If you plan to stay together while bringing your partner to Australia or applying for a permanent residence, partner visa subclass 820 is the first step. This onshore visa allows an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen’s partner or spouse to temporarily stay in Australia to stay in Australia, waiting for a permanent residence through the Subclass 801 visa.
In this article, we will break the partner visa 820 checklist and partner visa 820 processing time so that you can plan your application smartly and avoid delay.
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Partner Visa 820 Checklist
It is important to correct your documents. The department of home affairs has strict requirements, and the missing paperwork may delay your visa or lead to rejection. Here is a simplified partner visa 820 checklist to start you:
1. Identity and Relationship Documents
- Valid passport (yours and your sponsor’s)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Evidence of registered relationship (if not married)
- Proof of genuine and continuing relationship (photos, chat logs, joint travel)
2. Evidence of Shared Life
You must prove that you and your partner live together or do not live separately on a permanent basis.
- Joint bank account statements
- Joint lease or property documents
- Household bills in both names
- Letters or cards addressed to both
3. Social Aspects
- Photos together at events
- Social media posts showing the relationship
- Statutory declarations from family and friends (Form 888)
4. Financial Aspects
- Joint financial commitments
- Shared insurance policies
- Superannuation beneficiary details
5. Health and Character Documents
- Medical exam (you’ll be notified when to complete it)
- Police clearance from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months
- Australian Federal Police check (for both you and the sponsor)
6. Sponsor Documents
- Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or NZ citizenship
- Evidence of income or employment
- Character documents
Partner Visa 820 Processing Time in 2025
By 2025, partner visa 820 processing time may vary widely depending on the complexity and perfection of your case. The average timelines are:
- 75% of applications are processed within 22 months
- 90% of applications are processed within 31 months
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However, if your documents are complete, your relationship is well-documented, and there are no complications, your application may be processed faster.
Factors that Can Affect Processing Time:
- Incomplete application or missing documents
- Security or background checks taking longer
- Delays in health exams or police checks
- High volume of applications
- Relationship status (married vs. de facto)
- Whether you respond quickly to requests for additional information
Final Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start early – Don’t wait until your current visa expires.
- Be honest and consistent – Your relationship evidence must align across all documents.
- Use a registered migration agent – Especially if your case is complex.
- Keep communication open – Respond promptly to requests from the Department.
Conclusion
Applying for the Partner Visa 820 is a major step for couples who wish to live together in Australia. By following the right partner visa 820 checklist and being mindful of the partner visa 820 processing time, you can avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of success.