Partner visas / Subclass 820/801
Partner visa · apply in Australia
Partner visa, apply in Australia (820/801).
For couples who are together in Australia. You apply for the temporary 820 and permanent 801 at the same time, and can usually stay in Australia while it's processed.
Our fees
Clear terms, agreed before you begin.
At Zest Legal, we believe in clear, upfront pricing. Our professional fees for standard visa applications are outlined below, so you know what to expect before getting started.
Partner and family visas
We act on fixed professional fees for most matters, confirmed in writing together with the scope of our services before you proceed. Government charges and third-party expenses are additional.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
You must be in Australia when you lodge, and married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Married
- Your marriage is valid under Australian law
- You have a genuine and continuing relationship
- You live together, or don't live apart permanently
De facto
- Usually 12 months living together before you apply
- The 12 months may not apply if your relationship is registered in an Australian state or territory
- You have a genuine and continuing relationship
Your partner (sponsor)
- Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Usually 18 or over
- Limits apply if they have sponsored a partner before
While you wait
What you can do while it's processed.
Stay in Australia
If you apply while holding a valid visa, you'll usually be granted a bridging visa that lets you stay until a decision.
Work and study
In most cases you can work and study in Australia while your application is processed and once the 820 is granted.
Travel
Travel depends on your bridging visa. Leaving Australia without the right bridging visa can cause problems, so talk to us before you book.
Evidence
What Home Affairs looks at.
Your relationship is assessed across four areas. Most refusals come from thin or inconsistent evidence, not from the relationship itself.
Financial
Joint bank accounts, shared bills, leases or loans, and how you share day-to-day costs.
Household
Living arrangements, shared responsibility for the home, and mail addressed to you both.
Social
Whether friends and family know you as a couple: photos, travel, invitations and Form 888 statements from people who know you.
Commitment
Your history together, time spent apart and how you stayed in touch, and your plans for the future.
How it works
From first call to decision.
Discovery call or consultation
A free 15-minute discovery call checks basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice. For advice on your situation, book a 30-minute consultation ($330).
Engage us
You receive a written quote, a document checklist and an evidence plan for your relationship.
We build your application
Your lawyer checks every document and drafts your relationship statements with you.
Final review and lodgement
You approve it and we lodge. We deal with Home Affairs until a decision.
Client reviews
What couples say about us.
“I had the best experience working with Zest Legal. My lawyer Rosa was so helpful and supportive, she made sure everything was perfect for my partner visa application. I am forever grateful, thank you to the Zest Legal team.”
“Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal were fantastic. Rosa's expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence that I was in good hands and she went above and beyond to successfully help our family. We cannot thank you enough.”
“The Zest Legal team helped my brother bring his fiance to Australia. It was a tricky case, but the team did a fantastic job and we succeeded on our first go. Very responsive, professional service. Thank you.”
★★★★★ 4.9 from 58 Google reviews
FAQ
Questions about the Subclass 820/801.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary. Home Affairs publishes a guide based on recently decided applications. The permanent 801 stage is assessed about two years after you first apply.
We've been together a long time. Do we still wait for the 801?
If you've been in a long-term relationship, you may be able to be granted the temporary and permanent visas together. We'll check this in your call.
What does your fee cover?
Both stages: preparing and lodging the 820/801 application, responding to Home Affairs requests, and preparing your 801 stage. Government charges, medicals and police checks are extra.
Can I pay in instalments?
Payment arrangements are discussed when we provide your quote and confirmed in your engagement letter.
What if our relationship ends?
There are limited exceptions, for example family violence or if you have a child together. Speak to us confidentially.
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to check basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice, and depending on your circumstances you may still need a consultation. For legal advice now, book a 30-minute consultation ($330). Or call 1300 079 743.