Partner Visa 801: A Comprehensive Guide to Australian Permanent Residency
Partner Visa 801: A Comprehensive Guide to Australian Permanent Residency
Blog Article
If you are provided with a partner Visa subclass 820 and continued your actual relations with your Australian partner, your journey towards copyright is going to reach its most rewarding stage - Partner Visa subclass 801. This visa allows you to build life with your loved one permanently living in Australia, and eventually applies to Australian citizenship.
In this blog, we will walk through everything you need to know about partner visa 801: what is it, who is qualified, how to apply, processing time, and tips for a smooth application.
What is partner visa subclass 801?
Partner Visa Subclass 801 is the permanent phase of partner visa process in Australia. This temporary partner follows partner visa 820, which allows you to live in Australia waiting for a permanent visa decision.
Once given, the subclass 801 visa gives you:
copyright in Australia
Right to work and study without any restriction
Medicare, Australia's access to public health care system
Ability to sponsor family members for visas
A path of citizenship after meeting residence requirements
Right to travel from Australia for five years
Who can apply for 801 visas?
You do not need to lodge a new application. The 801 visa is part of the joint 820/801 copyright. However, you must be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to provide additional information for permanent phase - usually after applying for 820/801 visa for the first time.
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
You must hold or conduct a partner visa subclass 820
You are still in a real, ongoing relationship with your sponsor (Australian citizen, copyright, or eligible New Zealand citizen)
You have complied with Australian laws and visa conditions
You continue to meet health and character requirements
If your relationship is over, then there are still situations under which you can be eligible for 801 visa progress - for example, in cases associated with domestic violence, the child's shared custody, or the death of your partner.
Key timeline: when expected 801 invitation
Most applicants receive their invitation to proceed with 801 visas, after the date they submitted their 820/801 application, not the 820 visa approval date.
This is important to understand because your eligibility for copyright is evaluated based on the length and continuity of the relationship, not just the time spent on temporary visas.
In some cases, 801 visas can be given immediately after 820, especially if:
You are in a long -term relationship (3+ years) at the time of application
You are in a 2+ year relationship and a child together
What documents do you need for the 801 phase?
When the department contacts you to continue the 801 visa process, you will need to provide updated documents to prove that your relationship is still real. This includes:
Relationship evidence:
Update statutory announcements (you, from your partner, and 888s form from family/friends)
Photos of shared life and events for the last two years
Joint financial documents such as copyright or shared bill
Proof of lease agreement or shared residence
Travel records show time spent together
Any new legal documents, such as marriage or copyright if you were married or had children
Additional Documents:
Police clearance certificate (if requested)
Update identification document (if changed)
You will upload these documents via your Immiaccount.
801 visa processing time
By 2025, the processing time for 801 visas varies depending on individual matters:
75% applications are processed within 12 months
90% is processed within 18 months
Factors affecting this time include:
Completion of your documents
Does the department request more information
Background check and changes in relationship status
To avoid delay, submit your updated information as soon as possible after receiving 801 invitations.
What happens after being given 801 visas?
Once your 801 visa is approved, you are officially a copyright of Australia. It opens the door to many rights and privileges, including:
Applying to Australian citizenship after staying in Australia for four years (as a copyright with one year)
Full work and study rights
Access to social security benefits (after serving waiting period)
Ability to sponsor relatives for some visas
Travel inside and outside Australia for five years (traveling after this period you will need a resident return visa)
You will receive a visa grant letter confirming your status and rights.
Can you still apply if your relationship ends?
Yes, in limited circumstances. If your relationship is over but you:
Has experienced domestic or family violence
Has a child with your former partner
Your partner is dead
You can still be eligible to be given 801 visas. You have to provide evidence to support your situation, such as detention documents, police reports, or a copyright.
In these cases, it is strongly recommended to seek professional legal or migrant advice.
final thoughts
Partner Visa Subclass 801 represents the final stage in the journey for couples to create life together in Australia. It is an infection for the protection of copyright from temporary position, opening doors to the future full of opportunity.