Partner (Permanent) Visa (subclass 801)
The Subclass 801 Partner (Permanent) Visa is the final step in the onshore partner visa process, allowing the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This visa is usually granted after holding the Subclass 820 Partner Visa for two years and requires ongoing evidence of a genuine relationship. It’s designed to provide a stable pathway for partners to settle together in Australia.
Benefits of the Subclass 801 Visa
Permanent Residency
Live, work, and study in Australia permanently
Citizenship Pathway
Be eligible to apply for citizenship
Healthcare Scheme
Access Australia’s public healthcare scheme - Medicare
Social Security
Be eligible for social security benefits (Centrelink payment after a qualifying period).
Sponsor Family Members
Bring eligible family members to Australia
Travel Rights
Travel in and out of Australia
Subclass 801 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa , applicants must meet several essential criteria:
Hold a Valid Visa
You must already hold the Subclass 820 Partner (Provisional) Visa and have continued to meet the requirements of that visa. You must wait 2 years after applying for the combined 820 and 801 visas to be eligible for assessment for the permanent visa.
Continued Relationship Requirements
You must continue to be the spouse or de facto partner of the same person who sponsored you for the temporary Partner visa.
| You are not married to each other | You and your spouse are mutually committed exclusively to each other. | Your relationship is genuine and continuing | you either live together or don't live permanently apart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Married | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| De facto partners | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Supplementary information
Your relationship can be with someone of the same or different sex.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, You can apply for consideration to be granted your temporary and permanent visa. More information about the Family Violence Provisions.
You might still be eligible for the permanent visa if your relationship ends or your partner dies before the permanent visa grant.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 801 Visa
If you were granted a permanent Partner visa - subclass 801 immediately after your temporary Partner visa - subclass 820, you do not need to provide any additional documents or take further action. If the DHA did not grant the permanent visa, you will need to submit additional documents.
Prepare Updated Documents
You will need to submit new evidence to demonstrate that your relationship remains genuine and ongoing. This includes proof of shared finances, housing, social activities, and commitments, such as shared parenting or long-term plans.
1
Submit Your Application
You will be invited to provide additional documents approximately two years after your Subclass 820 visa application. You must submit these through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2
Provide Character Documentation
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to submit updated police clearance certificates from Australia or any other country you have lived in since your Subclass 820 visa was granted.
3
Await a Decision
Once you submit all required documents, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. In the meantime, you can remain in Australia on your Subclass 820 visa.
4
Receive Your Subclass 801 Visa
If your application is approved, you will be granted the Subclass 801 visa, providing you with permanent residency status in Australia.
5
Current Processing Time: Subclass 801 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| 50% applications are processed in | 90% applications are processed in |
|---|---|
| 15 Monthss | 27 Months |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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No, your Subclass 801 application is automatically lodged when you apply for the combined Subclass 820/801 visa. You will, however, need to provide updated documents after about two years.
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You usually need to wait about two years from the time you lodged your Subclass 820 visa application before transitioning to the Subclass 801 visa. However, this period may be shorter if you are in a long-term relationship or have children together.
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If your relationship ends before your Subclass 801 visa is granted, your application may be at risk. However, exceptions apply in cases of domestic violence or if you share children with your partner.
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Yes, the Subclass 801 visa allows you full work rights in Australia.