What is the Subclass 801 Visa Really About?
If you’ve ever dreamed of making Australia your forever home with your partner, the Australia Permanent Partner Visa might be the golden ticket you’ve been waiting for. This visa not only paves the way for you to live, work, and study in Australia but also offers a guaranteed opportunity for Australian citizenship.
The Subclass 801 Visa is a permanent visa for individuals who are in a genuine and committed de facto relationship or married to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Subclass 801 Visa, also known as the Permanent Partner Visa, is the next phase in your journey. After holding Subclass 820 for a certain period and meeting the necessary criteria, you can apply for Subclass 801. This visa is part of the Partner category, designed to reunite couples and families in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Permanent Partner Visa
- You must be in possession of a Temporary partner visa (subclass 820) or a dependent child visa (subclass 445).
- It would help if you remained the spouse or de facto partner of the person who submitted your temporary partner visa.
- If you or any family members owe the Australian government money, you or they must have paid it back or have an approved repayment plan in place.
You must satisfy Australian health and character requirements.
Documents to Prove that Your Relationship Is Real
The Australian visa officials will need many documents to establish that your relationship is real. This can include utility statements addressed to both of you in order to show that you share domestic matters, a joint bank account to indicate that you share finances, phone records to show that you communicate when you are apart, pictures of the two of you together and with other people to show that you have spent time together and that other people are aware of your relationship, and so on.
Application Process for Australia Permanent Partner Visa
The process of applying for the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa involves several steps:
- Collecting Documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as identity proof, evidence of the relationship, and character assessments.
- Submitting the Application: Complete and submit your visa application online through the official Australian immigration portal.
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820): Once your application is approved, you’ll receive the Subclass 820, allowing you to reside and work in Australia temporarily.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801): After meeting the waiting period criteria, you can apply for Subclass 801, which grants you permanent residency in Australia.
Subclass 801 Visa Costs and Processing Times
Australia Partner Visas subclass 801 costs start at AUD8,850.00 for most applicants. From AUD1,475 for prospective marriage visa (subclass 300) holders. While the processing times for these visas may vary from 5 months upward, it is highly recommended that you use the visa processing time guidance tool to get an idea of how long it will take to process this visa.
It is very important to note that you also paid for the visa subclass 801 when you made your initial payment for the visa subclass 820. Therefore, you are not required to make additional payments for the subclass 801 permanent visa.
*Costs are accurate as of October 2023.
Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
FAQs on Subclass 801 Visa
Q: What is the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa, and how does it differ from the Subclass 820 Visa?
Ans: The Subclass 801 Visa is a permanent visa for individuals in genuine relationships with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It differs
Q: Can I apply for the Subclass 801 Visa if I’m offshore?
Ans: No, the Subclass 801 Visa is only available to applicants who are onshore in Australia at the time of application.
Q: Can I sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas after obtaining the Subclass 801 Visa?
Ans: Yes, as a permanent resident, you have the ability to sponsor eligible family members for various Australian visas.
Q: What happens if my relationship breaks down after obtaining the Subclass 801 Visa?
Ans: If your relationship breaks down, you should inform the Department of Home Affairs. Depending on the circumstances, alternative visa options may be available.
Q: Are there any exemptions to the two-year waiting period for the Subclass 801 Visa?
Ans: In certain circumstances, such as in cases of domestic violence or compelling circumstances, exemptions to the waiting period may be granted.
Q: Can I include my dependent children in my Subclass 801 Visa application?
Ans: Yes, you can include your dependent children in your application. They must meet certain criteria, such as being under 18 years of age, financially dependent on you, or a full-time student between 18 and 25 years of age.
Q: What happens if my partner is not an Australian citizen but holds a different visa type? Can I still apply for the Subclass 801 Visa?
Ans: Yes, you can still apply for the Subclass 801 Visa if your partner holds a different visa type, such as a temporary visa. However, they must meet specific eligibility criteria for sponsorship.
Q: Can I travel outside Australia while holding the Subclass 801 Visa?
Ans: Yes, you can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you wish while holding the Subclass 801 Visa. However, you should ensure that your visa remains valid and that you comply with any return conditions.
Q: What rights and responsibilities come with the Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa?
Ans: As a Subclass 801 Visa holder, you have the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You also have access to social services and healthcare. However, you are expected to abide by Australian laws and fulfill tax obligations.
Q: Can I apply for the Subclass 801 Visa if I am currently holding a Bridging Visa?
Ans: Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 801 Visa while holding a Bridging Visa. However, it’s important to meet all the eligibility criteria and comply with any conditions attached to your bridging visa.