If you’re currently holding a Partner Visa Subclass 820, you’re already halfway through the journey to becoming a permanent resident in Australia. The next step in the process is applying for the Partner Visa 801, which grants you the right to live permanently in Australia with your partner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 801 Partner Visa — from eligibility criteria and documentation to the Partner Visa 801 checklist and processing time in 2025.
What is the Partner Visa 801?
The Partner Visa Subclass 801 is a permanent visa issued to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is the second stage of the combined 820/801 visa application and is granted after you’ve already received the Partner Visa 820 (temporary visa).
This visa allows you to:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study without restriction
- Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
- Apply for Australian citizenship (when eligible)
- Sponsor eligible family members for visas
Who is Eligible for the 801 Partner Visa?
To apply for the Partner Visa 801 Australia, you must:
- Hold a Partner Visa 820
You must already be living in Australia on a valid 820 visa at the time of your 801 application. - Remain in a genuine relationship
Your relationship with your sponsor must still be genuine and continuing. This applies to both married and de facto couples. - Meet health and character requirements
You may be asked to undergo a medical examination and provide updated police checks if requested by the Department of Home Affairs. - Submit required evidence
Even though you’ve already provided evidence during the 820 application, you’ll need to provide updated documents to show your relationship is ongoing.
In some cases, such as long-term relationships or those with children, the Partner Visa 801 may be granted earlier than the standard processing time.
Partner Visa 801 Checklist (2025 Updated)
To ensure a smooth application process, here’s a comprehensive Partner Visa 801 checklist for 2025:
✅ Personal Documents:
- Passport copy (bio page)
- Birth certificate or national ID (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificates for each country you’ve lived in for 12+ months
✅ Relationship Evidence:
- Joint bank account statements showing shared financial commitments
- Lease or mortgage documents in both names
- Utility bills with both names
- Photos of you and your partner over time
- Travel bookings or holidays taken together
- Statutory declarations from friends or family confirming your relationship
✅ Updated Relationship Statements:
- A written statement (from both applicant and sponsor) explaining the current state of your relationship, how you share responsibilities, and future plans
✅ Sponsor Documents:
- Proof of your partner’s Australian citizenship, PR, or NZ citizenship
- Updated Australian police check if requested
✅ Forms:
- Form 956 (if you’re using a registered migration agent)
- Any other forms requested by the Department of Home Affairs
It’s essential to keep all your documents current and well-organised to avoid delays in processing.
Partner Visa 801 Processing Time in 2025
The Partner Visa 801 processing time varies depending on your specific situation. As of 2025, average wait times are:
- 75% of applications are processed within 12 months
- 90% of applications are processed within 17 months
However, if you’ve been in a long-term relationship (3+ years, or 2+ years with children), you may be eligible for priority processing and faster approval.
Tips to speed up your processing:
- Submit all requested documents quickly
- Ensure your relationship evidence is strong and up to date
- Respond promptly to any correspondence from Home Affairs
- Use a registered migration agent for guidance (optional but helpful)
What Happens After You Get the 801 Visa?
Once your Partner Visa 801 is granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia. This opens up many long-term benefits, such as:
- Access to government services and support
- The ability to sponsor family members
- Freedom to travel in and out of Australia
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements (usually 4 years of lawful residence, including 1 year as a permanent resident)
Additionally, you’ll no longer need to maintain evidence of your relationship for immigration purposes — though it’s always good to keep important documents on file for future use (like citizenship applications).
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa Subclass 801 is a crucial milestone in your immigration journey. It offers stability, freedom, and the opportunity to build a future in Australia with your loved one. While the Partner Visa 801 processing time can feel lengthy, being prepared and submitting a strong application can make all the difference.