For couples in a committed relationship, partner visa subclass 801 provides a clear and rewarding passage to permanent residence in Australia. This is the second stage of the two-part application process that begins with the subclass 820 temporary partner visa. If you are already living in Australia with your partner and holding a temporary partner visa, 801 is your next step towards settling permanently in the country.
In this blog post, we will find out what is 801 visas, for whom it is, how to apply, there are useful tips for processing time and a smooth application.
What is the Subclass 801 Visa?
partner visa 801 allows an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or the husband of New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. This subclass is the second stage of the onshore partner visa process after 820 temporary partner visa.
Once given, 801 visa allows you:
Live in Australia permanently
Work and study without restriction
Australia’s Public Healthcare System (Medicare)
Sponsoring family members to migrate to Australia
Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Who can apply for 801 visas?
To be eligible for the lesson 801 visa, you need:
Already hold a lesson 820 visa
Still be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsoring partner
Meet all character requirements
Provide updated documents and evidence to support constant relationships
You usually apply for 820 and 801 visas at the same time, but 801 visas are provided only after the waiting period (usually two years from your 820 visa application date).
Major eligibility requirements
Real relations
You have to prove that you are still in a real and running relationship with your partner. This includes joint financial commitments, coitus, shared social life and mutual emotional support.
Relationship length
If you are in a long-term relationship (eg, more than three years, or more than two years with children), you can be faster for 801 visas, sometimes without waiting for two years.
Character Check
You must meet character requirements, including providing updated police checks for every country you’ve lived in since applying for your 820 visa.
Constant sponsment
Your sponsor partner should be eligible and willing to sponsor you throughout the process.
How does 801 visa process works
Here is a step-by-step observation:
Step 1: Lodge Joint Application (820/801)
You initially apply for 820 and 801 visas at the same time. This is called a combined application. You’ll be granted the 820 temporary visa first, and your application for the 801 visa is held for processing after a certain period (usually two years).
Step 2: Get a reminder from immigration
Nearly two years after applying for your 820 visa, the Home Affairs Department will send you a notification for updated information to process your 801 visa.
Step 3: Submit Assistant Documents
You will need to provide new evidence that your relationship is still real and running.
This includes:
Updated relationship statements
Joint financial documents (bank accounts, bills)
Evidence of photos and shared activities
Letters of support from friends and family
Updated police checks
Form 80 (personal particulars)
Step 4: Department Assesses Your Application
Once you’ve submitted all the required information, the Department will assess your case. If satisfied, they will grant the 801 permanent partner visa.
801 Visa Processing Time
By 2025, average processing time is:
75% of applications: processed within 8 to 10 months after being eligible
90% of applications: processed within 12 to 14 months
Keep in mind, the eligibility date is usually from two years after you first filed an 820/801 joint application – not when your 820 was provided.
Therefore, from the initial logant to the final 801 grant, the full timeline can range around 2.5 to 3 years.
What if the relationship ends?
If your relationship ends before your 801 visa is granted, you have to inform the department immediately. In some circumstances, you can still be eligible for 801 visas, such as if:
You have experienced domestic violence
You and your partner share custody of children
Your partner has passed away
These are evaluated on the basis of case-by-case, and legal advice is strongly recommended.
801 visa benefits
Once you get your 801 visa, you enjoy many rights and benefits of Australian citizens:
Permanent residence
Freedom to work or study anywhere in Australia
Sponsor family members for visas
Access to social security and government services
After completing the residence and other criteria, you become eligible for citizenship
It is a major milestone in your long settling in Australia.
Tips for a smooth 801 visa process
Keep record updates
Even after your 820 visas are given, continue collecting evidence of your ongoing relationships- bank statement, photo, utility bill and travel together.
check your email
The immigration will contact you if it is time to submit additional documents. The missing deadline may delay your 801 visa.
Update Police Checks
These are required again for the 801 assessment, even if you submitted them for your 820 visa.
Be Honest and Consistent
Ensure your relationship statements align and that supporting evidence is authentic and consistent.
If uncertain if you seek professional advice
A migration agent or lawyer can guide you through documentation and help avoid delays or errors.
final thoughts
The subclass 801 visa partner marks the end of the visa trip – gives you a permanent residence and opening the door for full participation in Australian life. While the procedure can be long and paperwork-water, careful preparation and frequent evidence of your relationship will help you secure your visa without stress.
