Partner Visa Subclass 801 in Australia
The Subclass 801 visa grants Australian permanent residency to eligible partners of citizens or PR holders. Learn the eligibility rules, application timeline, stage 2 evidence requirements, and path to citizenship.
Book your FREE Consultation with our Certified Counsellors
The Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is the permanent stage of the onshore partner visa pathway. It grants permanent residency (PR) to spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Securing permanent status through Subclass 801 provides long-term stability for couples settling down in Australia.
Because this application operates as a two-stage process, understanding the legal framework, transition timelines, 2026 processing realities, and relationship documentation standards set by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is crucial for a successful grant.
Book your FREE Consultation with our Certified Counsellors
Benefits & Limits of the Subclass 801 Visa
Once the Subclass 801 visa is granted, you become an Australian Permanent Resident with the following rights and considerations:
| Benefit Category | Entitlements & Important Limitations |
|---|---|
| Residency & Travel | Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Includes a 5-year travel facility from the grant date. To re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after 5 years, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157). |
| Healthcare & Benefits | Full access to Medicare (note: most applicants already hold Medicare on the Subclass 820). Access to Social Security payments is subject to the standard Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period (NARWP), which requires 4 years of permanent residency for most benefits. |
| Language Classes | Eligible for free English language tuition through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). |
| Sponsoring Relatives | Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency. Limitation: If you obtained PR through a Partner Visa, you generally cannot sponsor a new partner for 5 years from your initial application date, subject to strict lifetime sponsorship caps. |
| Citizenship Pathway | Direct pathway to apply for Australian Citizenship by Conferral once general residence criteria are met. |
How the Application Process Works for Subclass 801
The onshore partner visa process is structured as a two-stage combined application:
- Stage 1 (Temporary Subclass 820): You lodge both Subclass 820 and 801 together using ImmiAccount and pay the single visa application fee. If approved, you receive the temporary Subclass 820 visa.
- Stage 2 (Permanent Subclass 801): Two years after your initial combined lodgement date, the Department of Home Affairs reassesses your file for permanent residency. You submit updated evidence showing that your relationship remains genuine and continuing.
Fast-Track Option: Long-Term Relationship Exception
If you and your partner have been in a long-term relationship when you first apply, the Department may grant the permanent Subclass 801 visa immediately after approving the temporary Subclass 820, bypassing the 2-year waiting period. A relationship qualifies as 'long-term' if you have been together for:
- 3 years or more in a married or de facto relationship, OR
- 2 years or more if you and your partner have a dependent child together.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 801 Partner Visa
To be granted the permanent Subclass 801 visa during Stage 2:
- Visa Status: You must currently hold a Subclass 820 Temporary Partner Visa. (Note: Dependent children on a Subclass 445 visa transition under their parents' assessment; main applicants do not hold a Subclass 445 or 802 before 801 assessment).
- Sponsor Criteria: Your sponsor must continue to be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Relationship Status: You must be the married spouse or de facto partner of your sponsor.
- Relationship Continuity: Your relationship must remain genuine, continuing, and exclusive, living together or not living permanently apart.
- Health & Character: You and any included dependents must continue to satisfy Australian health and police character checks.
- Notification of Changes: You are legally required to notify the Department of any changes in circumstances, such as a change of address or relationship breakdown, using Form 1022.
Relationship Breakdown Exceptions
If your relationship ends before Stage 2 is decided, the 801 Visa may still be granted under specific legal exceptions:
- You or your dependents experienced domestic or family violence committed by the sponsor.
- You share a dependent child with the sponsor, where joint parental/custody obligations exist.
- The sponsor passes away, provided you can prove the relationship would have continued and you have developed close ties to Australia.
Subclass 801 Visa Fees
You must pay the application fee for the combined Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) upfront at Stage 1. No additional Department fee applies when your Stage 2 Subclass 801 assessment is processed.
- Primary Applicant Fee: AU $11,710 (Effective 1 July 2026; subject to standard annual indexation and credit card surcharges).
- Additional Dependent Applicants: Additional charges apply for dependent children included in the application based on age (under or over 18).
Subclass 801 Visa Processing & Timelines
In early 2026, the DHA issued updated processing guidance emphasising decision-ready applications:
- Primary Communication: ImmiAccount is now the sole official channel for all correspondence and requests for information (RFIs).
- Processing Speed: Applications that upload all mandatory four-pillar evidence upfront are processed significantly faster.
- Processing Times:
- 50% of 801 applications: Decided within 3 months from the eligibility date.
- 90% of 801 applications: Decided within 11–26 months from the eligibility date, depending on evidence completeness and background checks.
Evidence Required for Stage 2 (Subclass 801)
When your 2-year eligibility date arrives, you must upload updated evidence via ImmiAccount across the Four Pillars defined by Home Affairs:
- Financial Aspects: Updated joint bank account statements covering the last 12–24 months, shared lease/mortgage agreements, joint utility bills, and shared financial liabilities.
- Nature of the Household: Proof of joint domestic responsibility, shared household duties, joint correspondence addressed to the same residence, or joint care of children.
- Social Aspects: Joint travel records, photos from social occasions, joint invitations, and at least two updated Form 888 statutory declarations completed by Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Nature of Commitment: Updated statutory declarations from both partners reaffirming ongoing commitment, combined superannuation beneficiaries, or updated joint wills.
Adding Dependent Children
Dependent children can be included in your migration journey to live in Australia permanently. Their pathway depends on when they are added to your application process:
- Initial Application: Dependent children can be included in the initial combined 820/801 application at Stage 1.
- Adding Children After Stage 1: If a child needs to be added after your Subclass 820 temporary visa is granted, they must first apply for a Subclass 445 (Dependent Child Visa). Once granted, they are added to the parent's pending Subclass 801 assessment
How to Submit Stage 2 Documents?
Do not submit Stage 2 documents before reaching your eligibility date; Home Affairs requires applications to be submitted once the 2-year threshold is met.
- Confirm Eligibility Date: Calculate the date exactly 2 years from your initial Stage 1 (820/801) application lodgement date (check your initial grant/acknowledgement letter in ImmiAccount).
- Log in to ImmiAccount: Log in to your primary ImmiAccount dashboard.
- Start Stage 2 Assessment: Click New Application > Family > Stage 2 – Permanent Partner Visa Assessment.
- Attach Updated Four-Pillar Evidence: Upload updated identity documents, recent sponsor declarations, police clearances (if required), and relationship evidence covering the preceding 12–24 months.
PR Pathway for Partner Visa 801 & Australian Citizenship
Holding the Subclass 801 visa grants you Australian Permanent Residency, opening the pathway toward Australian Citizenship by Conferral. Here are the citizenship eligibility criteria:
- General Residence Requirement: You must have lived in Australia on a valid Australian visa for the past 4 years immediately before applying.
- Permanent Resident Status: You must have held Permanent Residency, such as Subclass 801, for at least 12 months immediately before applying.
- Absence Limits:
- Max 12 months (365 days) outside Australia across the entire 4-year period.
- Max 90 days outside Australia in the 12 months immediately preceding application.
- Citizenship Test: Applicants aged 18–59 must pass the Australian Citizenship Test (scoring 75% or higher).
- Application Fee: AU $595 for adult applications (effective 1 July 2026).
Securing your Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) represents the final milestone in establishing your long-term future in Australia and sets the foundation for Australian citizenship. By providing complete, decision-ready evidence across all four pillars at your two-year eligibility mark, you ensure an efficient transition to permanent resident status.
Navigating complex immigration rules can be challenging, but structured preparation significantly improves your outcomes. Register with AECC to get personalised assistance with your Partner Visa Subclass 801 application and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free process.
Australia Partner Visa Subclass 801 FAQs
No. The initial fee of AU $11,710 paid at Stage 1 covers both the temporary Subclass 820 and permanent Subclass 801 stages.
You are eligible to submit your Stage 2 assessment documents on or after the exact 2-year eligibility date, counted from your initial Stage 1 lodgement date. Home Affairs policy advises applicants not to attach Stage 2 documents before reaching this 2-year mark.
Yes, if you qualify under the Long-Term Relationship criteria (in a relationship for 3+ years, or 2+ years with a shared dependent child at the time of the initial application), Home Affairs may grant your 801 permanent visa immediately alongside the temporary 820.
Yes, under specific statutory exceptions: if you experienced family or domestic violence, if you share custody of a dependent child, or if your sponsor passed away and you have established close ties to Australia.
The Subclass 801 visa grants a 5-year travel facility from the date of grant. You may stay in Australia indefinitely as a PR, but to re-enter Australia after international travel past the 5-year mark, you must obtain a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157).
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Femi Ferreras
Australia and New Zealand Study and Career Pathways Expert | 8 Years in International Education
Femi Ferreras is a Senior Education Counsellor at AECC Melbourne with 8 years of experience in international education across Australia and New Zealand. Originally from the Philippines, she began her career in Australia as a receptionist at AECC Melbourne. She then progressed into senior counselling, completing her Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC) certification along the way.
Femi is a primary point of contact for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She takes a client-first approach, tailoring her advice to each student's needs and keeping her guidance clear, especially when students are uncertain or under stress. When cases are urgent or complex, she assesses them carefully, consults the right channels and works towards a smooth resolution.
Her expertise covers student visas, PhD and research pathways, the higher education and vocational sectors, and school-age applications. She consistently meets her placement targets, and her tailored, culturally responsive support has helped increase student engagement and referrals. She has completed familiarisation visits to Bond University, Flinders University, Study Adelaide and the University of Newcastle.
Femi is deeply motivated to support onshore international students in achieving their career goals and realising their Australian dream.
Reviewed by Samip Pokharel
Australia Course and Institution Selection Expert | 13 Years in International Education
Samip Pokharel is a QEAC-certified Education Counsellor at AECC Melbourne with 13 years of experience in international education, working in the field since 2013. He holds an MBA and has worked with students from diverse academic backgrounds across every study level.
Samip's approach is built on honest guidance, open communication and a genuine understanding of each student's goals, strengths and academic profile. He has worked on a wide range of applications, including profiles that needed careful positioning, realistic university selection and a well-planned strategy. He particularly enjoys helping students who feel unsure of their options. He helps them identify their strengths and present their profile authentically, while keeping expectations realistic.
Through university and college visits and several familiarisation tours, Samip has gained first-hand knowledge of institutions, campuses, programs and student life. That lets him give students practical insights beyond what brochures and websites can offer.
After 13 years in the field, his commitment remains the same: transparent, personalised and responsible guidance that helps students make decisions they can feel confident about.
