Partner Visa Subclass 820 — document translation guide

The Partner Visa (Subclass 820) is the onshore temporary stage of the partner visa pathway. It is for people already in Australia who are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Subclass 820 is lodged together with the Subclass 801 (permanent partner visa) as a combined application. If the relationship continues to be genuine and ongoing, the permanent Subclass 801 is typically assessed automatically — usually after 2 years from the application date, or sooner if the couple has been together for 3 or more years, or have a dependent child together.

De facto relationships must have existed for at least 12 months before applying, unless registered in a state or territory. The evidence required is extensive. The Department of Home Affairs examines four aspects of the relationship: (1) financial aspects — joint finances, shared assets; (2) nature of the household — shared living arrangements; (3) social aspects — recognition of the relationship by family and friends; (4) commitment — future plans, length of relationship. Evidence under all four categories should be provided. Both the applicant and the Australian sponsor must provide police clearance certificates from all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more since turning 16.

When are certified translations required? Any documents not in English — including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, police clearances, and relationship evidence in Spanish — must be accompanied by a NAATI-certified translation.