Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – Permanent Partner Visa for Australia

The Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is a permanent visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. This is the second stage of the onshore partner visa process and follows the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820).

Key Benefits of the Subclass 801 Visa

With a permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801), you can:

• Live in Australia permanently
• Work and study in Australia without restrictions
• Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
• Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements (usually 4 years)
• Sponsor eligible family members for visas to Australia
• Attend free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (if eligible)
• Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years from the visa grant date

How Long Can You Stay?

As a permanent visa, the Subclass 801 lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. Your permanent residency status begins the day your visa is granted.

Can I Include My Family?

Yes. You can include dependent children in your Subclass 801 application if they:

• Were already included in your Subclass 820 application, or
• Are holding a Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445), and are added before your 801 visa is granted
• Must be in Australia at the time of application

Subclass 801 Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Partner Visa Subclass 801, you must:

• Hold a valid temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820)
• Be in an ongoing relationship with your Australian partner (unless the relationship ended under special circumstances, such as domestic violence)
• Be legally married or in a de facto relationship of at least 12 months (unless registered or waived due to exceptional circumstances)
• Show that your relationship is:
• Genuine and continuing
• Mutually committed
• Not living separately permanently
• Follow all Australian laws while on your Subclass 820 visa
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have repaid or made arrangements to repay any debts to the Australian government

Visa Application Process – Subclass 820/801 Combined

Step 1: Lodge a Combined Application

Apply online for both Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) partner visas at the same time. You’ll only need to pay one visa fee.

Step 2: Receive a Bridging Visa

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a Bridging Visa allowing you to stay in Australia lawfully while waiting for your Subclass 820 visa.

Step 3: Grant of Subclass 820 Visa

If you meet all requirements, the Department of Home Affairs will grant the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820), allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia.

Step 4: After 2 Years – Assessment for Subclass 801

Two years after lodging your combined visa application, you’ll need to provide updated documents showing your relationship is still genuine and continuing.

You don’t need to wait for an invitation—submit your supporting documents around one month before the 2-year mark.

Step 5: Decision on Subclass 801

You must be in Australia for the Subclass 801 visa to be granted. The Department will inform you of the visa outcome.

If your visa is refused, you’ll be notified and may have the right to appeal through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Documents You’ll Need

• Valid passport and birth certificate
• Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical examination results
• Relationship evidence: joint finances, shared living arrangements, travel history, and social proofs
• Two Form 888s – Statutory Declarations from friends or family supporting your relationship

Why Choose Aggarwal Immigration?

At Aggarwal Immigration, our expert team simplifies the partner visa process for you. We help you:

• Submit a complete and accurate visa application
• Maximize your chances of approval with strong documentation
• Stay updated and supported throughout your immigration journey