Australia Partner Visa Subclass 801 (Permanent, Onshore): What to Expect

The Partner visa subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the onshore partner visa. If you applied from inside Australia, you lodged one application for two visas, the temporary subclass 820 and the permanent subclass 801. The Department of Home Affairs decides the 820 first. Then, usually about two years after you lodged the application, it assesses whether you can be granted the 801. This second assessment is important because it leads to permanent residence. This guide explains how the 801 works, when it is assessed, what the Department checks, how to keep your evidence ready and what to do if your situation changes. It is general information and not legal advice, so check the official website for current rules.

What the subclass 801 visa gives you

If the Department grants the 801, you become a permanent resident of Australia. In general you may live in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access Medicare and other services that permanent residents can use, and travel in and out of the country for the period that the visa’s travel facility allows. After you have been a permanent resident for the required time and meet the other requirements, you may apply for Australian citizenship. You may also be able to sponsor eligible relatives for visas in future, subject to the rules that apply at that time.

Permanent residence is a major step, and it is more stable than the temporary visa that came before it. Even so, a permanent visa can in some circumstances be cancelled, for example on character grounds, so you should still follow the rules and keep your records.

How the two stages connect

The whole partner process is a single application. Think of it like this.

• Lodgement. You and your sponsor provide forms and evidence for the combined application and pay one charge.
• First decision. The Department grants the temporary visa, for onshore applicants the subclass 820, if the relationship and other requirements are met.
• Waiting period. You live in Australia on the temporary visa, and your relationship continues.
• Second decision. About two years after you lodged, the Department assesses the permanent visa. You provide updated information, and the Department decides whether you meet the criteria.

Our overview of the partner visa family explains how this compares with the offshore route, which uses the subclass 309 and the subclass 100.

When is the 801 assessed?

The Department normally begins the second stage assessment after the two-year point, which is counted from the date you lodged the combined application. You will receive a request for information through your online account or by email, so check your messages regularly. In some cases, the permanent visa can be considered earlier. For example, if the relationship is long-term at the time you lodged, or if you have a child together, an earlier decision may be possible. The rules for these circumstances are in the legislation, so read the Department’s guidance for your case.

What the Department checks at the second stage

At the permanent stage the Department generally checks the following.

• The relationship is still genuine and continuing. You and your sponsor are still in a committed relationship, or an exception applies.
• The sponsor is still eligible. The sponsor is still an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and is willing to continue to sponsor you.
• Health and character. You still meet the requirements. You may be asked to update police certificates or health information.
• Any other criteria in the legislation. There may be specific rules depending on your circumstances.

If the Department is satisfied, it grants the 801. If not, it may ask for more information or refuse, and you may have review rights.

Evidence to prepare for the second stage

You will usually be asked to provide updated evidence of the relationship and of your shared life since the first decision. The most useful evidence tends to include the following.

• Recent joint bills, bank statements or leases, showing that you live at the same address and share costs.
• Photos and records of travel, events and gatherings over the past two years.
• Messages, cards or letters, particularly during periods apart.
• Statements from friends and relatives who know you as a couple.
• Evidence of long-term plans, such as joint insurance, a shared mortgage, wills or plans for children.
• Updated police certificates and health documents if the Department requests them.

A good habit is to save the documents each month in a shared folder. When the Department contacts you, you can compile the evidence quickly.

Step by step

1. Know your timeline. Note the date you lodged and expect the second stage about two years later.
2. Keep collecting evidence. Save joint documents and photos as you go.
3. Keep your details up to date. Tell the Department when you move or when your contact details change.
4. Watch for the request. Check your online account and email.
5. Respond on time. Provide the updated evidence and forms requested.
6. Complete any checks. Update health and character documents if needed.
7. Receive the decision. If granted, read the grant notice and keep it safe.
8. Plan for the future. Think about travel, work, citizenship and any family sponsorship.

What if the relationship ends before the 801?

If the relationship ends before the Department decides the permanent visa, the outcome depends on the situation and the circumstances. There are provisions that protect people who experience family violence, and some other situations may also allow the application to continue, for example if you have a child with your former partner and meet certain conditions. These are complex rules and you should get advice as soon as possible. Tell the Department as required and keep evidence of what has happened. If you are in an unsafe situation, contact support services, because your safety is more important than your visa.

Travel and the 801

Check your visa conditions before you travel. The temporary visa you hold before the 801 may allow multiple travel, but conditions differ. If you travel for long periods, keep records, because the Department may ask about your time together. After the 801 is granted, check the travel facility and your residence requirements for citizenship. Long absences from Australia can affect your citizenship eligibility, so plan carefully.

Costs

The main cost of the partner visa is paid at lodgement for both stages, so there is normally no second visa charge for the 801 itself. You may still pay for updated police certificates, medicals, translations and an agent if you use one. Check the Department’s website for the current position because fees and rules change.

Mistakes to avoid at the second stage

• Ignoring a request for information in your online account.
• Not updating your address or contact details.
• Submitting little or no new evidence because you believe the first stage was enough.
• Giving statements that conflict with earlier statements without explanation.
• Not telling the Department about a change of relationship status.
• Assuming that a long wait means the Department has forgotten you.

How GIEC Global UK can help

We can explain how the second stage works and talk through the evidence you may want to collect. We cannot guarantee a decision, because the Department of Home Affairs makes it. To arrange a free consultation, contact GIEC Global UK, or return to the Australia migration hub to compare other visas. If you are thinking about citizenship, see our page on Australian permanent residency.

Building a two-year evidence habit

The strongest preparation for the 801 is a simple habit that starts the day your application is lodged. Pick one day each month, for example the first Sunday, and spend fifteen minutes on your evidence folder. Add the previous month’s joint bills, a few dated photos, screenshots of important messages, travel tickets and anything else that shows your life together. Keep one folder for each six months so that you can find things quickly.

What to save every month

• A statement for any joint account, or the statements from each of your accounts if you keep them separate and share costs.
• A utility bill, council notice or other letter addressed to both of you at the same address.
• A small number of photos from events, trips and daily life, with dates.
• Receipts or bookings for shared holidays or weekends away.
• Records of medical visits, school events or social gatherings where you appear as a couple.

What to save once or twice a year

• Insurance policies, tax records and any documents where you are named as partners.
• Evidence of larger commitments, such as a lease renewal, a vehicle registration or a purchase made together.
• Updated statements from friends and relatives who have seen you together over time.
• Anything that shows plans for the future, such as bookings, savings goals or school enrolments.

This habit gives you a rich file with minimal stress. When the Department asks for updated evidence, you will not have to search through years of messages and emails.

Reading the Department’s request carefully

When the Department contacts you for the second stage, read the request slowly. It will usually say what it needs, how to provide it and by when. Take note of the deadline and set a reminder a few days earlier. If you cannot meet the deadline because a document is delayed, ask for more time before the deadline passes, and explain why. Use the upload method that the request describes. If you are unsure what a question means, ask a registered professional or contact the Department through the official channels.

Provide documents in a clear, organised way. Rather than uploading fifty unnamed images, choose a smaller set and describe them. If you submit a long statement, structure it by topic: finances, household, social life and commitment. Keep your tone factual. The aim is to help the case officer see that the relationship is continuing.

Special situations at the second stage

You have had a child together

A child born to both of you after lodging can strengthen the case that the relationship is continuing, and may allow the permanent visa to be decided earlier. Provide the birth certificate and evidence that you both take part in the child’s life. If the child was born in Australia, check the rules for the child’s own status and the process for adding them to the application.

You have lived apart for a period

Separation for work, study or family reasons is not unusual. Explain why you lived apart, how often you saw each other and how you stayed in touch. Provide evidence such as travel tickets, call records and messages. If you separated as a couple and then reconciled, be honest about the dates and the reasons. A short break does not necessarily end the relationship, but you must explain it.

Your sponsor has had a change in circumstances

A sponsor may change jobs, move or lose a job. This normally does not affect the application unless it changes the sponsor’s eligibility. If the sponsor’s citizenship or residence status changes, or if the sponsor has difficulty meeting an obligation, seek advice. Keep the Department informed of changes in contact details.

You are in a long-distance arrangement

If one of you must work in another country for a period, keep evidence of how you maintain the relationship, such as regular calls, visits, shared plans and financial support. The Department looks at the overall pattern.

Common questions about the permanent decision

Does the Department always ask for new evidence?

It depends. Some applicants are asked for updated evidence and others are decided on information already provided, but you should always be ready. Do not assume that no request will come.

Can the decision be delayed?

Yes. Processing times at the second stage can vary, and delays can occur for reasons such as workload, checks or requests for information. Check the Department’s guidance and keep your contact details current.

Can I stay in Australia while the decision is pending?

If you hold the temporary subclass 820 visa, you remain lawfully in Australia under that visa until the Department decides the 801. Always check the conditions on your visa, including any travel conditions.

After the permanent visa is granted

The grant of the 801 is a milestone, but it is not the end of your responsibilities. Read the grant notice and save it in several places. Note the travel facility, because it tells you how long you can leave and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. If you plan to travel, check that your passport has enough validity and that you meet the entry rules of other countries.

Using your new status

As a permanent resident you can generally work for any employer, start a business, study and access many government services, subject to the rules for each service. Some benefits have waiting periods for new permanent residents, so check before you rely on them. Keep your visa details in a safe place, because employers, banks and government agencies may ask to confirm your status through the official online systems.

Thinking about citizenship

Citizenship is a separate step with its own requirements, including time spent lawfully in Australia, time as a permanent resident, good character, knowledge of Australia and the intention to live in Australia. Look at the official citizenship website to check the current rules and your eligibility date. Keep a record of your travel dates so that you can prove how long you have been in Australia. Our page on Australian permanent residency has more general information about what permanent residence involves.

Sponsoring family members

Permanent residents and citizens can sometimes sponsor relatives. For parents, see our guides to the parent visa and contributory parent visas. For other family, look at the remaining relative visa and the carer visa. These visas have their own criteria, costs and queues, so plan early and read the official guidance.

Protecting your relationship and your visa

A visa application can put pressure on a relationship. Try to separate the practical task of preparing evidence from the emotional life of the couple. Keep communication open, and share the workload fairly, so that one partner does not feel that they carry the whole process. If you feel stress, ask for support from friends, family or a counsellor. Remember that the evidence the Department wants is a reflection of the life you already share, not a performance for the visa.

If your relationship is under strain, speak honestly with your partner about what you both want. If you decide to separate, think about the visa consequences and get advice before taking action. If you ever feel unsafe, contact emergency services or a support organisation. No visa is worth your safety.

A realistic timeline for planning

Many couples find it useful to plan around the two-year mark. In the first six months after lodging, focus on settling in, understanding your bridging visa or temporary visa conditions and starting your evidence habit. In the second six months, check that all your documents are up to date and respond to any requests. In the second year, begin thinking about what you will submit for the 801 and consider whether you need updated police certificates or health checks. In the months before and after the two-year point, watch your messages closely.

Keep in mind that timelines can change and that the Department’s processing varies. Use the guidance on the official website to check the current position. If you have questions about your own timeline, it is sensible to talk to a registered professional who can look at your documents.

Final thoughts

The subclass 801 is the stage that turns a temporary visa into permanent residence, so it deserves careful attention. The couples who feel most prepared are those who kept their evidence together over time, who kept their contact details updated and who understood their conditions. If you would like to talk through your own situation, you can contact GIEC Global UK for a free consultation, and always confirm the current rules on the official Home Affairs website before you act.

Understanding refusals and review rights

Most applicants who prepare carefully and tell the truth are not refused, but it helps to know what happens if a decision goes the wrong way. A refusal notice will explain the reasons, and it will say whether you can apply for a review of the decision and how long you have. The time limits are strict, often measured in days, so do not delay. Review rights depend on your situation, including where you were when the decision was made and the kind of visa involved.

If you receive a refusal, read the reasons carefully. Sometimes the problem is missing evidence, sometimes it is a doubt about the relationship and sometimes it is a health or character issue. Gather your documents and speak to a registered professional or a legal practitioner quickly. They can tell you whether a review is possible, what evidence might help and whether another application is an option. Do not ignore the notice or assume that nothing can be done.

What the Department may consider about your sponsor

Besides the relationship itself, the Department may consider whether the sponsor remains eligible and whether there are any concerns about the sponsor’s own history. For example, there are rules about sponsors who have been convicted of certain offences, and rules that limit how often a person can sponsor a partner. If your sponsor has been in a previous sponsored relationship, check the rules that apply. The sponsor should be ready to provide documents and information when asked, and should treat the process as seriously as the applicant.

Keeping your documents safe

Because your case lasts for years, keep your documents organised and backed up. Use a folder with clear names, and keep both paper and digital copies. Store your passport, your visa grant notices, your marriage certificate and your key evidence in a safe place. If you change devices or email accounts, make sure the Department’s messages still reach you. Many people miss deadlines because the Department’s email went to an old address or a spam folder.

A final reminder on honesty

Everything you provide is a formal statement. If you realise that you made an error in a form or a statement, correct it as soon as possible and seek advice. The Department treats honest corrections much more kindly than discoveries of false information. A long, careful and honest record of your life as a couple is the best foundation for the second stage of the partner visa.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Australia partner visa subclass 801?

It is the permanent stage of the onshore partner visa. You apply for it together with the temporary subclass 820 in one combined application, and the Department decides it later.

When is the subclass 801 decided?

The Department usually assesses it about two years after you lodged the combined application. In some cases, for example a long-term relationship or a child together, it can be decided earlier.

Do I need to lodge a separate application for the 801?

No. The 801 is part of the same application as the 820. You do not lodge a second application or pay a second visa charge, but you may need to provide updated documents.

What does the Department check for the 801?

It checks that the relationship is still genuine and continuing, that the sponsor is still eligible and that you still meet health and character requirements.

What evidence should I provide for the 801?

Provide updated joint documents, photos, travel records, statements from friends and family, and any evidence of long-term plans, such as insurance, a mortgage or wills.

Will I be interviewed for the 801?

Some people are, but many are not. The Department may ask for more information or an interview if it needs to clarify the relationship.

What happens if my relationship ends before the 801 is decided?

The outcome depends on your circumstances. Some situations, such as family violence or having a child with the sponsor, may allow the application to continue. Get advice quickly.

Can I travel before the 801 is granted?

It depends on the conditions of the visa you hold. Check them before you travel and keep your travel records.

Can I work while waiting for the 801?

If you hold the temporary 820, you can normally work, but check your conditions. The grant letter sets out the details.

Is there a second visa charge for the 801?

No separate visa charge is normally paid for the 801, because it is part of the combined application. You may have costs such as updated medicals and police certificates.

Can I get Medicare while waiting for the 801?

Entitlement depends on your circumstances and visa status. Check the Services Australia website for the current rules.

Does the 801 lead to citizenship?

Permanent residence is one of the requirements for citizenship. You also need to meet the residence, character and other criteria, and apply separately.

What if I change address while waiting?

Update your address with the Department through your online account and keep documents that show your new address.

Can the 801 be refused?

Yes. If the Department is not satisfied that you meet the requirements, it can refuse the application. You may have review rights, and time limits are strict.

Do I need new police certificates for the 801?

You may be asked to provide updated police certificates and health information. Follow the Department's request carefully.

What if my sponsor withdraws?

A sponsor can withdraw sponsorship in some situations, which may affect the application. Both partners should understand the effect before taking action, and seek advice.

How can I show we are still together?

Provide recent joint bills, bank statements, photos, travel records, messages, statements from friends and relatives and evidence of shared plans.

Can I include a new baby in the application?

A child born after lodging may be added, and the process depends on where the child was born. Check the Department's guidance and tell it about the birth.

Is the subclass 801 visa permanent?

Yes. When granted, it is a permanent visa that lets you live in Australia indefinitely, subject to the visa conditions and the law.

How can GIEC Global UK help with the 801 stage?

We can explain the process, discuss the evidence you may want to update and guide you through the stages. We cannot guarantee a decision.