How to Sponsor Your Spouse on Australia’s Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) in 2026: A Complete Guide for Indian Couples

Sponsoring your partner for a visa to Australia is one of the most meaningful journeys a couple can undertake. For Indian applicants navigating the pathway of the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801), understanding each step, from eligibility to lodgement, processing times, requirements and genuine relationship assessments is essential. At Aussizz Group, we’ve guided 180,000+ applicants to their Australian dreams, and this blog will walk you through the strategy you need in 2026 to maximise your chances.

Who This Guide is For?

• Indian citizens and residents who hold an Australian visa or have been living in Australia, and are preparing to sponsor their partner (spouse or de facto) for a Partner Visa.
• Couples where one partner resides in Australia, intends to sponsor the overseas partner, and need to meet conditions for visa subclass 820 (temporary) and subclass 801 (permanent).
• Applicants looking to compare different Partner Visa options, optimise their application for success, and convert their relationship into long-term Australian residency.

Understanding the Partner Visa Subclass 820/801 & Why It Matters

What is Subclass 820/801?

• The Subclass 820 (temporary) visa allows the partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia while the permanent stage is processed.
• The Subclass 801 (permanent) visa is granted to eligible applicants who hold the 820 and meet requirements after two years.

This visa route is central to relationship-based migration in Australia. For Indian applicants, it provides a pathway to Australian permanent residency within the context of a genuine and ongoing relationship.

Why is this pathway important in 2026?

Australia’s skilled migration streams are highly competitive and often points-based. The Partner Visa pathway bypasses many point-tests and offers a relationship-based route that prioritises genuine partnerships over numeric competition. For couples where one partner is already in Australia or planning to relocate, the 820/801 route often represents the most direct route to PR.

Eligibility Requirements: Sponsorship vs Applicant

Sponsorship Eligibility (Australian-based partner)

The sponsor must:

• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be living in Australia (or intend to live in Australia) when the partner visa is granted.
• Not be subject to a sponsorship‐ or removal‐from-Australia condition, or previous sponsorship penalties.
• Meet character and financial undertaking obligations (must not receive certain social security payments).

Applicant Eligibility (Indian partner being sponsored)

The partner visa applicant must:

• Be the spouse (married) or de facto partner of the sponsor.
• Be at least 18 years old (younger applicants may be considered in special circumstances).
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with the sponsor at time of lodgement and decision.
• Live in Australia for the temporary visa at decision time (for the 820 stage).

Relationship Requirements & Genuine Commitment (For Indian Couples)

Married vs De Facto

• Married couples must provide a legally valid marriage certificate (India or abroad) plus evidence of continuing relationship since marriage.
• De facto couples (including same-sex) need to show they’ve lived together for at least 12 months or meet alternative criteria (child of relationship, commitment agreement, or exceptional circumstance).
  For many Indian couples, proving de facto cohabitation may require additional documentation (shared bank accounts, joint leases, social and family evidence) even if they are not physically co-living due to overseas work/study.

Key relationship proofs

• Joint financial commitments (joint bank accounts, joint ownership/lease).
• Social evidence (photos together, joint invitations, social media mentions).
• Household evidence (shared utilities, mail addresses).
• Commitment to shared future (wills, insurance beneficiaries).
• Children of the relationship (if applicable).
• A robust genuine relationship statement is critical to the application.

Application Timeline & Processing: What to Expect in 2026

Lodgement Process

• Sponsorship form: The Australian partner lodges Form 820-SPS.
• Visa application: The overseas partner lodges the combined Form 820 / 801 Partner visa application (e-lodge).
• Acknowledgement: Receipt number issued (e.g., YYYZ prefix for e-lodged files).
• Temporary visa decision: Form 820 is granted if requirements are met.
• Permanent visa decision: Usually after ~2 years, Form 801 is granted if eligibility continues.

Processing times (2026 update)

• Approximate current processing: 60% of applications finalised in ~18-24 months (for subclass 820).
• Permanent stage (801) often granted within 12-18 months after 820 decision when no issues.
• Delays often due to incomplete evidence, offshore applications, health/character issues, or complex relationship cases.

Onshore vs Offshore Lodgement

Applicants lodging from within Australia (onshore) often see faster decisions. Overseas lodgement (offshore) may attract longer processing and more scrutiny in relationship assessment.

Key Differences & Strategic Considerations for Indian Applicants

Compare: 820/801 vs Skilled Migration Pathways

Optimise for Indian‐specific considerations

• Maintain continuous residence together (or explain overseas separation if due to work/study).
• Provide translated documents (marriage certificate, bank statements) if required.
• Address family/cultural marriage history (especially common-law or caste issues) transparently.
• Lodge onshore if possible for faster processing.
• Choose monthly update strategy (share employment, residence, relationship changes) to maintain visa compliance.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship & Application Guide for Indian Couples

Step 1: Confirm Sponsor Eligibility & Apply to Sponsor

• Partner lodges sponsorship form (820-SPS).
• Meet financial and character requirements.
• Gather evidence of residential intent in Australia.

Step 2: Prepare Relationship Evidence & Apply for Visa

• Collect married/de facto evidence (as above).
• Prepare health and character checks.
• Lodge combined Form 820/801 online if onshore; if offshore lodge Form 309 or equivalent.
• Pay visa application fee.

Step 3: Respond to any Additional Requests (DDR) Quickly

• If the Department requests further evidence, respond within timeframe.
• Typical requests involve additional relationship evidence, translation of documents, or sponsor’s financial records.

Step 4: Wait for Temporary Visa 820 Decision

• Once granted, onshore partner may apply for open work rights, and both partners can live in Australia.
• Keep relationship genuine and ongoing – live together in Australia where possible.

Step 5: Fulfil Conditions & Prepare for Permanent Visa 801 Stage

• On subclass 801 decision, you must still meet partner, character, health eligibility.
• If you lived in Australia for at least 2 years before lodgement, you may apply sooner under “fast-track” criteria.

Step 6: After Visa Grant – PR Benefits & Next Steps

• With 801 granted, you obtain Australian permanent residency.
• You and your partner may travel on the resident return visa.
• Prepare for citizenship pathways if desired (usually after 4 years in Australia, with 1 year as PR).

FAQs

Q1. How many years of relationship do I need for a partner visa?

You don’t automatically need 3 years. Married couples need a legally valid marriage certificate and relationship evidence; de facto couples generally must show at least 12 months cohabitation or meet alternative criteria (child or registered relationship). Indian couples working overseas may also provide strong evidence of commitment, shared finances and future planning to satisfy the genuine relationship requirement.

Q2. Can I sponsor my spouse if I’ve been in Australia less than 12 months?

Yes, there is no strict 12-month residence requirement for sponsors, but you must show you intend to live in Australia and meet financial and character criteria. You’ll need to demonstrate stability and intent, especially if you have lately arrived.

Q3. What English level is needed for the partner visa?

There is no formal “points test” for English on the partner visa, but both sponsor and applicant must meet character and health requirements. Good English increases employment chances and supports the relationship evidence (for example, joint conversations, shared banking, etc.). For Indian-origin applicants, submitting evidence of English ability and documentation in English (or properly translated) helps reduce delays.

Q4. How long does it take to process subclass 820/801 in 2026?

Processing varies, but onshore applications typically take 18–24 months (for subclass 820 decision) and an additional 12–18 months for subclass 801 if there are no issues. Processing times for offshore lodgements are longer. Delays often relate to incomplete evidence, sponsor issues or relationship genuineness concerns.

Q5. What happens if my relationship ends before the permanent visa?

If the relationship ends before the 801 decision, you must notify the Department. In most cases, the 820 visa may be cancelled, but you could still be eligible to continue to permanent residency under family violence provisions, if your sponsor dies, or if you are a dependent child. Maintaining genuine evidence until the final decision is crucial.

Q6. Does my Indian marriage certificate need translation or attestation?

Yes, documents not in English must be accompanied by an accredited translation. You may also need to provide certified copies. For Indian marriage certificates, it’s wise to upload scanned certified copies and translations if in regional language. Keeping originals ready for verification is recommended.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Optimise Your Application)

• Submitting weak relationship evidence: Use both social and financial evidence; avoid only photos.
• Lodging offshore when onshore possible: Onshore gives better processing outcomes.
• Not updating the Department with changes: If you move, change jobs or have a baby, you must notify within 28 days.
• Ignoring health/character requirements: Early medical or police check delays can stall applications.
• Assuming minimal English means no employment risk: Both partners should aim for good employment prospects.

Unlock your path to Australian Dreams with Aussizz Group!

With a proven record of guiding 180,000+ applicants toward Australian PR, Aussizz Group offers:.

• End-to-end service from partner visa eligibility checks to submission and follow-up.
• Relationship evidence strategy, translations, submission management, case tracking.
• Professional guidance on living-together, separation explanations (if studying overseas), and post-grant planning.

Choosing Aussizz means you get a partner who understands your journey, your culture and your goal. If you are ready to sponsor your spouse for Australian PR in 2026, the time to act is now.

Book your consultation with Aussizz Group today!