Allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia; the temporary (820) and permanent (801) visas are applied for together.
At a Glance
- Stay: 820: temporarily until the permanent 801 application is finalised or withdrawn. 801: permanently
- Visa cost: From AUD11,710.00 for most applicants (covers both the 820 and 801 applications) (From AUD1,955.00 for Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders. Concessions apply in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026 a lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator; other costs are not included.)
Who It Is For
- In most cases, the spouse (married) or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Must be in Australia when applying for the 820
- The 801 is usually only for people who hold a temporary 820 visa
What You Can Do With This Visa
- Live in Australia as a partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen
- 820 is the first step towards the permanent subclass 801 visa
- 801 lets you live in Australia permanently
Good to Know
- Apply for the 820 and 801 together; one cost covers both
- Permanent visa processing time starts two years after you applied
- Applications are processed under Ministerial Direction 117 (family visa priorities)
- Processing times can be longer than expected
Getting Advice
Our registered migration agents can talk through your situation, explain whether this visa suits you and help you prepare. This page is general information only, summarised from the Department of Home Affairs and checked in November 2026. Fees and rules change, so always check the official page before you apply.
Official information: the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa.