Subclass 820 is the temporary stage of the onshore Partner visa pathway, with subclass 801 being the permanent stage. The legal issues can extend beyond relationship evidence to application validity, immigration status, sponsorship history, character, health and events that occur while the application is pending.
Who this pathway is generally for
- The applicant is generally in Australia when applying.
- The relationship is with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The applicant is married or in a qualifying de facto relationship, subject to the relevant rules and exceptions.
How the process usually works
- Prepare the visa application and sponsorship with a consistent relationship history.
- Address evidence across financial, household, social and commitment aspects of the relationship.
- Respond to any Department request and keep evidence current while the application is pending.
- At the permanent stage, show that the relationship continues or consider whether a statutory exception applies.
Issues that commonly need closer analysis
- Schedule 3 where the applicant did not hold a substantive visa at the relevant time
- family violence provisions after relationship breakdown
- death of the sponsoring partner
- children, prior sponsorships, health or character issues
- inconsistencies between current evidence and earlier visa records
Why the details matter
Visa criteria often operate together with application-validity rules, location requirements, previous immigration history and evidence requirements. Two people applying for the same subclass can therefore face very different legal and evidentiary issues.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Migration law and policy can change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.