Last Updated: 7 April 2026

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Do You Automatically Get Permanent Residency After Subclass 820?

No — you do not automatically receive permanent residency.

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The Subclass 801 partner visa is assessed separately after your temporary visa stage. Your approval depends on whether your relationship still meets the requirements at the time of assessment.

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Many applicants assume permanent residency is guaranteed after waiting 2 years, but the Department reassesses your situation before granting the Subclass 801 visa.

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What Is the Subclass 801 Partner Visa?

The Subclass 801 partner visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently after completing the temporary stage of the partner visa pathway. For a complete overview of partner visa pathways, see our partner visa Australia guide.

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This visa is the second stage of the onshore partner visa process:

• Subclass 820 (temporary visa)

• Subclass 801 (permanent visa)

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You apply for both stages together, but the Department assesses the permanent stage later under Australian migration law.

Learn how the full onshore partner visa process works in Australia.

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When Do You Get the Subclass 801 Visa?

You usually become eligible for the permanent stage:

• Around 2 years after you lodge your partner visa application

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At that point:

• The Department reviews your application again

• You may need to provide updated information

• Your relationship must still meet the requirements

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Timing depends on your individual case and application history.

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What Does the Department Reassess?

The Department of Home Affairs assesses your eligibility based on your circumstances at the time of decision.

They focus on whether your relationship remains:

• Genuine

• Continuing

• Ongoing at the time of decision

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Your application is assessed based on updated evidence, not only what you submitted at the temporary stage. Even long-term relationships can face refusal if the updated evidence does not clearly show that the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.

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What Evidence Do You Need for Subclass 801?

You must provide updated relationship evidence that shows continuity over time.

This includes:

Ongoing Financial Evidence

• Continued shared finances

• Joint accounts or expenses

• Financial support between partners

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Updated Household Evidence

• Living arrangements

• Shared responsibilities

• Ongoing cohabitation or explanation if living apart

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Social Evidence

• Ongoing recognition of your relationship

• Events, activities, or shared life updates

• Statements from family or friends

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Commitment Over Time

• Long-term plans

• Continued communication

• Evidence that your relationship has developed since the 820 stage

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The Department assesses consistency across all areas, not a single document.

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What Happens If Your Relationship Changes?

Your situation may become more complex if:

• You separate from your partner

• Your relationship breaks down

• Your circumstances change significantly

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In some cases, you may still be eligible for the permanent stage, depending on your situation.

Each case is assessed individually under migration law.

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What Do You Get with the Subclass 801 Visa?

Once granted, the Subclass 801 visa gives you:

• Permanent residence in Australia

• The right to live and work indefinitely

• Access to Medicare (if eligible)

• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship (if requirements are met)

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This visa marks the final stage of the partner visa pathway.

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Processing Time for Subclass 801

The permanent stage is not processed immediately.

You become eligible for assessment around 2 years after application.

The timeline depends on:

• When you become eligible

• How quickly you provide updated information

• Your individual circumstances

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Cost of Subclass 801 Visa

You do not pay a separate government fee for the Subclass 801 stage.

The cost is included in your original partner visa application fee.

See the full partner visa cost breakdown in Australia.

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How Subclass 801 Connects to Subclass 820

The Subclass 801 visa depends on your earlier application.

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Your journey follows this path:

• You apply for Subclass 820 and 801 together

• You receive the Subclass 820 temporary visa first

• You later become eligible for the permanent stage

• The Department reassesses your relationship

• You receive Subclass 801 if requirements are met

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Learn more about the Subclass 820 partner visa requirements and process.

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Common Reasons Subclass 801 Is Delayed or Refused

Applications may face issues if:

• Updated relationship evidence is weak

• Information becomes inconsistent

• Required documents are not provided

• The relationship no longer meets requirements

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Even after receiving the temporary visa, approval at the permanent stage is not guaranteed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I automatically get Subclass 801 after 2 years?

No.

You must still meet all requirements, and the Department reassesses your relationship before granting permanent residency.

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Do I need to submit new documents?

Yes.

You must provide updated evidence that shows your relationship continues over time.

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What if my relationship has changed?

Your eligibility depends on your situation.

Some applicants may still qualify under specific circumstances, but each case requires assessment.

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Do I need to pay again for Subclass 801?

No.

The cost is included in your original partner visa application.

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Does Subclass 801 lead to citizenship?

It can.

After meeting residency requirements, you may apply for Australian citizenship.