If you’re already holding a temporary partner visa and looking forward to building your future in Australia with your loved one, the Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is the next major milestone. This visa allows eligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia.
Obtaining permanent residency can feel overwhelming, but understanding the requirements and process can make your journey much easier.
Key Takeaways
- The Subclass 801 Visa allows eligible partners to live, work, and study permanently in Australia.
- Applicants generally progress to the Subclass 801 Visa after holding a temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820).
- You must continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner.
- Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and application complexity.
- Permanent residency may eventually lead to eligibility for Australian citizenship.
What Is the Subclass 801 Partner Visa?
The Subclass 801 Partner Visa is the permanent stage of Australia’s partner visa pathway. It allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to:
- Live permanently in Australia;
- Work without restrictions;
- Study in Australia;
- Access Medicare;
- Sponsor eligible relatives for certain visas;
- Travel freely to and from Australia for five years from the date of grant; and
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligibility requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Subclass 801 Visa, you generally must meet the following requirements.
Hold a Temporary Partner Visa
Most applicants must currently hold a Subclass 820 Partner Visa.
Continue in a Genuine Relationship
You must demonstrate that your relationship is:
- Genuine and ongoing;
- Exclusive and committed; and
- Continuing at the time of assessment.
Your relationship may be:
- A marriage;
- A de facto relationship; or
- A same-sex relationship.
Meet Health Requirements
Applicants may need to undergo health examinations to ensure they meet Australia’s health requirements.
Meet Character Requirements
You may be required to provide police clearances from countries where you have lived for a significant period.
Evidence Required
The Department of Home Affairs assesses several aspects of your relationship.
Financial Aspects
Examples may include:
- Joint bank accounts;
- Shared bills and expenses;
- Joint loans or assets; and
- Evidence of financial support.
Nature of the Household
Examples may include:
- Shared residential arrangements;
- Household responsibilities;
- Joint lease agreements; and
- Utility bills.
Social Aspects
Examples may include:
- Photos together;
- Invitations addressed jointly;
- Travel history; and
- Statements from family and friends.
Commitment to Each Other
Examples may include:
- Future plans together;
- Communication records;
- Evidence of long-term commitment; and
- Information showing knowledge of each other’s lives.
Cost of the Subclass 801 Visa
There is no separate government application charge for the Subclass 801 Visa.
The permanent visa charge is included in the fee paid when lodging the combined Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 application.
Applicants should still budget for possible additional expenses, including:
- Police certificates;
- Health examinations, if requested;
- Document translations; and
- Professional migration advice.
For current government fees, refer to the Department of Home Affairs visa fees and charges information.
Application Process
Step 1: Lodge the Combined Partner Visa Application
The Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 visas are generally lodged together as a combined partner visa application.
Step 2: Hold the Temporary Partner Visa
Applicants are generally granted the temporary Subclass 820 Visa before the Department assesses the permanent Subclass 801 stage.
The permanent stage is usually assessed approximately two years after the original combined partner visa application was lodged.
Step 3: Provide Updated Information
When requested, you must submit updated evidence showing that your relationship remains genuine and ongoing.
This may include updated:
- Financial evidence;
- Household documents;
- Social evidence;
- Relationship statements;
- Identity documents; and
- Health or character documents.
Step 4: Receive a Decision
The Department assesses the updated information and decides whether to grant the permanent Subclass 801 Visa.
Processing Times
Processing times can vary depending on:
- Application completeness;
- Complexity of the applicant’s circumstances;
- Health and character assessments; and
- The volume of applications being processed.
Providing complete and well-organised evidence can help minimise unnecessary delays.
Rights and Benefits of the Subclass 801 Visa
Live Permanently in Australia
You can remain in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Work Without Restrictions
There are generally no visa-related limitations on the type of employment you can undertake.
Study in Australia
You can undertake further education or training in Australia.
Access Medicare
You may enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system.
Travel Rights
You can travel to and from Australia for five years from the date your visa is granted.
After the five-year travel facility expires, you may need a Resident Return Visa or Australian citizenship to return to Australia as a permanent resident after travelling overseas.
Sponsor Eligible Family Members
You may be able to sponsor certain eligible relatives for Australian visas.
Can You Include Family Members?
Yes. Eligible dependent children can generally be included in your application.
You may need to provide:
- Birth certificates;
- Identity documents;
- Evidence of dependency; and
- Health and character documents.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Permanent residency through the Subclass 801 Visa may eventually lead to Australian citizenship, provided you meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
These may include:
- Meeting residence requirements;
- Demonstrating good character;
- Passing the Australian citizenship test, where applicable; and
- Satisfying all other citizenship eligibility criteria.
Important Obligations
As a permanent resident, you should:
- Keep your personal details updated with the Department;
- Continue complying with Australian laws;
- Maintain accurate records and documentation; and
- Understand your rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident.
Conclusion
The Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is a significant milestone for couples building their future in Australia. It provides long-term security, permanent residency, and a potential pathway to Australian citizenship.
Although the process can seem complex, preparing thorough and up-to-date evidence of your relationship and ensuring your information remains current can greatly assist your application.
Because every relationship and immigration history is different, obtaining professional migration advice can help ensure your application is properly prepared and aligned with current Australian immigration law and policy.
Information is current as of June 2026. Immigration legislation, policy settings, visa fees, and processing times may change. Applicants should always refer to the Department of Home Affairs website or seek professional advice about circumstances specific to their case.