Temporary to Permanent Partner Visa Australia: Full Timeline (Subclass 820 → 801 & 309 → 100)
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Last Updated: 5 Mar 2026
A Partner Visa grant does not mean permanent residency straight away. Most applicants receive a temporary partner visa first. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the permanent stage separately, usually around two years after you lodge your application.
If you hold a Subclass 820 or Subclass 309 visa, you still need to pass this permanent stage assessment before you receive Subclass 801 or Subclass 100.
This guide gives you the full onshore and offshore timeline side by side, explains the exception that can grant you permanent residency early, and shows you how to prepare for the permanent stage assessment.
Book a consultation if you want our migration team to review your timeline before you reach the 2-year mark.
Two-Stage Partner Visa Pathways
Australia runs two parallel two-stage pathways, depending on where you apply.
Onshore: Subclass 820 (temporary) → Subclass 801 (permanent). See our onshore partner visa guide for eligibility, cost and bridging visa details.
Offshore: Subclass 309 (temporary) → Subclass 100 (permanent). See our offshore partner visa guide for eligibility, cost and processing details.
Both pathways follow the same permanent-stage timeline below. For a full breakdown of the partner visa process, read our complete partner visa Australia guide.
Full Timeline: Temporary to Permanent Partner Visa
Stage | Visa Type | What Happens |
Application lodged | Partner visa application | You submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs |
Temporary visa granted | Subclass 820 or 309 | You live in Australia and continue your life together while the permanent stage is pending |
Evidence update period | Before the 2-year mark | You gather updated relationship evidence covering the period since lodgement |
Permanent stage assessment | Subclass 801 or 100 | The Department reassesses your relationship |
Permanent residency granted | Subclass 801 or 100 | You receive Australian permanent residency |
The 2-year countdown starts from your application lodgement date, not your temporary visa grant date. This is the detail most applicants miss.
For the full list of evidence the Department expects at this stage, see our Subclass 801 guide (onshore) or Subclass 100 guide (offshore).
Can You Skip the Temporary Stage? Direct Permanent Partner Visa Grant
The Department can grant you permanent residency directly, without the temporary stage, if your relationship already meets the long-term criteria when you lodge your application.
You may qualify for a direct grant if:
Your relationship has lasted at least 3 years, or
Your relationship has lasted at least 2 years and you have a dependent child together
If you meet either of these, the Department can assess you for Subclass 801 or 100 directly, skipping Subclass 820 or 309 altogether.
A registered migration agent should assess your relationship timeline before you assume you qualify for a direct grant. Lodging the wrong way can add unnecessary delay to your application.
What If Your Relationship Changes Before the Permanent Stage?
Some applicants face relationship changes before they reach the permanent stage. Australian migration law still provides pathways in these circumstances:
Family violence
Death of the sponsoring partner
Child-related circumstances involving the relationship
Each situation needs specific legal evidence. Get professional advice early if your circumstances change.
When Should You Start Preparing for the Permanent Stage?
Start preparing months before your 2-year mark, not after the Department contacts you.
Early preparation lets you:
Collect strong relationship evidence
Organise financial documents
Prepare statutory declarations (Form 888)
Identify eligibility issues before they become problems
Common Mistakes During the Temporary-to-Permanent Transition
Waiting until the 2-year mark to start gathering evidence
Submitting photos only, instead of evidence across all relationship areas — see our partner visa requirements guide for what the Department assesses
Assuming the 2-year countdown starts from your visa grant date, not your lodgement date
Not reporting relationship changes to the Department
Permanent Stage Checklist
Updated relationship statement
Joint financial evidence
Updated household documents
Social recognition evidence
Form 888 statutory declarations
Health and character documents (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the permanent partner visa stage begin?
Around two years after your application lodgement date, not your temporary visa grant date.
Can I get permanent residency without the temporary stage?
Yes, if your relationship meets the long-term criteria when you lodge — at least 3 years together, or 2 years together with a dependent child.
Do I need to submit new evidence for the permanent stage?
Yes. You need updated evidence covering the time since you received your temporary visa. See our Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 guide for what the Department looks for.
What happens if my relationship ends before the permanent stage?
Australian migration law provides protections for family violence, death of the sponsor, or child-related circumstances. Get professional advice if this applies to you.
Need help with your permanent partner visa stage?
RACC's registered migration agents can review your timeline, check whether you qualify for a direct grant, and help you prepare strong evidence for the permanent stage.
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.
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