One application, two visas
The onshore Australian partner visa is a two-stage process. The 820 is the temporary partner visa, granted first. The 801 is the permanent partner visa, which follows after the relationship-eligibility window. You lodge a single application, pay one fee, and Home Affairs processes the 820 first and the 801 later.
What the 820 gives you
- Live in Australia indefinitely while the 801 is processed
- Work without restriction
- Study, and access Medicare
- Travel in and out of Australia
The 820 is a substantive temporary visa — not a bridging visa. It's a stepping stone, but you can't sponsor family or count it toward citizenship until it becomes the 801.
What the 801 gives you
- Permanent residence
- Travel in and out (re-entry via resident return visa after five years)
- Apply for citizenship after meeting the residence requirement
- Sponsor family members
The two-year window
Historically the 801 is granted two years after the 820 lodgement. If you've been together a long time before lodging, you may be eligible for a "concurrent" grant. A typical timeline: lodge (day 0), 820 granted 18–24 months later, 801 eligibility window at two years from lodgement, 801 granted 12–18 months after. Roughly 3–4 years from lodgement to PR.
Evidence — what changes between stages
The 820 stage needs evidence of a genuine, continuing relationship at lodgement. The 801 stage needs evidence the relationship has continued — updated accounts, bills, photos and statutory declarations. We diary the 801 window from the moment the 820 is granted.
If the relationship breaks down
If the relationship ends after the 820 but before the 801, limited pathways can still lead to PR — family violence provisions, death of the sponsor, or children of the relationship. The evidence requirements are strict; get advice early.
Approaching your 801 stage?
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A granted 820 is a substantive temporary visa, not a bridging visa — you don't need a separate bridging visa once it's granted. The distinction matters when explaining your status to employers, Medicare or banks.
Frequently asked questions
The 820 is the temporary partner visa, granted first; the 801 is the permanent one, granted after the relationship-eligibility window. One application, one fee.
No — the 801 is part of the same application. You may need to submit fresh evidence at the 801 stage.
Yes. The 820 has travel rights — you don't need a separate Bridging Visa B.