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It’s the permanent stage of the onshore partner visa. You move to the 801 after holding the temporary 820, once your relationship continues to be genuine and ongoing. It grants permanent residency.

You must hold the temporary 820, remain in a genuine continuing relationship with your sponsoring partner, and meet health and character requirements.

They’re one combined application. The 820 is the temporary first stage; the 801 is the permanent second stage assessed later.

Usually about two years after you lodged the combined application, though some applicants are assessed sooner. Confirm current timing with Home Affairs.

• 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.

No. You lodged it together with the 820. You provide updated relationship evidence when the department asks at the 801 stage.

Updated proof your relationship is genuine and continuing – shared finances, a shared household, social recognition and mutual commitment since the 820.

Yes. The 801 is a permanent visa and grants permanent residency.

Yes. Eligible dependent children can be included, each meeting health and character requirements.

In limited circumstances – such as family violence or your partner’s death – a pathway to the 801 may remain. This area is sensitive, so get advice early.

Yes. While you hold the 820 awaiting the 801, you generally have full work rights and Medicare access. Confirm current entitlements.

There’s no separate 801 charge – it’s covered by the single combined 820/801 application fee. Confirm the current charge on the official Visa Pricing Table (as at June 2026).

Processing depends on your evidence and departmental workload. Check the current published processing time on the official Home Affairs page (as at June 2026).

The 801 grants permanent residency, the step before citizenship. Time as a permanent resident can count toward citizenship eligibility. Confirm current rules.

The 801 is the onshore permanent partner visa, reached after the 820. The 100 is the offshore equivalent, reached after the 309. Your pathway depends on where you applied.