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Partner visa (Temporary)
The first stage of the partner visa process, allowing spouses or de facto partners to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily.
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Partner visa (Temporary)
First step in the Australian partner visa pathway
The Partner (Temporary – 820) and Partner (Provisional – 309) visas are the initial stage of Australia’s two-step partner visa process. They let the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia on a temporary basis while the permanent Partner visa (801 or 100) is assessed.
Single combined application for temporary + permanent stages
You generally lodge one combined application that covers both the temporary (820/309) and the permanent (801/100) partner visa. The Department decides the temporary stage first, then reassesses you for the permanent stage after a qualifying period, usually around two years.
Onshore vs offshore options depending on where you are
Subclass 820 is for applicants who are already in Australia when they apply and when the visa is decided.
Subclass 309 is for applicants who are outside Australia when they apply and when the temporary visa is granted, allowing them to then travel and join their partner here.
Support for complex relationship evidence from day one
At Knowbal Migration, we help couples prepare strong, culturally sensitive relationship evidence from the start – especially where there is distance, non-cohabitation, traditional ceremonies or previous visa issues – so your temporary or provisional visa is a solid foundation for your future permanent residency together.
Live, work and study while your permanent visa is in progress
Once granted, these visas usually allow you to live with your partner in Australia, work in most jobs, and study, giving you stability while the Department later reassesses your relationship for the permanent stage.
Partner visa(Temporary) - Subclass 820 & 309
ANY – applicants can be from any country. Your partner (sponsor) must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Your sponsor must be your spouse or de facto partner, usually aged 18 or over, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen and not barred from sponsoring (for example, due to previous sponsorships or certain character issues).
You must be in a genuine, continuing married or de facto relationship with your sponsor. De facto couples normally need at least 12 months of living together unless you are in a registered relationship or there are compelling circumstances (such as a child together or cultural reasons).
Subclass 820 (onshore): you must be inside Australia on an eligible visa when you apply (for example, a student, 485 or visitor visa without an effective ‘No Further Stay’ condition, or a bridging visa). Subclass 309 (offshore): you must be outside Australia when you lodge your application.
For an 820, you must hold a substantive visa or eligible bridging visa, have complied with previous visa conditions and normally not have had a Partner visa refused since you last entered Australia. If you hold a visa with condition 8503 (‘No Further Stay’), this usually needs to be waived before you can apply.
There are limits on how often a person can sponsor a partner (for example, maximum two partner sponsorships in a lifetime and spacing between them), and on applicants who have been sponsored or held a partner visa before. These must be checked before lodging to avoid bar issues.
Both applicant and sponsor must meet health and character requirements, including police clearances and, where requested, medical examinations. Any debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or a repayment plan must be in place before a visa can be granted.
You can be either in Australia or overseas when the Department makes a decision on your visa.
We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts
Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.
Knowbal Migration's spouse visa services were handled with patience, consistency, and genuine commitment throughout. Referred by a trusted family friend, the experience exceeded expectations in every way. Their professionalism and dedication to each case embody exactly what their name implies — they are truly knowledgeable.
Knowbal Migration's support during the spouse visa process was exceptional from start to finish. Trushenbhai and his team handled everything efficiently, ensuring the visa was approved without a single issue. Their reliability and professionalism make them a highly recommended choice for any migration matter.
Knowbal Migration's expertise and unwavering dedication made a significant difference throughout the wife's visa journey, even when paperwork confusion arose. Trushen Bhai's patience and clear explanations were instrumental in navigating the process successfully. Their professionalism and attention to detail are deeply appreciated and unreservedly recommended.
Trushen Bhai at Knowbal Migration and Education provided remarkable support throughout the wife's visa process — offering clear guidance, answering every question, and ensuring all documentation was submitted correctly. His expertise and dedication turned what could have been a stressful journey into a smooth and successful experience.
Trushen Bhatt and Knowbal Education provided outstanding, transparent support throughout the wife's visa process. His professionalism, in-depth knowledge, and patient guidance made every step smooth and stress-free. All documentation was handled with precision, ensuring the process felt organized and efficient. Genuinely recommended for anyone needing visa assistance.
Exceptional support from Niravbhai and Aleeha for our partner visa. Professional, responsive, and detail-oriented throughout the process. Their clear communication made everything stress-free. Highly recommend Knowbal Migration.
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to wait for the Department’s email to get organised. From the day your combined 820/801 application was lodged, start keeping a simple folder (or shared drive) with updated joint bills, lease, bank statements, photos, travel and messages. Around the time your eligibility date approaches, we usually prepare a structured 801 pack so when the Department finally looks at your file, everything from the last couple of years is already in order and you’re not scrambling.
Not automatically. Many couples in their 20s and 30s juggle uni in one city, work in another, or trips back home. What matters is that you can explain the reasons for the distance and show how you stayed committed – regular visits, chats, calls, joint financial support, future plans, etc. We help you present these “gaps” as part of a normal, modern relationship rather than a red flag.
You must not just stay silent and hope for the best. If the relationship ends, you may still keep going with the 801 in certain situations – for example where there is family violence, you share a child, or your partner has passed away. Each pathway has specific evidence requirements and tight timelines. Getting advice early lets you protect your status and decide whether to continue with the 801, change visa strategy, or prepare a safe exit plan.
You can travel overseas while your 801 is being decided because your 820 temporary partner visa normally remains valid until a decision is made. As long as your 820 and its travel facility are still current and your relationship is ongoing, you can leave and re-enter Australia. It’s a good idea to check your visa conditions before booking and keep simple evidence of ongoing contact with your partner (tickets, chats, call logs, photos) in case the Department later asks about time spent apart.
Name mismatches are common but can create headaches later with citizenship, ATO, super, banking and university records. Before or during the 801 stage, update your passport (if changing your name internationally) and key Australian ID, then upload your marriage/change-of-name documents to ImmiAccount. We normally include a short note in the 801 submission explaining the change so the case officer links all identities correctly.
Yes, if there are major changes to your living or financial arrangements, it’s better to explain them proactively. The 801 assessment looks at how you manage your life together – home, bills, future plans – not just income levels. If your partner has switched from full-time work to casual, study or self-employment, we help you show how you’re still sharing responsibilities and planning long-term, so normal life changes don’t look like relationship risk.
For many ex-students, the 801 is the moment your status finally feels “secure”. It’s also when citizenship planning really matters. Time spent on the 820 usually counts towards your residence requirement, but long trips overseas can push your eligibility back. When we prepare your 801, we often map out a simple three-year plan covering travel, study/HECS, buying property and when you can likely apply for citizenship, so your migration pathway lines up with your life goals – not the other way around.
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