Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
The Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is a permanent visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia indefinitely. It is typically granted to individuals who already hold the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) and have demonstrated a genuine and continuing relationship.
📝 Key Features of Subclass 801
Permanent Residency: Grants the holder the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Pathway to Citizenship: Holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, subject to meeting residency and other requirements.
Access to Services: Entitles the holder to access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) and certain social security benefits.
Sponsorship Rights: Allows the holder to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 801 visa, applicants must:
Hold a Subclass 820 Visa: Applicants should already have the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820).
Maintain a Genuine Relationship: Continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their sponsoring partner.
Meet Health and Character Requirements: Satisfy the necessary health and character checks as stipulated by the Department of Home Affairs.
Provide Updated Evidence: Submit current documentation proving the authenticity and continuity of the relationship, such as joint financial records, cohabitation documents, or shared responsibilities.
⏳ Processing Time
Standard Processing: Typically, the Subclass 801 visa is assessed approximately two years after the initial application for the combined Subclass 820/801 visas.
Expedited Processing: In certain circumstances, such as long-standing relationships or those with children, the permanent visa may be granted sooner.
💰 Costs
Combined Application Fee: The fee for the combined Subclass 820 and 801 visa application is AUD 8,850.
Additional Costs: Applicants may incur extra expenses for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics.
With this visa you can
- live, work and study in Australia
- access Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare
- sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- if eligible, attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
- if eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.
Maintain Relationship Requirements
You must still be in a relationship with the same partner who originally sponsored your temporary Partner visa.
Specifically, you need to:
Be legally married or in a de facto relationship
Show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing
Be living together, or not living apart on a permanent basis
Be fully committed to building a life together, with no involvement in any other romantic relationships.
No Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government
You and any family members must not have any unpaid debts to the Australian government. If there are any, they must be fully repaid or a formal arrangement to repay them must be in place. This requirement also applies to family members who are not migrating with you to Australia.
📄 Application Process
Initial Application: Submit a combined application for both Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) visas.
Temporary Visa Grant: Upon approval, receive the Subclass 820 visa, allowing temporary residence in Australia.
Permanent Visa Assessment: Approximately two years after the initial application, the Department of Home Affairs will assess eligibility for the Subclass 801 visa.
Decision Notification: Applicants will be informed in writing about the outcome of their Subclass 801 visa application.
⚠️ Special Considerations
Relationship Changes: If the relationship ends due to circumstances like domestic violence or the death of the sponsor, applicants may still be eligible for the Subclass 801 visa under specific provisions.
Adding Family Members: Dependent children can be included in the application or added later through a Dependent Child (Subclass 445) visa.
For comprehensive details and to apply, visit the official Department of Home Affairs page for Subclass 801.