Subclass 801 Partner Visa (Permanent Residence)

Overview

The Subclass 801 Partner Visa is a permanent visa for the spouse or de facto partner of an:

• Australian citizen
• Australian permanent resident
• Eligible New Zealand citizen

It is the second stage in the onshore partner visa pathway and is granted to individuals who already hold a Subclass 820 Partner Visa.

Key Facts

• Type: Permanent residency visa
• Location: Applicant must be in Australia when applying
• Usual Pathway: 820 (Temporary) → 801 (Permanent)
• Can Include: Dependent children
• Cost: Covered under 820/801 combined application (no additional cost for 801 stage)

What You Can Do With a Subclass 801 Visa

• Live and stay in Australia permanently
• Work and study without restrictions
• Enrol in Medicare
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
• Travel freely to and from Australia for 5 years
• Apply for citizenship (subject to eligibility)
• Access social security payments (after waiting periods)

Relationship Requirements

To be eligible, the applicant must:

• Be the spouse or de facto partner of the sponsor
• Have a genuine and continuing relationship
• Live together, or not apart permanently
• Have already been granted the Subclass 820 visa
• Provide evidence of a mutual commitment to a shared life

Application Process (820/801 Combined)

Step 1: Apply for Combined Partner Visa (820/801)

• Most applicants apply for 820 and 801 together
• Pay one fee and upload documents supporting the relationship

Step 2: Wait for 820 Grant

• Processing may take 12–20 months
• You are granted a bridging visa until a decision is made

Step 3: Two-Year Assessment

• About 24 months after initial application, you are invited to submit additional documents for the 801 permanent visa

Step 4: Upload Additional Evidence for 801

• Further evidence of the ongoing relationship
• More financial, social, commitment-based proof
• Updated police checks

Step 5: Receive Subclass 801 Grant

• If the relationship is genuine and ongoing, DHA grants the permanent visa
• In some cases, 801 can be granted earlier (see next section)

Early Grant of 801 Visa (Bypassing the Two-Year Wait)

In some circumstances, DHA may grant the 801 visa immediately after 820:

You may qualify if:

• You have been in a long-term relationship (3+ years), or
• You have a child with your sponsor and have lived together for 2+ years

If early grant conditions are met, upload full documentation during your 820 stage to prompt immediate assessment.

Processing Time (2025 Estimates)

Processing can be faster if:

• Documents are complete
• Relationship is well-documented
• No character or health issues

Evidence Required for the 801 Visa

To prove your relationship has continued, provide documents showing:

Financial Commitment

• Joint bank accounts
• Shared property, mortgage or lease
• Utility bills in both names
• Tax returns showing shared finances

Social Recognition

• Photos together
• Travel records
• Invitations as a couple
• Statements from family and friends

Nature of the Household

• Joint bills and purchases
• Co-parenting responsibilities
• Communication evidence if separated for a time

Mutual Commitment

• Wills, superannuation nominations
• Long-term plans (e.g. children, retirement)
• Support during health or personal challenges

Health and Character Checks

• Updated police checks (AFP and any overseas country resided in >12 months)
• Health exams may be requested again, particularly for dependants or if prior ones are over 12 months old

Common Reasons for Rejection

1. Insufficient evidence of a genuine ongoing relationship
2. Contradictions between 820 and 801-stage documents
3. Changes in relationship (breakup or divorce)
4. Discovery of false or misleading information
5. Failure to meet health or character requirements
6. Sponsor ineligible due to prior sponsorship limits

Sponsorship Limits

Sponsors can sponsor a maximum of two partners in their lifetime, with a minimum 5-year gap between sponsorships.

Sponsors may be barred if they:

• Were previously sponsored as a partner themselves within 5 years
• Have certain criminal convictions

Relationship Breakdown Before 801 Grant

You may still be eligible for the 801 visa if:

• Your partner has died
• The relationship ended due to family violence
• You have custody of a child from the relationship

You must notify DHA and provide documentation supporting these circumstances.

Country of Origin Trends

Most applicants for the Partner visa (820/801 combined) come from:

• India
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• China
• Nepal
• United Kingdom
• Pakistan
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Sri Lanka

Tips for a Successful 801 Visa Grant

• Maintain detailed relationship records from start to finish
• Keep proof of joint finances, shared accommodation, and social outings
• Be consistent with statements and dates
• Upload updated and clearly labelled evidence
• Avoid uploading too many repetitive documents — aim for quality and variety
• Respond promptly to DHA requests

Government Resources and Links

• Partner Visa (820 and 801) Overview – DHA
• Form 888 – Statutory Declaration by Supporting Witness
• AFP National Police Check
• Australian Citizenship Information

Summary

The Subclass 801 Partner Visa is the final step toward permanent residency for people in committed relationships with Australians. While the process is long and evidence-heavy, successful applicants gain all rights and benefits of permanent residency. Diligent documentation, clear communication, and genuine intent are critical for approval.

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