Starting a new chapter with your partner in Australia is a dream that many couples share. Whether you are married or in a committed real relationship, partner Visa Australia gives you a chance to live together, work and build a future. But with all paperwork and joining stages, the process may feel heavy.
The purpose of this guide is to simplify everything for you – especially if you are doing your work towards partner visa 801, which is the permanent residence phase of the partner visa process.
What Is the Partner Visa 801?
Partner Visa 801 is the second stage in the two-phase visa process. If you have already been given partner visa 820 (temporary visa), then 801 is what you apply for the next. This allows you to stay in Australia permanently with your partner. The idea is that after about two years of keeping a temporary visa, if your relationship is still real and running, you can then go to a permanent platform.
Who Can Apply for the Partner Visa 801?
Who can apply for partner visa 801?
To apply for 801 visas, you need:
- Already hold partner visa 820
- Stay in a constant, real relationship with your partner
- Stay sponsored by your Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen partner
- Pass health and character check
- Stay in Australia when you apply and when the decision is taken
It is important to note that this is not a new visa application. When you first applied for 820, you also submitted your 801 application at the same time – it has not been evaluated yet.
What does “real relationship” mean?
This is one of the most important parts of the entire Partner Visa Australia process. Immigration wants to see that your relationship isn’t just for visa purposes. You’ll need to provide:
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Joint financial documents (shared bank accounts, bills)
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Proof of living together (rental agreements, mail with both names)
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Travel records and photos together
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Statements from friends or family (Form 888)
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Personal written statements about your relationship
The more real and detailed your documents are, the better. Focus on quality over quantity. A few solid, believable examples are better than 100 generic photos.
Partner Visa Australia Costs
By the time you reach the 801 stage, you’ve already paid the bulk of the fee. The Partner Visa Australia cost covers both the 820 and 801 stages and is currently around AUD $8,850 (as of 2025). This fee is paid when you first submit your partner visa application.
Other potential expenses you may need to plan for include:
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Health exams
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Police checks
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Translation and certification of documents
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Migration agent fees (if you decide to use one)
It’s not a cheap process, but for most couples, it’s a life-changing investment worth making.
When Can You Apply for the 801 Visa?
You can start submitting updated relationship evidence two years after you first applied for the partner visa. The Department of Home Affairs will usually contact you when it’s time to provide the extra documents for your 801 application.
Don’t wait until the last minute. If you’ve kept track of your documents and relationship history over time, this part will be a lot easier.
Processing Time for Partner Visa 801
Patience is definitely part of this journey. The Partner Visa 801 processing time can vary based on your situation and the completeness of your documents.
On average:
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It can take 12 to 24 months after submitting additional evidence for the 801 visa to be granted.
Keep your ImmiAccount updated, respond to any requests quickly, and make sure your relationship documents are clear and organized to avoid delays.
Benefits of Partner Visa 801
Once granted, the Partner Visa 801 offers a lot of freedom:
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You can stay in Australia permanently
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Work and study without restrictions
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Access Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
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Travel in and out of the country freely
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Sponsor family members to join you
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Eventually apply for Australian citizenship
It’s a major milestone—not just in the visa process, but in your life together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few issues that can hold up or even lead to rejection of your Partner Visa Australia application:
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Not updating contact details or address in your ImmiAccount
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Missing deadlines for submitting evidence
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Incomplete or inconsistent relationship documents
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Not responding to additional information requests
Keep communication open with immigration and make sure all documents are truthful and well-prepared.
Do You Need a Migration Agent?
You’re not required to use one, but many people do. A migration agent can help if your case is complicated or if you’re unsure how to prepare your documents properly.
A good agent will:
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Check your eligibility
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Help organize your paperwork
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Write strong submission letters
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Follow up with immigration on your behalf
It can be worth the peace of mind, especially considering how high the visa fees are and how long the process takes.
Life After Getting the 801 Visa
Once the Partner Visa 801 is approved, you officially become a permanent resident of Australia. You’ll enjoy nearly all the rights of a citizen.And after a few more years (usually a permanent resident as a permanent resident with a total of 4 years residence with at least 12 months), you can also apply for citizenship.
This is the beginning of a new chapter – for your relationship and your future in Australia.
final thoughts
Apply for Partner Visa Australia route, including partner visa 801, exceeds only one legal process – it is about bringing joints together and helping to create a shared future.
It can feel like a lot of forms, time limits and waiting, but with the right preparation and mentality, it is perfectly obtained. Pay attention to presenting your story honestly, keep good records, and ask for help if you need it.
The journey can be long, but for most joints, finally being able to live freely in Australia is worth it every step.
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