Subclass 801 / Permanent stage
Partner visa (Permanent) (subclass 801) The next stage of your life together.
You have already started the onshore partner pathway. We help you understand when your permanent stage can be considered, what has changed and which evidence now needs updating.
- Visa stage
- Permanent
- Usual earlier stage
- Subclass 820
- Assessment timing
- Usually 2 years from application
What this pathway offers
More certainty for the plans you share.
The 801 is the permanent stage of the onshore partner pathway. It is assessed against its own requirements; holding the 820 does not make the outcome automatic.
Permanent residence
If granted, you can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Plan further ahead
Consider longer-term decisions about work, home and family with a clearer understanding of your status.
Understand travel rights
Permanent residence and the visa's travel facility are different. Plan overseas travel around the travel facility shown in your grant.
The requirements in context
What needs to line up.
The focus moves from your original application to your circumstances at the permanent stage. We help check:
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The visa you hold
This stage is usually for holders of the 820; the official criteria also provide for relevant Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) holders.
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The assessment date
Usually, two years must have passed since you applied for the combined 820 and 801 visas. Earlier assessment may be available in specified circumstances, including some long-term relationships.
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Your continuing relationship
In most cases, you must remain in a genuine, continuing relationship with the sponsoring partner. A changed relationship needs its own assessment.
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Updated information
Check identity, relationship and family details, plus health or character evidence requested by Home Affairs. Explain changes since the temporary-stage application.
Two years is an eligibility point. A decision still follows.
The usual two-year period runs from the original combined application date. It is not a promise that permanent residence will be granted on that anniversary.
Follow the current permanent-stage instructions and provide your updated material when eligible. We can help you identify the date and prepare a focused update.
A plan you can follow
From your story to the next step.
The work should connect your original application with the life you have built since. We help make that update coherent and easy to follow.
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Review the application history
Check the original lodgement date, grant notice and any outstanding requests or changes in your circumstances.
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Update the relationship evidence
Focus on what has happened since the earlier stage, including changes in your home, finances, family or periods apart.
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Complete Stage 2 when eligible
Use the permanent partner assessment process in ImmiAccount and provide the current information and declarations required.
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Respond and plan ahead
Monitor correspondence, address requests and review the grant conditions and travel facility if the permanent visa is granted.
Preparation that makes sense
The evidence. With context.
Your checklist should reflect your circumstances and this stage of the process. Depending on your situation, it may include:
- Your current passport, 820 grant and original application details.
- Updated relationship statements and your sponsor's required declaration.
- Recent evidence of shared financial, household, social and personal commitments.
- Details of children, new passports, addresses or other relevant changes.
- Current police certificates or other health and character material where required.
A little more clarity
Your 801 questions, made clearer.
Start with the essentials, then look at how the requirements apply to your circumstances.
Am I making a new visa application?
You applied for the 820 and 801 together. The permanent-stage assessment requires further information and its own decision; it is not an automatic conversion of the 820.
Do I pay the main partner application charge again?
The permanent-stage visa charge was included in the combined application. Updated checks, translations and any professional assistance can still involve separate costs.
Can a long-term relationship be considered sooner?
Home Affairs may consider the permanent stage earlier in specified circumstances. The relationship history and applicable criteria need to be checked; do not assume that marriage length alone settles the question.
What if we have separated?
Separation does not always end eligibility. Circumstances involving family violence, a sponsor's death or a child of the relationship may be relevant. Get advice and report the change before taking action to withdraw.
How long will it take and what will it cost?
Use the Home Affairs processing guide and current fee information for the relevant visa. Published processing times are guides, not a decision date for your case. We explain our professional fees and scope separately before you proceed.
Your next step starts with you
Ready for your permanent-stage review?
Share your application date and where things stand now. We will explain the evidence to update and the support available for the next stage.