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The Subclass 801 Partner Visa is the permanent residency stage for onshore partner visa applicants. It is granted after the temporary Subclass 820 visa, allowing you to live permanently in Australia with full PR rights.

You must already hold a Subclass 820 Partner Visa, remain in a genuine, continuing relationship with your sponsoring partner, and provide updated evidence of your ongoing relationship. Home Affairs will invite you to submit documents for the 801 stage when eligible.

Most applicants become eligible for assessment two years after the original partner visa lodgement date. Processing times vary but generally take 6–12 months, depending on documentation and caseload.

You must provide updated relationship evidence, similar to the 820 stage, showing you are still living together and sharing a combined life. This includes:

• Financial evidence
• Household evidence
• Social recognition of the relationship
• Ongoing commitment and future plans

Home Affairs may request additional documents if needed.

No. Unlike the 820 visa, you can be inside or outside Australia when the 801 visa is decided. However, your 820 visa must be valid at all times.

Can I get the 801 visa sooner if I am in a long-term relationship?

Yes. You may be granted the 801 visa without waiting two years if:

• You have been in a long-term relationship (usually 3+ years, or 2+ years with a child), or
• There are compelling circumstances.

Evidence must strongly support this.

As a permanent resident, you receive:

• Full work and study rights
• Access to Medicare
• Ability to sponsor eligible relatives
• A 5-year travel facility
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship once you meet residency requirements

You must notify Home Affairs. You may still continue with your 801 application if:

• You experienced family violence
• Your partner died
• You share parental responsibility for a child

Otherwise, the visa may be cancelled or refused.

Yes. Dependent children can be added if they were included in your 820 stage or added later, provided they meet health and character requirements.

Do I need a new application or fee for the 801 visa?

No. The 820 and 801 are a combined application. You only pay once at the 820 stage. The 801 is automatically assessed when you become eligible, provided you respond to document requests.