Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801): Onshore Path to Australian PR
The Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) allows eligible applicants to remain in Australia permanently with their Australian partner. It is the second and final stage of the onshore Partner Visa process, following the temporary Subclass 820 visa, and provides access to full permanent residency benefits under Australian migration law.
Visa Class
801
Length of Stay
Permanent
Cost
No Fee
What Is the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)?
The Subclass 801 visa is the permanent stage of Australia’s onshore Partner Visa program. It is designed for applicants who are in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
This visa is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs after you have already applied for and been granted the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820). If approved, the 801 visa grants you permanent residency in Australia.
Relationship Requirement for Subclass 801
To qualify for the Subclass 801 visa, your relationship must continue to meet Australia’s partner visa criteria at the time of assessment.
You must demonstrate that your relationship is:
Genuine and ongoing
Exclusive and committed
Not entered into for migration purposes only
Evidence is assessed across four key areas used by the Department of Home Affairs:
Financial aspects of the relationship
Nature of the household
Social aspects of the relationship
Commitment to each other
Accurate and updated documentation is critical at this stage, as the permanent visa decision relies heavily on continued relationship evidence.
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 801 Visa
To be eligible for the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), you must meet all of the following conditions:
You must hold or have held a valid Subclass 820 visa
You must be inside Australia when the 801 visa is assessed
Your relationship must still be genuine and ongoing
You must continue to meet health and character requirements
Any changes in circumstances must be declared to the Department of Home Affairs
In most cases, the permanent stage is assessed approximately two years after the combined 820/801 application was lodged.
Subclass 801 Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The Subclass 801 visa does not require a new visa application. It is assessed as part of the original combined partner visa application.
The process generally includes:
Notification from the Department of Home Affairs when you are eligible for assessment
Submission of updated relationship evidence
Health and character reassessment (if requested)
Review by immigration case officers
Grant of permanent residency if all criteria are met
Applicants must respond accurately and on time to any requests to avoid unnecessary delays.
Documents Required for Subclass 801 Assessment
When invited to proceed with the permanent stage, you may be asked to provide updated documents, including:
Evidence of ongoing shared finances
Proof of shared living arrangements
Statements about your relationship history
Updated identity documents (if applicable)
Police clearances or health checks (if required)
Providing clear, consistent, and well-organised documents significantly improves assessment outcomes.
Benefits of the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
Once granted, the Subclass 801 visa provides full permanent residency benefits, including:
Permanent right to live in Australia
Unrestricted work and study rights
Access to Medicare and public healthcare
Ability to sponsor eligible family members
Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship (subject to requirements)
This visa offers long-term stability and security for couples building their future in Australia.
Processing Time for Subclass 801 Visa
Processing times for the Subclass 801 visa vary depending on:
Quality and completeness of documents
Relationship history and complexity
Individual case assessment by Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs publishes general processing time estimates, but individual outcomes may differ. Accurate documentation and compliance help avoid delays.
Common Reasons Subclass 801 Visas Are Delayed or Refused
Although many applications are successful, delays or refusals can occur due to:
Insufficient relationship evidence
Inconsistent or conflicting information
Failure to declare changes in circumstances
Health or character concerns
Sponsorship limitations
Professional guidance can help reduce risks and ensure compliance with Australian migration law.
Check Eligibility
If you answered “yes” to these questions, you may be eligible for permanent residency under the Subclass 801 visa.
Why Choose Bay Migration for Your Subclass 801 Visa?
Bay Migration is a MARA-registered Australian migration consultancy with experience handling onshore partner visa applications. We provide strategic guidance, document review, and compliance-focused advice aligned with Department of Home Affairs requirements.
“Our goal is to help you progress confidently from temporary residence to permanent residency in Australia”
FAQ
How is the Subclass 801 visa different from the Subclass 820 visa?
The Subclass 820 visa is a temporary partner visa, while the Subclass 801 visa is the permanent stage. Once granted, the Subclass 801 gives you permanent residency rights in Australia.
Do I need to submit a new application for the 801 visa?
No. When you apply for the temporary Subclass 820 visa, your application is automatically considered for the permanent Subclass 801 visa as well.
How long does it take to process the 801 visa?
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances. On average, it takes about 2 years from the date you lodged your Subclass 820 application before the permanent 801 visa can be assessed.
Can I travel outside Australia while waiting for my 801 visa?
Yes. As a Subclass 820 visa holder, you are granted multiple travel rights, so you can leave and return to Australia freely while your Subclass 801 visa is being processed.
Does holding the 801 visa make me eligible for Australian citizenship?
Yes, once you hold the Subclass 801 visa and meet the residency and other citizenship requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
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