How long does the Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801) take?

End to end, the Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801) typically takes 24 to 48 months. Preparing a complete application (6 stages) usually takes around 33 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down Partner 820/801 applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the Partner 820/801?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇦🇺 Australia · Partner 820/801

Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801): Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 24–48 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

24–48 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 6 stages of a Partner 820/801 application

1
Gather Relationship Evidence
≈ 30 days
Collect comprehensive evidence of your genuine relationship across four categories: financial aspects (joint bank accounts, shared expenses), nature of the household (shared residence, cohabitation), social aspects (photos together, friends' statutory declarations), and commitment (communication records, future plans).
2
Sponsor Application
≈ 14 days
The Australian sponsor submits a sponsorship application (Form 40SP) either concurrently with or before the visa application. The sponsor must confirm eligibility and agree to sponsorship obligations.
3
Lodge Visa Application (820/801 Combined)
≈ 7 days
Submit the combined Subclass 820/801 application in ImmiAccount. Pay the application fee (covers both stages). Upload all relationship evidence, identity documents and the sponsor's Form 40SP.
4
Health and Character Checks
≈ 21 days
Complete health examinations through an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances for all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
5
Receive Temporary 820 Visa Grant
≈ 180 days
Home Affairs will grant the Subclass 820 (temporary) visa. You can remain in and re-enter Australia while waiting for the permanent 801 stage. Your 801 application is being assessed concurrently.
6
Wait for 2-Year Relationship Assessment and 801 Grant
≈ 730 days
After 2 years from the date of your initial application, Home Affairs reassesses the relationship. Provide updated evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing. If satisfied, the permanent 801 visa is granted.

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The 6 stages of a Partner 820/801 application

Gather Relationship Evidence

≈ 30 days

Collect comprehensive evidence of your genuine relationship across four categories: financial aspects (joint bank accounts, shared expenses), nature of the household (shared residence, cohabitation), social aspects (photos together, friends' statutory declarations), and commitment (communication records, future plans).

Sponsor Application

≈ 14 days

The Australian sponsor submits a sponsorship application (Form 40SP) either concurrently with or before the visa application. The sponsor must confirm eligibility and agree to sponsorship obligations.

Lodge Visa Application (820/801 Combined)

≈ 7 days

Submit the combined Subclass 820/801 application in ImmiAccount. Pay the application fee (covers both stages). Upload all relationship evidence, identity documents and the sponsor's Form 40SP.

Health and Character Checks

≈ 21 days

Complete health examinations through an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances for all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.

Receive Temporary 820 Visa Grant

≈ 180 days

Home Affairs will grant the Subclass 820 (temporary) visa. You can remain in and re-enter Australia while waiting for the permanent 801 stage. Your 801 application is being assessed concurrently.

Wait for 2-Year Relationship Assessment and 801 Grant

≈ 730 days

After 2 years from the date of your initial application, Home Affairs reassesses the relationship. Provide updated evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing. If satisfied, the permanent 801 visa is granted.