Australian Partner (Permanent) Visa Subclass 801: Complete 2026 Guide

What is the Subclass 801 Partner (Permanent) visa?

The Subclass 801 Partner (Permanent) visa is the second stage of Australia's two-step partner visa process. This permanent visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently.

The 801 visa follows the temporary Subclass 820 visa, which applicants must hold before progressing to permanent residency. Together, these visas form Australia's onshore partner visa pathway, designed to allow genuine relationships time to develop while maintaining immigration integrity.

Successful 801 visa holders gain permanent residence with full work and study rights, access to Medicare, and the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for Australian visas. After meeting residence requirements, permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship.

Who is this visa for?

The Subclass 801 visa is available to current holders of the temporary Subclass 820 Partner visa who continue to meet relationship and character requirements. Eligible applicants include:

• Spouses in legally recognised marriages to Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens
• De facto partners in genuine, committed relationships lasting at least 12 months (with some exceptions for shorter relationships)
• Same-sex partners in marriages or de facto relationships recognised under Australian law

The sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Both parties must be 18 years or older, though exceptions may apply for younger applicants in specific circumstances.

Key requirements

To qualify for the 801 visa in 2026, applicants must demonstrate:

Continuing genuine relationship The relationship with your sponsor must remain genuine and continuing. This includes living together, sharing financial responsibilities, and maintaining social recognition of your partnership.

Character requirements All applicants aged 16 and over must meet character requirements, typically demonstrated through police certificates from countries where you've lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Health requirements Health examinations may be required depending on your circumstances, including previous health checks and intended length of stay in Australia.

No outstanding debts You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged payment plans for any existing debts.

Sponsor obligations Your sponsor must continue meeting their sponsorship obligations, including providing adequate support and accommodation.

If you're exploring different pathways to Australian permanent residence, the Visafold pathway checker can help you understand your options.

Typical documents required

Documentation requirements for the 801 visa build upon evidence provided for your initial 820 application. Common documents include:

Relationship evidence - Joint bank statements and financial records - Lease agreements or property ownership documents showing cohabitation - Utility bills and insurance policies in both names - Evidence of social recognition (photos, invitations, social media) - Statutory declarations from friends and family

Identity and character documents - Valid passport and identity documents - Police certificates from relevant countries - Military service records (if applicable)

Health and other requirements - Health examination results (if requested) - Evidence of English language ability (in specific circumstances) - Proof of any name changes

The Visafold document checklist can help you organise and track your documentation throughout the application process.

Processing time

Processing times for the 801 visa vary significantly based on individual circumstances and application volumes. As of 2026, Home Affairs continues to process applications in order of receipt, though complex cases may take longer.

Factors affecting processing time include: - Completeness of your application and supporting documents - Time required for character and health checks - Individual case complexity - Current departmental workloads

For the most current processing time estimates, applicants should check the Home Affairs website regularly. The Visafold processing time tracker can also help monitor trends and updates in processing times.

How to track and organise your application

Successfully managing your 801 visa application requires careful organisation:

Monitor your application - Regularly check ImmiAccount for updates and requests for additional information - Respond promptly to any departmental correspondence - Keep records of all communications with Home Affairs

Maintain documentation - Continue collecting evidence of your ongoing relationship - Keep documents current, especially identity and travel documents - Organise files chronologically for easy reference

Stay informed - Subscribe to Home Affairs updates for policy changes - Monitor processing times and departmental announcements - Consider using Track your application on Visafold for additional organisation tools

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel while my 801 application is being processed? Yes, as a 820 visa holder, you can travel freely to and from Australia while your 801 application is being processed.

What happens if my relationship ends during processing? Relationship breakdown may affect your eligibility unless specific exemptions apply, such as domestic violence situations or where there are Australian citizen children from the relationship.

Do I need to attend an interview? Home Affairs may request interviews in some cases, though they're not required for all applications. If requested, both partners typically need to attend.

Can I include dependent children in my 801 application? Dependent children included in your original 820 application will automatically be considered for the 801 visa.

How long is the 801 visa valid? The 801 visa grants permanent residence with no expiry date, though you'll receive a Resident Return Visa allowing re-entry to Australia for five years from the grant date.

--- Information only, not migration advice. Visafold is an independent information and organisation platform and is not affiliated with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, OMARA, or the Australian Government. Always verify visa requirements directly with Home Affairs or speak with a registered migration agent before making decisions.