Your Next Steps After the 820 Partner Visa Grant: Rights, Obligations, and Path to Permanent Residency

What to Expect Immediately After Your 820 Partner Visa Is Granted

When your 820 Partner Visa is granted, you receive the legal right to live, work, and study in Australia on a temporary basis as the partner or spouse of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is an essential milestone, granting you access to Australia’s healthcare system (Medicare), the ability to travel in and out of the country, and the opportunity to fully participate in Australian life while your permanent residency application is processed [1] [2] .

Key Rights and Benefits

With the 820 visa, you can:

Live and work in Australia without restrictions.
Enroll in Medicare , Australia’s public health insurance scheme.
Travel freely to and from Australia while your visa is valid.
Include dependent children in your visa, if eligible.

It is important to keep your contact details up to date with the Department of Home Affairs and comply with any visa conditions attached to your temporary partner visa [3] .

Transitioning Toward Permanent Residency: The 801 Visa Stage

The grant of your 820 visa is the first stage in a two-step process toward permanent residency. After about two years from the date you lodged your initial partner visa application, you may become eligible to apply for the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa [4] .

How the Two-Stage Process Works

The partner visa program is designed to ensure the relationship is ongoing and genuine. Here’s what to expect:

Temporary Stage (Subclass 820): Allows you to live in Australia with your partner while your relationship continues to be assessed.
Permanent Stage (Subclass 801): Usually two years after your initial application, you can be considered for permanent residency if you continue to meet the requirements.

Eligibility for the 801 visa depends on demonstrating that your relationship is ongoing, and that you and your partner continue to satisfy health and character requirements. If you are eligible, you will be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to provide additional evidence for the permanent visa assessment [3] .

Step-by-Step Guidance for the 801 Visa Application

1. Monitor Your Timeline: Keep track of the two-year eligibility date from your initial visa application. Creating a timeline with reminders for key deadlines is highly recommended.

2. Gather Ongoing Evidence: Prepare to provide updated documentation proving the continued nature of your relationship. This may include joint financial records, shared bills, lease agreements, photographs, and statements from friends and family.

3. Health and Character Checks: Be prepared to undergo new or additional health and police checks as required.

4. Online Application: You will be notified via your ImmiAccount when it is time to submit the Stage 2 application for the permanent visa. Follow the instructions provided in your ImmiAccount to upload all requested documents and complete the process.

If you experience any difficulties or have questions about the process, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs directly or consult a registered migration agent for assistance. Searching for ‘ImmiAccount’ and ‘Partner Visa Stage 2’ on the official Department of Home Affairs website will provide you with the most up-to-date procedural information.

Maintaining Compliance and Meeting Ongoing Obligations

It is critical to maintain the validity of your relationship and meet all ongoing obligations during your time on the 820 visa. This includes:

Notifying the Department of Home Affairs of any significant changes, such as breakdown of the relationship, changes to contact details, or changes in family composition.
Complying with Visa Conditions: There are typically no work or study restrictions, but you must adhere to general Australian laws and regulations.
Accessing Medicare: Once your 820 visa is granted, you can apply for Medicare coverage by presenting your grant notice at a Medicare office.

Failure to comply with visa conditions or provide truthful information can result in visa cancellation or refusal of the permanent visa stage [3] .

Practical Application Steps After Visa Grant

For many new visa holders, the next steps involve practical integration into Australian society:

Register with Medicare: Visit your nearest Medicare office with your visa grant notice to enroll.
Seek Employment or Study Opportunities: You are free to look for jobs or enroll in educational institutions. It may be helpful to search for jobs using reputable Australian job portals or contact local employment agencies.
Open Bank Accounts and Settle In: Use your passport, visa grant letter, and proof of address to open bank accounts and access other essential services.
Connect with Community Resources: Many local councils offer orientation sessions and community support for new arrivals. Searching for ‘new migrant support services’ in your area can help you access these resources.

For specific steps on enrolling in Medicare, visit the official Services Australia website and search for ‘Medicare for new arrivals’. For employment support, consider using government-endorsed job search platforms or contacting your local job network provider.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Some common challenges after receiving the 820 visa include:

Document Management: Keep organized digital and physical copies of all documents submitted and received. Creating a secure, backed-up folder for immigration paperwork is advised.
Proving Relationship Continuity: If your relationship faces difficulties, consult with a registered migration agent for guidance, as this can affect progression to the 801 visa.
Understanding Rights: Some entitlements, such as government financial assistance, may not be available to temporary visa holders. Review the eligibility criteria for any benefits before applying.
Processing Times: If your permanent residency application is delayed, stay proactive by responding promptly to any requests for information and maintaining regular checks of your ImmiAccount for updates.

Should you need to withdraw your application or face a refusal, follow the guidance on ImmiAccount or seek independent legal advice. For health examination arrangements, information is available by searching ‘arrange health examinations Australia’ on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Alternative Pathways and Special Circumstances

If your relationship ends or you experience family violence during the 820 visa period, you may still be eligible for the permanent visa under certain compassionate or compelling circumstances. Information on these scenarios can be found by searching for ‘partner visa domestic violence provisions’ on the official Department of Home Affairs website. If you are unsure of your rights, you can contact community legal centers or migration agents for confidential advice.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The grant of a Subclass 820 Partner Visa opens the door to a new life in Australia, but it is only the beginning of your pathway to permanent residency. Stay organized, maintain your relationship documentation, and be proactive in managing your visa requirements. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, use official sources such as the Department of Home Affairs and Services Australia. If you have unique circumstances or face challenges, consider seeking assistance from a registered migration professional.