Permanent Partner Visa Australia (Subclass 801) Guide
Understanding the Permanent Partner Visa
This Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is generally granted to applicants who already hold a Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820).
Permanent Partner Visa Overview
Visa Name → Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
Common Name → Partner Visa 801 / Visa 801
Location → Onshore (Be in Australia to apply)
Who Can Apply → Spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
Stay Period → Permanently
Work Rights → Full work rights in Australia
Study Rights → Full study rights in Australia
Include Family → Yes
Pathway to PR → Yes
Relationship Requirement → Genuine married or de facto relationship
What is the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)?
The Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is the second stage of the Partner Visa pathway.
This permanent visa allows the husband, wife, or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is usually granted to people who already hold a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820).
This stage is usually assessed around two years after the initial Partner Visa application. During this time, the Department of Home Affairs reviews whether the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Once granted, the Visa holder becomes a Permanent Resident of Australia, with full rights to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
Permanent Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for a Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), applicants generally must:
Hold a Subclass 820 Visa
Continue to be in a genuine relationship with the same sponsor
Meet health requirements
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Wait about 2 years from the original 820 Visa application date
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.
Check Your Eligibility With Us!
Documents Required for the Visa:
Common documents required for a 801 Visa application include:
Identity documents: passport
Character documents: police checks
Relationship evidence: bank statements, lease agreements & photos together, etc
Family members documents (if applicable)
Translate all documents to English
Scan all documents in colour (English and non-English)
Providing complete and accurate documentation may help reduce delays in Visa processing
How to apply for the Permanent Partner Visa:
Check your Eligibility for the Visa
Provide relationship evidence and documents
Apply for the Permanent Partner Visa 801
Your Permanent Partner Visa 801 is granted
Seek our guidance to avoid mistakes during the application process.
Apply to Your Permanent Partner Visa With Us!
Permanent Partner Visa Cost:
The Visa fee was included when you lodged your Temporary and Permanent Partner Visa applications.
What does the Department of Home Affairs need?
When assessing your Partner Visa (subclass 801), the Department of Home Affairs must be satisfied that your relationship remains genuine and ongoing. To do this, they review updated evidence across four key areas: finances, household arrangements, social recognition, and commitment to each other.
A strong 801 Visa application demonstrates how your relationship has continued to develop since your initial partner visa application. Providing clear and up-to-date evidence in all four categories can help support your transition from the temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) to permanent residency.
Permanent Partner Visa Processing Time:
Current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 5 months
90% of applications are processed within 16 months
Processing times vary depending on application volumes and individual circumstances.
Processing may take time, particularly during periods of high demand or if additional information is requested.
Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to delays.
Applicants should refer to the latest processing information from the Department of Home Affairs Processing Times.
Permanent Partner Visa Benefits:
How Can a Permanent Partner Visa Benefit You?
Live, work and study in Australia
You can travel in and out of Australia freely while the Visa is valid
You can apply for Australian citizenship if you are elegible
Take free AMEP English classes if you qualify
Request access to public healthcare in Australia (if eligible)
Book an appointment today to discuss your Partner Visa Australia application and take the next step towards living and working in Australia.
Why Apply with our Registered Migration Agent?
Applying for a Partner Visa Australia requires meeting strict eligibility requirements and submitting strong evidence of your relationship.
Our Registered Migration Agent can help you:
Understand partner visa requirements clearly
Navigate the partner visa application process
Avoid common mistakes or delays
Improve your chances of a successful outcome
Professional guidance may help simplify the process and reduce unnecessary delays.
Permanent Partner Visa | Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. The Partner Visa (subclass 801) grants permanent residency, which is one of the requirements for Australian citizenship. In most cases, you must meet the Australian citizenship residency requirements before you can apply.
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In most cases, your Partner Visa (subclass 801) application will not be approved if your relationship ends before the Visa is assessed. This is because the Department of Home Affairs generally requires the relationship to be genuine and ongoing at the time of decision.
However, there are limited exceptions that may allow the application to continue in certain circumstances.
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When assessing your Partner Visa (subclass 801), the Department of Home Affairs will generally request updated 801 Visa evidence showing that your relationship remains genuine and ongoing. This may include evidence of your finances, living arrangements, social activities, and commitment to each other.
The focus at the 801 stage is on your current relationship and how it has continued since your temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) was granted.
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If your Partner Visa (subclass 801) application is refused, you may have review rights depending on your circumstances. Any review application must generally be lodged within the timeframe specified in your refusal notice.
Because review rights and deadlines can be limited, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible after receiving a decision.
Ready to apply for a Partner (Provisional) Visa?
Check your eligibility today and let our Registered Migration Agent guide you throughout your Partner Visa application.
Live & Love in Australia ♥