Temporary to Permanent Partner Visa Australia: Full Timeline (Subclass 820 → 801 & 309 → 100)

Last Updated: 5 Mar 2026

Many couples assume that a Partner Visa grant means permanent residency immediately. In reality, most applicants first receive a temporary partner visa before the Department of Home Affairs considers them for the permanent stage.

If you want to understand the full eligibility requirements and visa stages, read our complete guide to the Partner Visa Australia process

If you currently hold a Subclass 820 or Subclass 309 Partner Visa, you still need to pass the permanent partner visa stage before you secure permanent residency in Australia.

This guide explains the full timeline from temporary to permanent partner visa in Australia, what evidence you must prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay the permanent stage.

If you plan to move from a temporary partner visa to permanent residency in Australia, proper preparation makes a major difference. You can book a consultation with our migration team to review your situation and plan your permanent partner visa stage.

Book A Consultation

Partner Visa Two-Stage Process in Australia

Australia uses a two-stage partner visa system for most couples.

Stage 1 – Temporary Partner Visa

• Subclass 820 – Onshore temporary partner visa

• Subclass 309 – Offshore temporary partner visa

These visas allow the applicant to:

• Live in Australia

• Work in Australia

• Access Medicare (in most cases)

• Remain in Australia while the Department assesses the permanent stage

However, these visas do not grant permanent residency.

Stage 2 – Permanent Partner Visa

• Subclass 801 – Permanent stage after 820

• Subclass 100 – Permanent stage after 309

The Department of Home Affairs usually assesses the permanent stage around two years after the original partner visa application lodgement date.

The key detail many applicants miss:

The two-year timeline starts from the date you lodged the initial partner visa application, not from the visa grant date.

Timeline temporary partner visa to permanent australia

Below is a simplified timeline that shows how the process usually works.

Stage	Visa Type	What Happens
Application Lodged	Partner Visa Application	You submit your partner visa application to the Department of Home Affairs
Temporary Visa Granted	Subclass 820 or 309	You receive a temporary visa and continue living in Australia
Evidence Update Period	Before the 2-year mark	You prepare updated relationship evidence
Permanent Stage Assessment	Subclass 801 or 100	The Department reassesses your relationship
Permanent Residency	Visa 801 or 100 Granted	You receive Australian permanent residency

Processing times vary, but the permanent partner visa stage usually begins around the 2-year mark.

What the Department Assesses at the Permanent Stage

At the permanent stage, the Department reassesses your relationship to confirm that it still meets partner visa requirements.

Your relationship must remain:

• Genuine

• Ongoing

• Exclusive

• Continuing

This reassessment ensures that the relationship remains consistent with the requirements under Australian migration law.

Evidence Required for the Permanent Partner Visa Stage

Many applicants underestimate how much updated evidence the Department requires when they review the permanent stage.

You must provide fresh evidence that shows the relationship continued during the temporary visa period.

The Department generally reviews evidence across four relationship pillars.

1. Financial Aspects of the Relationship

Evidence may include:

• Joint bank accounts

• Shared expenses or bills

• Joint loans or financial commitments

• Evidence of financial support between partners

2. Nature of the Household

Documents may include:

• Joint lease agreements or mortgage documents

• Utility bills showing shared residence

• Mail addressed to both partners at the same address

3. Social Recognition of the Relationship

Examples include:

• Photos with friends and family

• Invitations or events attended together

• Statutory declarations from friends or relatives

4. Mutual Commitment to a Shared Life

Evidence may include:

• Future plans together

• Communication records during periods apart

• Joint travel history

You must also satisfy health and character requirements before the Department grants the permanent partner visa.

Direct Permanent Partner Visa Grant (Skipping the Temporary Stage)

Some applicants qualify for a direct permanent partner visa grant.

This situation usually occurs when the relationship already meets the long-term criteria at the time of application.

You may qualify if:

• The relationship has existed for at least 3 years, or

• The relationship has existed for at least 2 years and includes a dependent child

A migration professional must assess eligibility carefully before assuming a direct permanent grant.

What Happens If the Relationship Changes?

Some applicants face difficult situations before the permanent stage. Australian migration law still provides pathways in certain circumstances.

Applicants may still qualify for the permanent partner visa if the relationship changed due to:

• Family violence

• Death of the sponsoring partner

• Child-related circumstances involving the relationship

Each situation requires specific legal evidence and documentation, so professional advice becomes very important.

When Should You Start Preparing for the Permanent Partner Visa Stage?

Many couples wait until the Department contacts them. This approach creates unnecessary stress.

You should start preparing months before the two-year mark.

Early preparation allows you to:

• Collect strong relationship evidence

• Organise financial documents

• Prepare statutory declarations

• Identify potential eligibility issues early

Strong preparation significantly improves the success rate of permanent partner visa applications.

Common Mistakes When Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent Partner Visa

Many partner visa applicants make avoidable mistakes that delay the permanent stage.

Common problems include:

Waiting Too Late to Prepare Evidence

Couples often realise too late that they lack documentation covering the full two-year period.

Weak Relationship Evidence

Some applicants submit photos only. The Department requires evidence across all four relationship categories.

Incorrect Assumptions About the Timeline

Many applicants believe the two-year period starts from the visa grant date.

Ignoring Changes in the Relationship

Relationship changes must be reported and assessed correctly.

Partner Visa Permanent Stage Checklist

Before the permanent stage assessment, make sure you prepare:

• Updated relationship statements

• Joint financial evidence

• Updated household documents

• Social recognition evidence

• Form 888 statutory declarations

• Health and character documents if required

Strong documentation significantly strengthens your permanent partner visa assessment.

Need Help Preparing for Your Permanent Partner Visa?

Approaching the two-year partner visa stage requires careful preparation. Many couples only realise the complexity of the permanent stage when the Department requests updated documents.

A registered migration agent can review your relationship evidence, identify risks, and help prepare your permanent partner visa submission.

If your Subclass 820 or Subclass 309 visa approaches the 2-year mark, early preparation will protect your pathway to Australian permanent residency.

You can book a consultation with a migration professional here:

Book a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the permanent partner visa stage begin?

The Department usually assesses the permanent stage around two years after the original partner visa lodgement date, not from the visa grant date.

Do I need to submit new documents for the permanent partner visa stage?

Yes. You must provide updated relationship evidence that covers the entire period after your temporary partner visa grant.

Can I receive permanent residency immediately with a partner visa?

Some applicants receive a direct permanent partner visa grant if the relationship already meets the long-term criteria when they lodge the application.

What happens if my relationship ends before the permanent stage?

Australian migration law provides certain protections in situations involving family violence, death of the sponsor, or child-related circumstances. A migration professional should assess these cases carefully.

Disclaimer

All content shared by RACC Migration and Education Services across social media platforms serves general informational purposes only. This information does not constitute immigration, legal, or education advice and should not replace professional consultation. Policies and requirements may change, and each visa situation differs. Always seek advice from a MARA-registered migration agent or qualified professional before making visa decisions.