Subclass 801 Partner Visa: How to Secure Permanent Residency in Australia

You’re one step away from permanent residency in Australia with your partner, but what if your Subclass 801 visa gets denied?

It’s a stressful thought, but it happens more often than you think.

Many applicants get caught off guard by missing documents, weak relationship proof, or misunderstandings about eligibility. 

The good news? If you prepare properly, you can avoid these common mistakes.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the 801 Partner visa, including eligibility criteria, transitioning from 820, application steps, costs, and processing time.

What Is the Subclass 801 Visa?

The Subclass 801 Partner Visa is the final step toward permanent residency in Australia for those who first applied for the onshore Subclass 820 Visa. 

Once approved, it grants full residency rights, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

This visa is specifically for people who are married or in a de-facto relationship (living together but not married) with an:

• Australian citizen

• Australian permanent resident

• Eligible New Zealand citizen

Unlike the temporary 820 visa, which is the first stage, the 801 visa is permanent. This means you’ll no longer have visa-related work restrictions, and you’ll have access to Medicare and Centrelink benefits.

Subclass 801 Visa Benefits:

• No More Visa Renewals – You won’t need to reapply for partner visas. Seriously, you’re done. No more paperwork marathons.

• Freedom to Work & Study – You can finally accept that dream job or take up a new course without worrying about visa conditions.

• Pathway to Citizenship – If you play your cards right, this visa is your stepping stone to becoming an Australian citizen.

• Access to Government Benefits – You get social security payments and full Medicare coverage, meaning more support if you ever need it.

How Can You Transition from an 820 Visa to an 801?

By now, you probably already hold a Subclass 820 Visa—the temporary partner visa that lets you stay in Australia with your partner. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re waiting to level up to the Subclass 801 Visa, which grants permanent residency. 

But how do you get from point A to point B?

Let’s discuss it below.

How Do You Apply for Visa Subclass 801?

When you applied for the Subclass 820 visa, you were applying for both the 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) visas in a combined application. But here’s the key part:

• You only receive the 820 visa first—this acts as a trial period where you live in Australia and prove your relationship is still genuine.

• After about two years, you must submit updated documents to move forward with the 801 visa.

• You don’t have to pay again. Your original 820 visa payment covers both stages.

STEP 1. Check Your Eligibility

You can apply for the 801 visa two years after lodging your 820 visa application (not from the approval date). Immigration will notify you when it’s time.

STEP 2. Gather Your Documents

To prove your relationship is still genuine, you’ll need updated evidence of:

• Financial commitment – Joint bank accounts, shared bills

• Living arrangements – Lease agreements, mortgage documents

• Social proof – Photos together, travel records, messages

• Statutory declarations – Statements from family and friends

• Police checks – If required

STEP 3. Submit Your Application Online

Lodge your Subclass 801 application through ImmiAccount with all updated documents.

STEP 4. Wait for Processing

Processing times vary, but most applications are finalised within 12 months. Immigration may request additional documents during this time.

Want to make sure your 801 application is strong and complete? IDP’s migration experts can guide you through the process and ensure you meet all requirements.  Book a consultation with our visa experts today.

You can’t just date an Aussie, snap a cute selfie, and call it a day. Unfortunately, this isn’t a rom-com movie, and immigration isn’t a fan of the “fake dating” trope.

The government needs real proof that your relationship is the real deal.

To qualify for the Subclass 801 visa, you must:

• Hold a Subclass 820 Visa – You probably already know this, or at least, you should have it by now. The 820 visa is the first stage of the onshore partner visa process. It’s a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia while proving that your relationship is stable and long-term. The 801 visa is the final step that grants you permanent residency, but only if you can show that your relationship is still genuine. 

• Meet Age Requirements – Both you and your sponsor must be 18 or older. 

  • There are age-requirement exceptions for married couples. Couples under 18 years old must have parental permission and a valid marriage under Australian law. 

• Be Sponsored by Your Partner – Your partner, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealander, has to sponsor you for at least two years.

  • If your partner is aged under 18, you must be sponsored by their parent or guardian.

• Meet Character and Health Requirements – No criminal record issues, and you may need updated health checks.

• Still Be in a Genuine, Committed Relationship – You need to prove that you and your partner are still together and actually planning a life together.

Will Your Relationship Qualify for the Subclass 801 Visa?

You and your Australian partner are in love, but will your relationship actually meet the Subclass 801 visa requirements?

There are two ways to qualify: being married or in a de facto relationship (if you live together but are not yet married). 

If You’re Married

If you're legally married to your Australian partner, you must show that:

• Your marriage is legally valid in Australia

• You and your partner are committed to a shared life as a married couple

• Your relationship is genuine and ongoing

• You live together or, if apart, it's not permanent

De Facto Couples: Do You Meet the 12-Month Rule?

If you’re not married, you must be in a de facto relationship, meaning:

• You and your partner are committed to a shared life, exclusively

• Your relationship is genuine and ongoing

• You live together or, if apart, it’s not permanent

• You are not related by family (yes, they check!)

• You’ve been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying

De Facto Exceptions: Do You Qualify Anyway?

If you haven’t hit the 12-month mark, don’t stress just yet. You might still qualify if:

• You have “compelling and compassionate” reasons (e.g., a baby on the way or other serious circumstances).

• Your partner holds or has applied for a humanitarian visa and declared your relationship to Immigration.

• Your relationship is officially registered with an Australian state or territory government.

What If You’ve Broken Up?

Look, it happens. Life is messy. 

If your relationship ends before you get your 801 visa, your visa could be cancelled unless you qualify for an exemption. These include:

• Family violence provisions – If you’ve experienced domestic violence in the relationship, you can still apply for permanent residency.

• Shared parental responsibility – If you and your ex-partner have a child together, you may still be eligible.

• Your partner has passed away – You may still qualify for the 801 visa if you can prove that your relationship was genuine before their passing.

If your situation has changed, get legal advice before making any moves.

If you are still happily together, then it’s time to start gathering your proof—because the next step is showing immigration that your relationship checks all their boxes. 

Up next, we’ll dive into exactly what documents you need to submit to make sure your application is solid.

801 Visa: Application Documents Checklist 

How do you convince immigration that your relationship is the real deal? No, a ‘We met on Tinder, and it was love at first swipe’ story won’t cut it.

The Australian government wants hard evidence that you and your partner aren’t just together for the visa.

Think of this as an audit of your love life—except instead of receipts, you’re handing over joint bank statements, lease agreements, and declarations from friends who swear you’re the real deal.

Key Documents You Need

Immigration will be looking for proof across four main areas:

1. Financial Commitment (aka, do you share money like a real couple?)

• Joint bank account statements

• Shared bills (electricity, rent, internet)

• Proof of financial support (one partner transferring money to the other, shared big purchases)

2. Living Arrangements (aka, do you actually live together?)

• Joint lease agreement or mortgage

• Mail addressed to both of you at the same place

• Utility bills in both names

If you don’t live together (maybe due to work or study), explain why and provide proof that you still function as a couple—think flight tickets, travel plans, and screenshots of your check-ins.

3. Social Recognition (aka, do people actually know you’re together?)

• Photos with family and friends (not just the two of you)

• Social media posts, wedding invitations, event RSVPs

• Joint memberships (gym, Netflix, Costco—whatever works)

• Statutory declarations (Form 888) from family and friends confirming your relationship

4. Future Plans (aka, do you see a future together?)

• Wills or life insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries

• Plans to have children (if applicable)

• Any shared travel plans or long-term financial commitments

Additional Required Forms:

• A new Form 80 (Character Assessment) – Australia still needs to ensure you’re not a security risk.

• Updated evidence of your relationship – Show how your relationship has evolved since your 820 visa, whether through shared finances, living arrangements, or social proof.

What If You Don’t Have All This?

Not every couple manages their relationship in the same way. Maybe you prefer to keep your finances separate. Maybe you don’t post about your relationship online. That’s okay. You just need alternative proof. For example, if you don’t have a joint bank account, you can show a history of financial support. If you don’t have a lease together, provide letters from your landlord or real estate agent.

Need Help Getting the Right Documents?

Providing the right evidence can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure what counts as strong supporting documents. That’s where IDP’s migration experts can help. 

We can guide you on how to gather the right paperwork, prepare necessary statements, and ensure your application is as clear and compelling as possible. 

If you’re missing certain documents, we can also help identify alternative proofs that immigration is more likely to accept.

Final Tip: Be Honest and Consistent

The Department of Home Affairs will cross-check everything. If your statements contradict each other, or your evidence doesn’t line up, that’s a red flag. 

So, make sure your paperwork tells a consistent and truthful story about your relationship.

Once you’ve got all your evidence together, it’s time for the next step: moving from the 820 visa to the 801 visa. Let’s break that down next.

IDP Can Help You Stay on Track

Visa transitions can be confusing, especially when you’re juggling work, study, or family life. 

IDP’s migration experts can help you navigate the 820 to 801 process, ensuring you meet all requirements and submit your documents on time. We can also help you understand your visa conditions and what steps to take if your situation changes. Talk to one of our 801 visa experts today. 

801 Visa Processing Times & Costs: What to Expect

Let’s talk about the two things no one enjoys: waiting and spending money. The 801 visa isn’t instant, and it isn’t free.

• How Long Does It Take?

On average, 75% of applications are processed in about 12 months, while 90% take up to 19 months. 

Frustrated by long wait times? 

Missing key documents or making mistakes can push your application to the back of the line. IDP can help you submit a complete, well-prepared application to avoid delays and keep your visa on track. Talk to one of our migration experts today.

• How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s some good news: You don’t have to pay again if you’ve already paid for your 820 visa. The fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages. 

But if you forget to submit your 801 application when eligible, you could end up starting over and repaying the entire visa fee (which is over AUD 8,000). 

If you haven’t applied for a combined 820/801 visas yet, here are their current application fees:

• Main applicant: $9,095

• Additional applicant under 18: $2,280

• Additional applicant over 18: $4,550

If you're including a child or dependent in your application, they’ll be considered an additional applicant, which means extra fees.

Note: Fees can change, so always check the latest costs before applying. A payment surcharge may also apply, depending on your payment method.

Make sure you don’t miss key deadlines or end up overpaying. Get expert guidance on application fees and avoid costly mistakes. Talk to one of our IDP migration experts today. 

• How to Avoid Delays?

Want to speed things up? Submit all required documents upfront, update your details if anything changes, and respond quickly if immigration asks for more information. 

And most importantly, make sure your relationship proof is rock solid. A weak application will just land you in the “further assessment” pile, dragging out the wait.

What Comes After the 801 Visa?

Congratulations! Once your Subclass 801 visa is granted, you’re officially a permanent resident of Australia. 

Here’s what that means for you:

• Your Rights & Benefits

With an 801 visa, you have the freedom to live, work, and study in Australia permanently. You can:

• Work in any job without employer sponsorship

• Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system

• Enroll in higher education without international student fees

• Your Pathway to Australian Citizenship

If citizenship is your ultimate goal, the 801 visa is your stepping stone. 

After living in Australia for four years (with at least one year as a permanent resident), you can apply for Australian citizenship. You’ll need to meet residency requirements, pass the citizenship test, and prove you’ve integrated into Australian society.

• Can You Travel on an 801 Visa?

Yes. Unlike temporary visas, the 801 visa lets you leave and re-enter Australia freely. 

But keep in mind that your travel facility expires after five years. If you plan to travel long-term after that, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain your permanent residency.

Seal the Deal: Get Your 801 Visa Approved 

You have done the hard part. You built a life together, gathered endless paperwork, and proved your love for immigration. 

Now it is time to make sure your 801 visa application is airtight. 

A strong application speeds things up. IDP can help you navigate the process, avoid common mistakes, and get closer to that final approval. 

Once that is sorted, we are here for what comes next. Whether it is career moves, further studies, or even citizenship, we will make sure your future in Australia is as smooth as your visa approval. Ready to make it official? Consult one of our migration experts for free.