Understanding the Requirements of the Partnership Visa 820: Why It’s Essential Before You Apply

If you’re considering applying for a Partner Visa (subclass 820) in Australia, you’re likely navigating a significant and often complex immigration process. This visa allows the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia while your permanent visa (subclass 801) is processed. Although the pathway to permanent residency can be a rewarding one, understanding the requirements and how to present your case is crucial to the success of your application. Here’s why understanding these factors beforehand is so important.

1. Clear and Accurate Applications Are More Likely to Be Approved

One of the main reasons it’s essential to thoroughly understand the requirements for a Partner Visa (subclass 820) before applying is that submitting a well-prepared and accurate application significantly increases your chances of approval. The Department of Home Affairs requires specific documentation, evidence, and forms to assess your application. If you miss key details or fail to meet the eligibility requirements, your application may be delayed, or worse, rejected.

The 820 visa is a temporary visa that allows applicants to stay in Australia while their permanent partner visa is being processed. If the application is incomplete or does not meet the required criteria, it can cause long delays or complications in securing your long-term residency.

2. Meeting the Relationship Criteria

One of the most critical parts of the application is proving your relationship with your Australian partner is genuine and ongoing. The Department of Home Affairs uses several criteria to assess the authenticity of your relationship, such as:

• Joint finances: Shared bank accounts, utility bills, and evidence of financial interdependence.
• Social context: How you present as a couple to friends, family, and the broader community. Invitations to events, shared holidays, or joint social media activity can help demonstrate the legitimacy of your relationship.
• Commitment to each other: This can be supported through photographs, joint travel, or evidence of emotional and physical commitment.

It’s important to have a clear understanding of what evidence will best support your claim and to gather that documentation in advance. A lack of sufficient proof can result in delays or even denial of your application.

Our templates provide you with all the information and a checklist needed for a smooth application process. 

3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the Application Process

Many applicants fail to understand the full extent of the documentation and evidence required for a successful application. Some common pitfalls include:

• Missing documents: A missing police clearance, health check, or insufficient proof of relationship can delay your visa.
• Incorrect forms or incomplete information: Application forms that are filled out incorrectly or not signed properly can lead to processing delays.
• Not meeting health and character requirements: All applicants must pass health and character checks. Failing to meet these requirements, or forgetting to include the necessary medical and police documents, can result in visa refusal.

By familiarising yourself with the complete list of required documents and forms before applying, you’ll minimise the risk of these avoidable mistakes.

4. Understanding the Processing Time and Conditions of the Visa

The 820 visa is a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia while waiting for your permanent 801 visa. However, it’s important to understand the visa’s conditions, such as work rights, travel restrictions, and how long the processing of your permanent visa may take.

The Department of Home Affairs provides general processing times, but these can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the immigration office. By understanding these timelines, you can manage your expectations and plan accordingly. Knowing that the 820 visa is just a temporary solution can help you avoid frustration if there are delays in the permanent visa processing.

5. Assessing Your Eligibility to Apply for a Partner Visa

Not everyone is automatically eligible for a Partner Visa. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the nature of your relationship, the age and citizenship status of your partner, and whether you’ve met the necessary health and character criteria. It’s important to assess your situation to determine whether you meet all the eligibility requirements before you apply.

Some factors to consider include:

• Are you in a de facto relationship or married to an Australian citizen or permanent resident?
• Have you lived together in a genuine and ongoing relationship for at least 12 months?
• Do you and your partner have any legal issues, such as previous marriages or criminal convictions that may affect the application?

By reviewing your eligibility thoroughly, you avoid the risk of applying before you are ready, which can save you time and money.

Conclusion

Applying for the Partner Visa (subclass 820) is a significant step toward building your life in Australia with your partner, but it’s also a process that requires careful preparation. Understanding the requirements, gathering appropriate evidence, and avoiding common mistakes are key to a smooth and successful application. 

If you’re ready to start your journey, our templates at Immi Apply is here to help you.