Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) Guide
Understanding the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
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.
801 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), applicants generally must:
Hold a Substantive Visa
Meet Relationship Requirements
Meet health requirements
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Best Interests of the Child.
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.
801 Visa Documents Required
Common documents required for a 801 Visa application include:
Identity documents
Character documents
Relationship Evidence
Relationship documents
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
801 Visa Relationship Evidence Checklist
You need to provide evidence of:
Relationship Evidence
Finances:
Your household
Social matters
Commitment
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.
How to apply for the 801 Visa
Check your Eligibility for the Visa
Gather and prepare your documents
Visa application
Your Visa outcome
Seek our guidance to avoid mistakes during the application process.
801 Visa Cost:
The Visa fee was included when you lodged your Temporary and Permanent Partner Visa applications.
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.
801 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)
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.
801 Visa FAQs
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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 Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)?
Check your eligibility today and let our Registered Migration Agent guide you throughout your Partner Visa application.
Live & Love in Australia ♥