Partner Visa (Permanent)
Onshore — 801
The Subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the onshore partner visa pathway, granted after holding the Subclass 820 for a qualifying period. All details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
📋 Key Facts
- Pathway
- 820 → 801
- Stage
- Permanent (Stage 2 of 2-stage process)
- Qualifying Period
- 2 years from original 820 application date
- Processing Time
- 75% within 15 months · 90% within 21 months
- Cost (2025–26)
- No additional base charge (included in combined 820/801 fee)
✨ At a Glance
- ✓ Permanent residency status — stay in Australia indefinitely
- ✓ Unrestricted work and study rights
- ✓ Pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to residence requirements)
- ✓ Can sponsor new partners (5-year limitation applies)
- ✓ Eligible for social security benefits (subject to waiting periods)
Key Features of the Subclass 801 Visa
Permanent residency: The 801 grants you permanent residency in Australia. You can live, work, and study without restriction. Unlike the temporary 820, your status is not contingent on a future assessment — it is indefinite.
Pathway to citizenship: As a permanent resident, you may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the general residence requirement (usually 4 years lawful residence, with at least 12 months as a permanent resident).
Sponsor future partners: As an 801 holder, you can sponsor a new partner for a partner visa. However, there is a 5-year limitation — if you were sponsored yourself, you generally cannot sponsor a new partner within 5 years of your own partner visa application date (unless exceptions apply).
Updated evidence assessment: To transition from 820 to 801, you must demonstrate that your relationship has continued and remains genuine. The Department assesses updated evidence of your ongoing relationship since the 820 grant.
No additional base charge: The cost of the 801 assessment is included in the initial combined 820/801 application fee (AUD 9,095). You do not need to pay again when you are assessed for permanency.
Updated Evidence Required for 801 Assessment
When the Department assesses you for the 801 (around the 2-year mark), you must provide fresh evidence showing your relationship has continued since the 820 was granted.
💰 Financial Aspects
- Updated joint bank statements (last 12–24 months)
- Ongoing shared household expenses
- Current joint lease or mortgage statements
- Recent tax returns showing partner details
- Updated superannuation beneficiary nominations
🏠 Nature of Household
- Recent correspondence to shared address
- Evidence of continued cohabitation since 820 grant
- Updated household bills (both names)
- Photos of home showing ongoing shared living
- Any joint purchases for the household
👥 Social Aspects
- New statutory declarations (Form 888) from friends/family
- Recent photos of you together at events and gatherings
- Joint travel since 820 grant (itineraries, tickets, photos)
- Social invitations addressed to you as a couple
- Any new joint memberships or group affiliations
💕 Nature of Commitment
- Updated relationship statement covering period since 820 grant
- Evidence of ongoing shared plans and future goals
- Major life events or milestones since 820 grant
- Updated wills or estate planning documents
- Any children born or adopted during relationship
Processing Pathway & Timeline
Step 1: Receive 2-Year Notification
Around the 2-year anniversary of your 820 application date, the Department of Home Affairs will contact you to begin the 801 assessment. Look out for correspondence in your ImmiAccount — do not miss this notification.
Step 2: Submit Updated Evidence
Provide comprehensive updated evidence covering the period since your 820 grant. This includes all four pillars: financial aspects, nature of household, social aspects, and nature of commitment. The evidence should show your relationship is genuine and continuing.
Step 3: Assessment (15–21 months)
A case officer reviews your updated evidence. 75% of 801 assessments are completed within 15 months; 90% within 21 months. You may be asked for additional information — respond promptly and thoroughly.
Step 4: Subclass 801 Grant — Permanent Residency
Congratulations — you are now a permanent resident of Australia. You can live in Australia indefinitely, work without restriction, access Medicare, and begin your journey toward Australian citizenship. Your permanent residency travel facility is initially 5 years; you can apply for a Resident Return Visa if it expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the 801? +
No. When you lodge your initial partner visa application, you apply for both the 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) at the same time using the combined application. The Department assesses the 820 first and later contacts you to assess the 801 around the 2-year mark.
What if my relationship has ended? Can I still get the 801? +
There are limited circumstances where you may still be granted the 801 despite relationship breakdown. These include: family violence perpetrated by your sponsor, death of your sponsor, or where there is a child of the relationship and you have custody or access rights. This is a complex area — consult a registered MARA agent immediately.
How soon can I apply for citizenship after the 801? +
You can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the general residence requirement: 4 years of lawful residence in Australia, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. Time spent on the 820 temporary visa counts toward the 4-year requirement. You must also meet character, knowledge, and English language requirements.
Can the 801 be granted earlier than 2 years? +
In limited cases, yes. The 2-year qualifying period may be waived if, at the time of 820 assessment, you have been in a long-term relationship with your partner for 3 years or more (or 2 years with a dependent child of the relationship). In such cases, the Department may grant both the 820 and 801 simultaneously — known as a "double grant."
ℹ️ Disclaimer: General information only. Not migration or legal advice. All visa details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. For personalised advice about your situation, consult a registered MARA agent.
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General information only. Consult a registered MARA agent for case-specific advice.