Visa 801 Australia – 7 Proven Steps to Permanent Partner Residency

The Visa 801 Australia (permanent Partner visa) lets eligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens live in Australia permanently. Most applicants first hold the temporary 820 visa and are then assessed for the 801 stage from around the two-year mark. This page sets out a practical roadmap so you know exactly what to prepare, when to update evidence, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Visa 801 Australia: Eligibility at a Glance

• You applied for, or currently hold, the onshore Partner (subclass 820/801) pathway.
• Your relationship with the sponsoring partner remains genuine and continuing.
• You and your sponsor continue to meet character (and, if requested, health) requirements.
• Your sponsor is still eligible and any sponsorship limitations do not apply.

7 Steps to a Strong Visa 801 Australia Application

1) Maintain Current Relationship Evidence

The permanent assessment focuses on the recent state of your relationship. Keep evidence across the four pillars the Department often looks at: financial (joint accounts, bills, lease), household (shared responsibilities), social (photos, events, travel with family/friends) and commitment (plans, communications, long-term intentions).

2) Update Personal Statements & Forms

Provide current relationship statements from you and your sponsor covering what has happened since the 820 stage: cohabitation history, financial integration, key milestones, and future plans. Consistency of dates across statements and documents is crucial.

3) Collect Strong Third-Party Declarations

Obtain statutory declarations from friends or family who know your relationship well. Ask them to describe how long they’ve known you as a couple, shared activities, and their observations of your commitment.

4) Check Character (and Health if Requested)

Police checks must cover all relevant countries for the required periods. Health exams are not always needed for the 801 stage, but complete them promptly if requested.

5) Keep ImmiAccount Up to Date

Update passport details, addresses and contact information. Upload new evidence periodically. Clear filenames and a simple index make it easier for the case officer to navigate your file.

6) Respond Quickly to Requests for Information

If the Department issues a further information request, respond before the deadline with targeted documents that address the specific points raised. Structured submissions save time and reduce back-and-forth.

7) Get Specialist Help for Complex or Difficult Cases

Periods living apart, limited documentation, prior refusals or allegations may require tailored submissions. Expert evidence mapping against the legal criteria can be decisive at the permanent stage.

Processing, Bridging & What Happens After Grant

While awaiting your Visa 801 Australia assessment, you generally remain on your existing visa conditions (often a bridging visa linked to your original partner application). After the 801 grant, you have permanent resident rights and can later consider citizenship if eligible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No recent evidence: relying only on documents from the 820 stage.
• Inconsistent timelines: dates in statements don’t match leases, travel records or messages.
• Weak social proof: limited third-party declarations or photos over the two-year period.
• Late responses: missing deadlines for requests for information.

Helpful Links & Resources

• Department of Home Affairs – Partner (820/801) Overview
• How to Apply & Required Documents
• Common Partner Visa Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
• Visa Information Hub
• Appeals & Difficult Cases – ART Guidance

Why Work with Simon Mander

With 22+ years’ experience as a
Registered Migration Agent (MARA), I help couples present coherent, well-evidenced files for the permanent stage. From strategy and evidence mapping to submissions in complex scenarios, we focus on clarity, compliance and persuasive presentation. I have helped thousands of people migrate to Australia, let me help you with your 801 partner visa.

Book a Consultation to get your Visa 801 Australia stage right the first time.