Skip to content 
Permanent partner visa support for Sri Lankan couples
Partner Visa 801 Consultants
The Partner (Permanent) visa subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the onshore 820/801 partner visa. Our partner visa consultants help you prepare strong updated relationship evidence so you can move from your temporary 820 visa to Australian permanent residence.
Speak to an advisor: +94 74 291 8914
Get your free 801 visa assessment
Tell us when you lodged your 820 application and your current situation. A migration advisor will call you within one working day with your next steps.
Your details are used only to contact you about your partner visa. We never share them with third parties.
What Is the Partner Visa Subclass 801?
The subclass 801 is a permanent visa for the married or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. It is the second stage of the onshore partner visa.
You apply for the temporary subclass 820 and the permanent subclass 801 together in one application, while you are in Australia. The 801 is usually assessed about 2 years after that combined application was lodged.
801 Visa Benefits
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia without visa limits
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible
Approaching your 2 year mark? Make sure your 801 evidence is ready.
Check my 801 readiness820 vs 801 Visa: How the Two Stages Work
| Feature | Subclass 820 | Subclass 801 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Temporary partner visa | Permanent partner visa |
| When it is assessed | After you lodge the combined application | Usually about 2 years after lodgement |
| Visa charge | Paid once for both stages | No separate charge |
| Where you must be | In Australia when you apply | In or outside Australia when granted |
| Result | Live, work and study while you wait | Australian permanent residence |
Applying from outside Australia instead? See our partner visa 309 page. Applying for the first stage now? See our partner visa 820 page.
Partner Visa 801 Requirements
- You hold a subclass 820 visa, or a related visa such as a dependent child visa
- Your relationship with the same sponsor is genuine and continuing
- You are still married to, or in a de facto relationship with, your sponsor
- About 2 years have passed since your combined application, unless an exception applies
- You meet health and character requirements
- You have no unpaid debts to the Australian Government, or an approved plan to repay them
801 Visa Document Checklist
- Updated statements from both partners about your relationship
- Recent joint bank statements and shared bills
- Lease or mortgage documents showing you live together
- Recent photos together and evidence of shared social life
- Statutory declarations from friends or family, if requested
- Australian Federal Police check and overseas police certificates if needed
- Health examinations if requested
- Birth certificates for any children born since you applied
How to Prove Your Relationship for the 801 Stage
At the 801 stage, Home Affairs wants to see that your relationship has continued since you applied. Strong evidence covers all four areas below, across the whole period, not just the last few weeks.
Financial
Joint accounts in use, shared bills, joint savings, assets or loans, and how you share living costs.
Household
A shared address, lease or mortgage, and how you divide household responsibilities.
Social
Evidence that friends, family and your community know you as a couple, such as events, travel and shared photos.
Commitment
Your plans for the future, support for each other and any children, and how you stay connected when apart.
Weak updated evidence is the most common reason for 801 delays. Get yours reviewed first.
Review my evidenceWhy Use Partner Visa 801 Consultants?
The wait between the 820 and the 801 is long, and life changes during that time. These are the real problems couples face, and where a registered migration agent helps most.
Not knowing when to submit
Many couples are unsure when to send their updated evidence. We track your eligibility date and prepare everything in advance.
Travel while waiting
If you are on a bridging visa, leaving Australia without the right travel permission can cause serious problems.
Relationship breakdown
If your relationship ends, you may still be able to continue in some situations, such as family violence or the death of your partner.
New children and changes
A new baby, a change of address or a new job must be reported to Home Affairs, and some changes affect your application.
How Our Partner Visa Agents Help
As partner visa 801 consultants with our own registered migration agent and an office in Australia, we support you through the whole permanent stage.
Eligibility date tracking
We confirm when you become eligible for the 801 and plan your evidence around that date.
Updated evidence plan
We give you a personalised checklist across all four relationship areas for the period since you applied.
Relationship statements
We guide both partners in writing clear, honest updated statements.
Police and health checks
We tell you which police certificates and health checks you need and when.
Changes in circumstances
We help you report new children, new addresses and other changes correctly.
Difficult situations
If your relationship has ended or your partner has died, we explain whether you can continue and how.
What you get in your free assessment
- Your 801 eligibility date
- An honest review of your updated evidence
- Advice on travel while you wait
- A list of the police and health checks you need
- A clear written quote for our help
Our promise to you
- Advice from our own registered migration agent
- A written fee quote with no hidden charges
- One dedicated advisor for both partners
- No false visa guarantees, because only Home Affairs decides
- Your personal documents kept private and secure
What happens after you fill in the form
Book my free assessment801 Visa Application Process Step by Step
Combined application lodged
Your combined 820 and 801 application is lodged while you are in Australia.
820 grant
You receive your temporary 820 visa and can live, work and study in Australia.
Eligibility date
About 2 years after lodgement, you become eligible to be assessed for the 801.
Updated evidence
You provide updated relationship evidence, usually around your eligibility date.
Police and health checks
You complete any police certificates and health checks that Home Affairs requests.
Assessment
Home Affairs reviews your relationship and may ask for more information.
801 grant
Once granted, you are an Australian permanent resident.
801 Visa Application Fee and Cost
There is no separate charge for the 801. The visa application charge is paid once, when the combined 820 and 801 application is lodged. These are the Home Affairs charges for applications lodged from 1 July 2026.
| Applicant | Combined 820 and 801 charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | AUD 11,710 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | AUD 5,860 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | AUD 2,935 |
At the 801 stage, you usually only pay for police certificates, health checks if requested and translations. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 paid the fee that applied at that time.
Already paid your fee? Protect that investment with a complete 801 file.
Get my free review820 801 Visa Processing Time
Processing times change often. At the time of writing, Home Affairs reports that half of 820 applications are decided within about 18 months and 90% within about 32 months. The 801 is assessed from your eligibility date, around 2 years after lodgement, and timing after that varies by case.
We check the current Home Affairs processing time for your case.
What Happens After the 801 Visa Is Granted?
- You become an Australian permanent resident
- You can travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant
- After 5 years, you may need a Resident Return visa to travel and return as a permanent resident
- You can apply for citizenship once you meet the residence and other requirements
- Waiting periods may apply for some government payments
Can an 801 Visa Be Refused?
Yes. Common reasons include:
- Updated evidence that does not show a continuing relationship
- Living apart for long periods without explanation
- Inconsistent statements between partners
- Health or character concerns
- Not responding to Home Affairs requests on time
Lessons From Sri Lankan Couples
- Keeping evidence every month makes the 801 stage much easier
- Using joint accounts for daily costs gives strong financial evidence
- Planning trips to Sri Lanka carefully avoids bridging visa problems
- Reporting a new baby or new address quickly avoids delays
Exploring other Australian visas? See the 186 visa, 189 visa and permanent parent visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best partner visa 801 consultant?
Choose partner visa consultants who work with a registered migration agent you can check on the official register, explain fees in writing and review your updated evidence carefully. Avoid anyone who guarantees a visa, because only Home Affairs decides.
Is the 801 visa permanent residency?
Yes. The subclass 801 is a permanent visa, and you become an Australian permanent resident when it is granted.
When can I apply for the 801 visa?
You do not lodge a new application. The 801 was part of your combined application, and you are usually assessed about 2 years after that application was lodged.
How much is the 801 visa application fee?
There is no separate 801 fee. For combined 820 and 801 applications lodged from 1 July 2026, the charge is AUD 11,710 for the main applicant, paid once at lodgement.
What is the 820 801 visa processing time?
At the time of writing, Home Affairs reports about 18 months for half of 820 applications and about 32 months for 90%. The 801 is assessed from your eligibility date, and times change often.
Can I get the 801 visa sooner than 2 years?
Sometimes. If you were already in a long term relationship when you applied, for example 3 years together, or 2 years with a child of the relationship, you may be granted both stages at the same time.
What happens if we break up before the 801 is granted?
In most cases the application cannot continue, but there are exceptions, such as family violence, the death of your partner or a child of the relationship. Speak to a registered migration agent about your situation.
Can I travel while waiting for the 801 visa?
If you hold an 820 visa, you can usually travel. If you are still on a bridging visa, you may need a Bridging visa B before leaving Australia. Check your visa conditions first.
Do I need an AFP police check for the 801 visa?
Home Affairs may ask for an Australian Federal Police check and overseas police certificates. We tell you exactly which ones you need.
Can I include my children in my 801 visa?
Children included in your combined application can be granted the 801 with you. A baby born after you applied should be reported to Home Affairs.
Can an 801 visa be cancelled?
Permanent visas can be cancelled in limited situations, such as serious character concerns or false information in the application. Honest, accurate applications protect you.
Can I apply for citizenship on an 801 visa?
Yes. Once you meet the residence and other citizenship requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
What happens after 5 years on an 801 visa?
You remain a permanent resident, but your travel facility usually ends after 5 years. You may need a Resident Return visa to travel, unless you become a citizen.
Can I get Centrelink benefits on an 801 visa?
Permanent residents can access some government payments, but waiting periods often apply. Check with Services Australia for your situation.
Where are your offices?
We have an office in Australia and our Sri Lanka office at 36/3/2 Pavilian Building, Gamini Mawatha, Galle. We also offer online consultations.
Get Ready for Your Partner Visa 801
Talk to our partner visa 801 consultants. We will confirm your eligibility date, review your updated evidence and guide you to permanent residence with our own registered migration agent. Your first assessment is free.
