complying with all conditions attached to their Student Visa, including maintaining enrolment, until the visa’s expiry date.
Health and Character Checks
- For the applicant, health checks and police clearances are required as part of the partner visa process. In some cases, the sponsor will also need to provide police clearances. Health checks are conducted by approved panel physicians, while police certificates are needed from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more since turning 16.
The Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa offers a clear path for those in genuine relationships with Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia. While the process can take time, particularly for the permanent Subclass 801 visa, it’s a crucial step for couples wanting to build their life in Australia together. By providing strong evidence of your relationship and meeting all the requirements, you can increase the chances of a smooth transition from the student visa to the permanent partner visa.
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