How Long Does It Take to Go From 820 to 801 Visa?

For couples applying for an Australian Partner visa, the journey from the temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) to the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801) is an important milestone. One of the most common questions applicants ask is: How long does it take to go from a 820 visa to an 801 visa?

The short answer is that you generally become eligible for consideration for the subclass 801 two years after you first applied for the combined 820/801 Partner visa application. However, becoming eligible after two years does not mean the permanent visa will automatically be granted on that date. 

What Are the 820 and 801 Visas?

The subclass 820 is the temporary stage of Australia’s onshore Partner visa. It allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live, work and study in Australia while the permanent stage is being assessed.

The subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the Partner visa and allows the successful applicant to remain in Australia permanently. 

Importantly, applicants generally apply for the temporary and permanent Partner visa stages together. You do not normally lodge an entirely new Partner visa application when moving from the 820 stage to the 801 stage.

When Can You Apply for the 801?

The key date is the date you first applied for the temporary and permanent Partner visas, rather than simply the date your subclass 820 visa was granted.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, you are eligible for consideration for the permanent Partner visa two years after you first applied for the temporary and permanent Partner visas. You can check your original application date through your ImmiAccount. 

Example

Suppose you lodged your combined 820/801 application on:

10 September 2024

You would generally become eligible for consideration for the permanent 801 stage on:

10 September 2026

The date your 820 visa was granted does not necessarily determine the two-year eligibility date.

Does the 801 Visa Get Granted Immediately After Two Years?

No.

Two years marks the point at which you become eligible for consideration. The Department of Home Affairs must still assess your permanent Partner visa application.

The Department states that processing times for the permanent Partner visa start from the date you become eligible, which is two years after you applied for the temporary and permanent Partner visas. Processing times are only an indication and are not a guarantee for an individual application. 

Therefore, the overall journey can be longer than two years.

What Happens After Two Years?

Once two years have passed, you can provide the information and supporting documents required for the permanent stage.

According to Home Affairs, eligible 820 holders can log in to ImmiAccount, select New application, choose Family, and then select Stage 2 – Permanent Partner Visa Assessment (100, 801). 

You may be asked to provide updated evidence demonstrating that your relationship continues to meet the requirements.

What Documents May Be Required?

When preparing for the 801 stage, it is important to keep your evidence organised.

Depending on your circumstances, evidence can include:

• Joint bank account information
• Joint bills
• Rental or mortgage documents
• Evidence of shared household responsibilities
• Travel records
• Photos and correspondence
• Evidence of social activities together
• Statements from family and friends
• Other evidence demonstrating the ongoing nature of your relationship

You should follow the specific document requirements provided by the Department of Home Affairs rather than relying solely on general checklists.

What If Your Relationship Has Changed?

A continuing relationship is generally an important part of the permanent Partner visa assessment. However, there are circumstances in which a person may still be eligible for permanent residence even if the relationship has ended.

For example, special provisions may apply in situations involving domestic or family violence or the death of the sponsoring partner. 

Because these situations can be legally complex, applicants should obtain professional immigration advice about their individual circumstances.

What Can Cause Delays?

There is no guaranteed processing time for an 801 application.

A case may take longer if:

• Required documents are missing
• Information is incomplete
• Home Affairs requests additional evidence
• Further checks are required
• Information needs to be verified
• The circumstances of the application are complex

The Department specifically notes that applications can take longer when additional information is required or information needs to be verified. 

Providing complete and accurate information can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Can You Stay in Australia While Waiting?

The subclass 820 allows eligible applicants to remain in Australia temporarily while the permanent Partner visa is being finalised. The 820 also generally allows the holder to live, work and study in Australia while the permanent visa is being processed.

It is important to check your individual visa conditions and status through official Home Affairs channels, particularly if you plan to travel overseas.

Is There an Additional Visa Application Fee for the 801?

The Partner visa application fee is generally paid when the combined temporary and permanent Partner visa application is lodged. The Department states that applicants paid for the permanent visa when they made their applications for the temporary and permanent Partner visas. Additional costs, such as health or police checks, may still apply. 

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

It is useful to think about the process in two stages:

Stage 1: You lodge the combined 820/801 Partner visa application.

Stage 2: You generally become eligible for the permanent 801 assessment after two years from the original application date.

Stage 3: You provide the required information and supporting documents for the permanent stage.

Stage 4: Home Affairs assesses the 801 application and makes a decision.

The two-year period is therefore an eligibility milestone, not a guaranteed date for permanent visa approval.

Final Thoughts

For most applicants, the key rule to remember is simple: you generally become eligible for consideration for the subclass 801 permanent Partner visa two years after you first applied for the combined 820/801 application.

However, the 801 visa is not automatically granted as soon as the two-year mark is reached. You may need to provide updated relationship evidence and other requested documents, and Home Affairs will assess your application before making a decision. 

If you’re approaching your two-year eligibility date, preparing your documents early can help make the permanent-stage process smoother.

Need Help With Your 820 to 801 Visa Journey?

Every Partner visa application is different, particularly where there are complex relationship, sponsorship, character, or visa-history circumstances. If you need professional assistance, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified immigration professional who can assess your circumstances and explain the appropriate pathway