Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801): photo and application guide
Partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens. Subclass 820 is the temporary stage; subclass 801 follows after 2 years.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · set by the current Visa Pricing Table · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared Home Affairs 35 × 45 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities. Fee set by the current Visa Pricing Table; one combined charge covers 820 and 801. Processing 50% within 14 months for 820; 50% within 25 months for 801. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Subclass 820 (Temporary) / Subclass 801 (Permanent) Partner Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens. Subclass 820 is the temporary stage; subclass 801 follows after 2 years. |
| Application route | ImmiAccount online application with relationship evidence |
| Fee | set by the current Visa Pricing Table; one combined charge covers 820 and 801 — indexed every 1 July. Visa Pricing Table ↗ |
| Processing time | 50% within 14 months for 820; 50% within 25 months for 801 |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — at a VAC |
| Official portal | Home Affairs — Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) ↗ |
Photo specification
The Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo standard. The same photo file works for the ImmiAccount upload and the printed copy at the VAC.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 32 to 36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | plain neutral or light grey that contrasts with the face, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile preferred) |
| Glasses | Discouraged; remove for the shot |
| Digital file | JPEG, 70 KB to 3.5 MB; 1200 × 1600 px preferred |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Editing | Not allowed: do not remove background, moles, wrinkles, scars or red eyes Why → |
What to watch out for with the Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801)
Partner visas have one of the highest application fees in Australia (AUD $9,365 covers both stages). The relationship must be at least 12 months continuous before lodging, unless a child has been born to the relationship. The biometric photo at 820 application is reused at 801 transition 2 years later.
Frequently asked questions about the Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801)
What size photo do I need for a Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801)?
35 × 45 mm portrait. The Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo: head 32 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression.
How much does the Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) cost?
set by the current Visa Pricing Table; one combined charge covers 820 and 801.
How long does the Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) take to process?
50% within 14 months for 820; 50% within 25 months for 801.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801)?
Yes — at a VAC. The biometric capture happens at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Can I use the same photo for an Australian passport later?
Yes if you become an Australian citizen and apply for an Australian passport. The DFAT passport specification (35 × 45 mm) matches the Home Affairs visa specification. The photo is interchangeable across these documents.
Other Australian visa categories
Prepare your Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) photo
Upload a genuine, unedited portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to 35 × 45 mm and sets the file size. Your face and background stay untouched, as Home Affairs requires.