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Subclass 801 Partner Visa
Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia
801 Visa Australia: Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) Guide for 2026
Key Takeaways
- The 801 visa Australia grants is the permanent stage of the onshore partner visa. It follows the temporary subclass 820.
- You do not lodge a new visa application or pay a second government fee. You submit updated evidence against the application you already lodged.
- You become eligible for assessment two years after the date you lodged the combined 820/801 application.
- Home Affairs figures dated 29 September 2026 show 50% of 801 decisions made within 8 months and 90% within 19 months of eligibility.
- Once granted, you are an Australian permanent resident with a five-year travel facility and a pathway to citizenship.
- If the relationship has ended, you may still qualify in limited cases, such as family violence or a child of the relationship.
If you are searching for the 801 visa Australia requirements, you are probably already living in Australia on a subclass 820 and waiting for permanent residency. The 801 is the second and final stage of that journey.
Most of the hard work was done when you first applied. What the Department of Home Affairs wants now is proof that your relationship has continued since then. The process is simpler than the first stage, but it is not automatic, and applicants do get refused for thin or late evidence.
This guide is written for Indian applicants and their Australian partners. It covers when you become eligible, what to submit, how long the decision takes in 2026, and what changes in your life once the permanent visa is granted.
Partner Visa Australia Agent In Delhi
Subclass 801 Visa Consultant and Australia Spouse Visa Agency in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, Gurgaon, India is GIEC Global India. We are the best Wife Visa Australia and Australia Partner Visa Agent in Delhi, helping our clients in getting Australia Partner Visa and Spouse Visa for Australia from India.
The objective of this fact sheet is to give you a general overview of the subclass 801 visa and the issues you’ll have to deal with if you decide to apply for one. It emphasizes on the more typical scenarios that onshore partner visa applicants face, and as a result, it does not cover all possible possibilities or scenarios. It’s also beyond the scope of this talk to present a comprehensive list of all relevant aspects to consider.
If you’re thinking about applying for a subclass 801 visa, it’s important to do your research first. Make sure you understand if you qualify, how to apply, and what documents you need before you apply. This will increase your chances of success and decrease the risk of waiting a long time or being denied the visa. For more information contact GIEC GLOBAL India we are leading Australia Immigration Consultants in Delhi, we will help you and give you hassle free services at every step of the Spouse visa 801 application.
Documents Checklist for the Permanent Partner Visa
Category | Documents |
|---|---|
eclarations | Statutory declaration from you and one from your sponsor about the continuing relationship |
Witnesses | Two Form 888 statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple |
Character | Australian Federal Police National Police Check; overseas police certificates if the Department requests them |
Identity | Current passport, plus evidence of any name change since lodgement |
Children | Birth certificates for children born since you applied; custody documents where relevant |
Relationship evidence | Updated documents across the four pillars in the next table |
Apply For Subclass 801 Partner Visa & Secure Permanent Residency in Australia
Types of Partner Visa
- Partner (subclass 820) (Temporary)
- Partner (subclass 801) (Permanent)
If you are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen, this may be a viable option to consider as a path to permanent residence in Australia. This visa must be sponsored by your Australian partner.
What is the Process of Subclass 801 Partner Visa?
The procedure of applying for an onshore partner visa is divided into two stages, as explained below.
- The first step is to submit an application for a combined subclass 820/801 visa. You apply for both temporary and permanent residence visas at the same time using this method, and you just have to pay a single lodgement charge.
- You will be examined for the subclass 820 visa first. You will be given a temporary visa if you meet the visa grant standards. While your subclass 801 application is being processed, you will be able to stay in Australia. You’ll be able to join Medicare, as well as work and study in Australia.
- Two years after submitting your application, you will be required to provide Immigration with specific evidence demonstrating that you continue to meet the partner visa’s visa grant requirements, including, most importantly, that you remain married or in a de-facto relationship with your Australian sponsoring partner.
- Note that even if your relationship with your Australian sponsoring partner has ended, there are situations that allow you to continue to be assessed for permanent residency despite the fact that you are no longer in a relationship with them (for example, family violence).
801 Partner Visa Processing Time
Usually, the 801 visa processing time depends on how complete your application is and how quickly you provide the documents. On average, it may take about 12 to 24 months after you lodge the 820 visa. If you and your partner have been together for a long time or have strong evidence, the Department of Home Affairs may grant the 820 and 801 visas together.
GIEC GLOBAL Delhi help you through each step of the partner visa 801 process. We are the best Australia immigration consultants in Delhi with more than 9+ years of experience. If you are looking for a Australia immigration consultant then connect with us, our expert immigration advisor in Delhi is here to make your visa journey easy and stress free.
Subclass 801 Visa Requirements and Eligibility
Requirement | What the Department checks | Usual proof |
|---|---|---|
Visa held | You hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) | Visa grant notice, VEVO record |
Time | Two years have passed since you lodged the combined application, unless the long-term rule applies | Lodgement date shown in ImmiAccount |
Relationship | You are still married to, or in a de facto relationship with, your sponsor | Updated evidence and statutory declarations |
Exceptions | If the relationship ended, a recognised exception applies | Court orders, family violence evidence or a death certificate |
Character | You continue to meet the character requirement | Australian police check; overseas certificates if requested |
Health | You continue to meet the health requirement | New examinations only if the Department asks |
Visa conditions | You complied with Australian law and your 820 conditions | Your immigration record |
Government debts | Any debt to the Australian Government is repaid or under a repayment arrangement | Payment records, where relevant |
Subclass 801 Visa Benefits
- Live in Australia Permanently – Once granted, the 801 visa allows you to stay in Australia for as long as you want, just like a permanent resident.
- Work and Study in Australia – You can work full-time and study without any restrictions.
- Access to Medicare – You get access to Australia’s public health care system (Medicare), which helps cover doctor visits, hospital treatment, and medicines.
- Pathway to Australian Citizenship – After holding the 801 visa for a certain period and meeting residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
- Sponsor Eligible Family Members – As a permanent resident, you can sponsor your relatives (like parents or siblings) to come to Australia under certain visa categories.
- Travel In and Out of Australia – You can travel freely in and out of Australia for five years from the date your visa is granted. After five years, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa to re-enter.
- Legal Protection – You have rights and protection under Australian law, including access to services and legal aid if needed.
How Do You Apply for Visa Subclass 801?
Applying for the Subclass 801 Partner Visa is a step by step process that starts with the temporary Subclass 820 visa. Once you recieve that, you can move forward with your permanent visa application. Here is how the process works in simple steps:
- Check Your Eligibility – Before applying, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must be in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You should already hold or have applied for the 820 temporary partner visa.
- Collect Your Documents – Prepare all required documents to show proof of your relationship. This includes:
Marriage or relationship evidence
Joint finances and living arrangements
Photos and communication history
Police checks and identity proof
Good documentation makes your case stronger and helps avoid delays.
- Submit Your Application Online – You can apply for the 801 visa online through your ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website. Attach all your documents, fill in the required details and pay the application fee (if not already paid during your 820 application).
- Wait for Approval – After submission, the Department of Home Affairs will review your application. The processing time may vary, but it usually takes 12 to 24 months. You may be contacted for more information during this time.
Australia Visa Consultants for Partner Visa Support – GIEC Global
Expert Guidance for Partner Visa
- GIEC Global provides step by step help for your Australia Partner Visa application.
- We handle both offshore and onshore partner visa cases with care and accuracy.
Complete Document Assistance
- Our team checks and prepares all necessary paperwork and documents.
- We make sure that your partner visa application is correct and completed to avoid further delays or rejections.
Reuniting You with Your Loved One
- We understand how important it is to be with your partner.
- Our Australia PR consultants work to make the partner visa process faster and smoother.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- GIEC Global also supports applicants in getting permanent residency through the partner visa pathway.
- As a trusted Australia immigration consultant, we guide you through your long-term settlement plan.
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced and knowledgeable visa consultants with a high visa success rate.
- Transparent, personalized service and timely updates.
- Reliable name in Australia immigration support.
Get in touch with GIEC Global today for reliable Partner Visa and PR support.
FAQs-
GIEC Global is one of the best consultancy for the Subclass 801 Partner Visa. Our expert team provides full support for document preparation, application and follow up. Our trusted Australia immigration consultant guide you at every step of visa application for smooth and fast process.
The Subclass 801 Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. It is the second stage of the Partner Visa process after the temporary Subclass 820 visa. GIEC Global is a leading Australia PR consultant and help you apply with expert advice.
It usually takes 12 to 24 months after lodging your permanent Subclass 801 application. Processing times may vary based on your documents and case. To avoid delays, consult a professional Australia immigration consultant like GIEC Global for accurate guidance and document support.
You are eligible to apply for partner visa if you are:
- Married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or PR holder.
- Over 18 years of age.
- In a genuine and ongoing relationship.
- Meeting health and character requirements.
- A qualified Australia PR consultant can help you understand your eligibility better.
To prove your relationship, you need to provide:
- Joint financial records
- Shared household details
- Photos together
- Statements from friends/family
- Travel records
GIEC Global is a trusted Australia immigration consultant and help you prepare strong and clear relationship evidence.
Yes, the Subclass 801 visa is a permanent residency visa. It allows you to stay in Australia permanently, work, study and apply for citizenship later. GIEC Global is a reliable partner visa consultant that helps you get there smoothly.
A Partner Visa offers:
- Permanent residency (Subclass 801)
- Freedom to work and study
- Access to Medicare
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members
With the right Australia PR consultant, like GIEC Global, you can enjoy all these benefits hassle-free.
Generally, if you hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820), two years must have passed since you applied for the Partner visa before you become eligible for assessment of the permanent 801 stage. This does not mean the 801 visa will automatically be granted exactly after two years.
For the onshore Partner visa pathway described on this page, the Subclass 820 is the temporary stage leading to Subclass 801. The Department identifies Subclass 820 as the first step toward the permanent Subclass 801 visa
Yes. The onshore Partner visa pathway generally involves a combined Subclass 820/801 application. The temporary 820 stage is assessed first, followed by assessment for the permanent 801 stage when the applicant becomes eligible
