All the Information You Need to Understand Australia’s Partner Visa 801
If you are in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and are dreaming of creating a life together in Australia, the partner visa (subclass 801) may be your route for permanent residence.
The subclass 801 visa is the second stage of the onshore partner visa application process, and this allows the applicant to remain permanently in Australia with his partner. While the process can be long and documented, successful applicants are also rewarded with the opportunity to live, work and also to apply for citizenship in Australia.
In this post, we will cover all the things required to learn about the partner visa 801 australia: what it is, how to apply, tips for eligibility criteria, cost, processing time and success.
What is a partner Visa (Subclass 801)?
Subclass 801 Visa is a permanent visa for those who are already in Australia and spouse or real partner:
Australian citizen
Australian permanent resident
Eligible New Zealand citizen
This visa is the second stage of the 820/801 partner visa application process. First, you apply for a temporary partner visa (subcontinent 820) and, after the waiting period (usually 2 years), you are assessed for permanent subclass 801 visas. best visa agents darwin
Major benefits of subclass 801 visa
Once given, subclass 801 visa offers:
Permanent residence in Australia
Full work and study rights
Access to Medicare (Australia’s Public Health System)
Eligibility to sponsor family members for visa
A pathway to Australian citizenship
Ability to travel freely inside and outside Australia
Who can apply for an 801 partner visa?
To apply for the subclass 801 visa, you need:
A subclass is applied for 820 visas
You must have previously lodged a combined 820/801 application.
Still be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with your sponsor.
This can be a marriage or a de facto partnership.
Has completed 2 years waiting period
Generally, the department assesses your eligibility for 801 visas two years after submitting your initial 820/801 joint application.
Provide updated evidence of your relationship.
The Department requires you to submit documents to prove that your relationship is still genuine and continuing.
Relationship requirements
To qualify for the subclass 801 visa, your relationship has to fulfill the following criteria:
Be genuine and continuing
Be mutually exclusive
You must either:
Be legally married, or
Be in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying (unless there are compelling circumstances)
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your relationship based on:
Financial aspect (shared finance, joint bill)
Nature of the house (living system)
Social reference (how you present yourself publicly)
Commitment (length and stability of relationship)
Documents You Need
To apply for 801 visa phase, you have to submit the updated documents, which can include:
Statutory declarations from both partners
Evidence of shared financial commitments (Joint Bank Accounts, Lease)
Photos together
Travel records
Statements from friends/family
Any updates to marriage certificates, births of children, etc.
You’ll also need to fill out Form 80 (personal particulars) and possibly provide updated police checks and medicals.
What is the cost of a partner visa?
If you pay while applying for a subcontinent 820 visa, you do not need to re -pay for the subclass 801 visa.
Total cost: AUD starts at $ 8,850 (by July 2025)
This fee includes both 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) stages.
There may be additional costs for health check -up, police approval or translation of documents.
Processing time for subclass 801
By 2025, there are estimated processing time for 801 visas:
75% application: finalized within 12 months of eligibility
90% of applications: finalized within 15 months
Factors that can affect processing time:
Whether you submit all the necessary documents on time
Changes in individual circumstances
Departmental charge and priorities
Can you get 801 visas soon?
Yes, in certain cases, you may be eligible for immediate grant of the 801 visa without the 2-year wait. This applies if:
You are in a long -term relationship (3+ years, or 2+ years with children) at the time of application)
The Department is satisfied your relationship is genuine and ongoing
In such cases, you can get both 820 and 801 visas simultaneously.
What if your relationship ends?
If your relationship ends before providing 801 visas, you can still be eligible in limited circumstances, such as:
Domestic violence situations
If your partner dies
If you have a child’s custody with a relationship
In these cases, seek legal or migration advice immediately.
Tips for a strong 801 application
Keep records updated – Maintain consistent evidence of shared life.
Submit new documents when invited for 801 assessment.
Be honest and consistent in your announcements and timelines.
Provide third-party assistance-include friends and family statements confirming your relationship.
Consult a migration agent if your condition is complex.
final thoughts
Partner Visa 801 is an important step for couples that want to create life together in Australia. While the process requires patience, organization and transparency, the reward is well worth it – permanent residence and a safe future with your partner.
