If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible to apply for the Partner Visa, a permanent visa that allows you to live in Australia with your partner. Understanding how to apply for this visa, what documents are needed, and how long the process takes can feel overwhelming at first. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Partner Visa 801 in Australia and help you get started with your application.
What is Partner Visa Subclass 801?
The Partner Visa Subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the partner visa process for applicants who are already in Australia on a Partner Visa Subclass 820 (the temporary stage). Once you’ve held the 820 visa and continued your genuine relationship for a specified time, you can become eligible for the 801 visa, which grants permanent residency in Australia.
This visa allows you to:
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Stay in Australia indefinitely
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Work and study in Australia
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Enroll in Medicare
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Sponsor eligible family members
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Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Who Can Apply for Partner Visa 801?
To apply for the permanent partner visa (subclass 801), you must:
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Already hold or have applied for the Partner Visa 820
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Still be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner
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Meet health and character requirements
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Have complied with all Australian laws during your stay
Usually, you apply for the 801 visa at the same time you apply for the 820 visa. However, the Department of Home Affairs assesses them in two stages.
The Two-Stage Process: Subclass 820 and 801
Let’s quickly break down the two-stage process:
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Stage 1 – Temporary Visa (Subclass 820)
This is granted first and allows you to live in Australia temporarily. You need to be onshore (in Australia) when applying. -
Stage 2 – Permanent Visa (Subclass 801)
This becomes available two years after your initial 820 visa application. You don’t have to reapply from scratch—you just provide additional evidence showing your relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
When Can You Apply for Visa 801?
About two years after lodging your combined 820/801 application, the Department will invite you to submit additional documents for the 801 visa assessment.
Here’s what you can expect:
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A reminder email or letter from immigration requesting updated evidence.
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A window (often 28 days or more) to provide this information.
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If your relationship has broken down or changed (e.g., domestic violence or custody of children), your eligibility might still be assessed under different provisions.
Documents Required for Partner Visa 801
You’ll need to submit fresh evidence to support the ongoing nature of your relationship. The core documents generally include
Relationship Evidence (Updated):
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Joint bank account statements
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Lease or mortgage in both names
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Utility bills
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Travel records
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Photos of shared life experiences
Statutory Declarations:
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Updated Form 888s from friends and family confirming your relationship
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Personal statements from both partners detailing your ongoing relationship
Additional Documentation:
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Updated police checks (including AFP)
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Updated health checks (if requested)
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Evidence of joint commitments (loans, children, plans)
Tip: Submit documents across all four pillars of relationship evidence—financial, household, social, and commitment.
How to Lodge Your 801 Visa Stage
The application is not submitted again; instead, you:
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Log into your ImmiAccount
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Locate your original 820/801 application
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Upload the additional evidence requested for the 801 stage
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Wait for a case officer to review and contact you if further documents are required
Partner Visa 801 Processing Time
The processing time for the 801 visa can vary widely based on the complexity of your case and documentation provided. As of now:
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75% of applications are processed within 12 months
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90% are processed within 20 months
You can reduce delays by:
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Responding to requests quickly
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Submitting clear, complete documentation
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Maintaining updated contact details in your ImmiAccount
Partner Visa 801 Cost
There is no separate fee for the subclass 801 visa since it’s included in the combined fee paid at the time of lodging the 820/801 application. As of July 2025, the combined application fee is:
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AUD 8,850 (main applicant)
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Additional costs apply for dependents
Note: Fees are subject to change. Check the Home Affairs website for updated costs.
What Happens After Grant of Partner Visa 801?
Once your 801 visa is granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia. This opens the door to a host of benefits:
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Access to Medicare and Centrelink
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Pathway to Australian citizenship after 1 year on PR (if eligible)
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The ability to sponsor other family members to come to Australia
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Unlimited travel in and out of the country for the first 5 years
After five years, if your travel facility expires, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) unless you have become a citizen.
What If the Relationship Breaks Down?
In some cases, you may still be eligible for the 801 visa if:
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You or your children were subjected to domestic violence
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Your partner passes away
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You share custody of a child with your sponsor
Each of these situations is evaluated case-by-case and will require supporting evidence.
Do You Need a Migration Agent?
Applying for or finalising your Partner Visa 801 can be complex—especially when it comes to gathering relationship evidence or addressing issues like separation, sponsorship limitations, or visa conditions. A registered MARA migration agent can help you:
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Check eligibility
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Prepare and organize documents
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Respond to any case officer requests
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Appeal decisions if necessary
Final Thoughts
Applying for partner visa 801 is your gateway to permanent residency in Australia and, eventually, Australian citizenship. While the process can take time and requires detailed evidence, being organised and proactive makes a huge difference. Whether you’re applying on your own or with the help of a migration professional, keeping your relationship records updated and responding quickly to any requests will put you on the best path to success.
