Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) Guide
801 Partner visa guide: eligibility, documents, evidence, costs & processing times.
This guide covers the key information you need to know about the subclass 801 visa, including eligibility requirements, required documents, relationship evidence, visa costs, processing times and the application process. It also explains how Turner-Rowe Migration can assist you throughout your application.
At Turner-Rowe Migration, we provide professional advice and personalised guidance to help you understand your visa options and assess your circumstances, with support available in both English and Spanish.
801 Partner visa overview:
What is the official visa name → Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801)
Who can apply to this visa → De facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia permanently. It is usually granted to people who already hold a Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820).
Where can you apply for this visa → Onshore (Be in Australia to apply)
How long can you stay in Australia with this visa → Applicants can stay in Australia permanently
Can applicants work under this visa → Yes, applicants have work rights in Australia
Can applicants study under this visa → Yes, applicants have study rights in Australia
Can I include family members in the visa application → Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application
Does this visa lead to Permanent Residency → Yes, this visa leads to Permanent Residency
Does this visa lead to Australian Citizenship → Yes, this visa leads to Australian Citizenship if eligible
Are you eligible for a subclass 801 Partner visa?
To be eligible, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
Hold a Substantive visa
Continue to meet Relationship Requirements
Meet health requirements
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Best Interests of the Child (if applicable)
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 801 Permanent Partner visa eligibility page.
What documents do you need to apply?
The common documents required for a subclass 820 visa application include:
Identity documents
Character documents
Relationship evidence documents
Family members documents (if applicable)
Any changes to your situation (if applicable)
For detailed information on documents required, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 801 Permanent Partner visa step by step page.
What relationship evidence do you need to provide for a subclass 801 Partner visa application?
You need to provide evidence of:
Continue to be the spouseor de facto partner of the same sponsor
Relationship documents
Supporting evidence of your relationship
For detailed information on relationship evidence, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 801 Permanent Partner visa step by step page.
What does the Department of Home Affairs need from you?
When assessing your Permanent 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 subclass 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.
How much will the subclass 801 Partner visa cost you?
The visa cost was included when you lodged your Temporary and Permanent Partner visa application.
Costs are subject to change and may vary depending on your individual circumstances and any additional charges, such as our Registered Migration Agent Fees.
For detailed information on visa costs, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator page.
How do you apply for a subclass 801 Partner visa?
The process generally includes the following steps:
Meet eligibility criteria
Gather your documents
Lodge the visa application
Attach more information (if asked)
Department of Home Affairs decision
Turner-Rowe Migration can support you at every stage of your application in English and Spanish.
For detailed information on how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 801 Permanent Partner visa step by step page.
How long will you wait for the visa to be processed?
Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 3 months
90% of applications are processed within 17 months
Processing times are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.
For the latest information on Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) processing times, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times page.
What happens after your visa is lodged?
After your subclass 801 visa is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and may request additional information before making a decision.
As part of our services, we provide ongoing post-lodgement support, including:
Responding to Department of Home Affairs requests
Keeping you informed of application updates
Providing guidance throughout the processing period
The final step is the Department's decision on your application.
How can Turner-Rowe Migration help you?
Our Registered Migration Agent helps you with:
Professional advice & personalised guidance
Understanding eligibility requirements
Documentation support & avoiding application mistakes
Improving the quality of your application
Preparing and lodging your visa application
Post-lodgement support & updates
Responding to department requests
Contact us today whether you're exploring your visa options, seeking guidance or advice, or ready to begin your Australian visa application, our Registered Migration Agent provides migration and visa services in English and Spanish, with personalised support based on your goals and individual circumstances.
Ready to start your Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) application?
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is based on information published by the Australian Government and the Department of Home Affairs. Australian visa requirements, policies, fees, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. For the latest and most accurate information, applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant visa subclass requirements.