Introduction

Applying for the Australian Partner Visa Subclass 801 marks a key step toward long‑term residency. After two years on the provisional Partner Visa Subclass 820, you become eligible for the Subclass 801. But the process can feel overwhelming. Which documents do you need? How do you prove your relationship is genuine? What health and character checks must you complete? This checklist lays out the essentials you must gather before you apply. Read on to take the stress out of your application and boost your chances of approval.

Partner Visa Subclass 801 Checklist | Australia Guide

1. Understand the Visa Pathway

Before collecting documents, know how the Subclass 801 fits into Australia’s visa system:

• You first hold a provisional visa (Subclass 820).
• After two years on that visa, you may apply for the permanent visa (Subclass 801).
• You must still meet all relationship and eligibility rules at the time of your second‑stage application.

Keeping your provisional visa valid and complying with all conditions is vital. A lapse could affect your permanent visa outcome.

2. Prove Your Identity

Strong identity evidence shows that the visa belongs to the right person. You will need:

• A certified copy of your valid passport photo page.
• Birth certificate showing full name and birth details.
• National identity card, if you have one.
• Certified translation of any non‑English documents.

Make sure each copy is certified by an approved translator or authorised person. This prevents delays in processing.

3. Relationship Evidence

The core of the partner visa is proving you live in a genuine, ongoing relationship. Collect evidence in these categories:

1. Joint Living

• Lease or mortgage documents with both your names.
• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas) showing shared address.
• Joint bank statements or statements with both names (e.g., car loan).

2. Financial Commitment

• Joint bank accounts or joint credit cards.
• Shared insurance policies (health, home, car).
• Proof of shared expenses, such as receipts for groceries or rent.

3. Social Evidence

• Photos together at family events, holidays, and outings.
• Invitations addressed to both of you.
• Social media posts tagging both partners.

4. Nature of Commitment

• Statutory declarations from yourself, your partner, and third parties.
• Statements explaining meeting history, milestones, and future plans.
• Letters from friends and family confirming your relationship’s genuineness.

Aim for a mix of official documents, personal statements, and third‑party confirmations. This balanced approach shows your relationship is real.

4. Character Requirements

Australian law requires all visa applicants to meet character standards. You must provide:

• Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16.
• Form 80 (Character Details) completed in full.
• Any court or tribunal documents if you have a criminal record.

Submit certified copies of all certificates and paperwork. Early clearance helps avoid last‑minute surprises.

5. Health Checks

Health requirements protect public health and safety. You may need:

• A full medical examination by a panel physician approved by the Australian government.
• Chest x‑ray and blood tests, depending on your age and health history.
• Health declaration forms, completed accurately.

Schedule your health checks as soon as possible, since results can take weeks to arrive.

6. Sponsor Requirements

Your Australian partner must meet the sponsorship criteria. They must be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Not have sponsored another partner visa applicant in the last five years.
• Able to support you financially and personally.

They must sign the sponsorship form and provide evidence of their status, such as a passport copy or citizenship certificate.

7. Complete the Application Form

The correct form for the permanent stage is the same online application you used for Subclass 820. Ensure you:

• Update any address or contact details changed since your provisional visa.
• Answer all questions truthfully and fully.
• Attach all supporting documents in the order requested.

Use clear file names and a logical folder structure when uploading. This helps the processing officer review your application quickly.

8. Pay the Application Fee

The Subclass 801 application fee must be paid online. Check the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website. Keep:

• A copy of your payment receipt.
• Proof of fee concession, if eligible (e.g., Australian Government voucher).

Without proof of payment, your application will not proceed.

9. Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on your situation, you may need:

• Evidence of separation or divorce from previous partners.
• Documents showing children in your partnership, such as birth certificates.
• Travel records proving you have spent time together over two years.
• Evidence of shared household items (photos of furnishings with both names).

Tailor your evidence to reflect your unique circumstances.

10. Check for Common Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls that cause delays or rejections:

• Missing signatures on statutory declarations or forms.
• Uncertified or improperly translated documents.
• Gaps in police checks or unexplained travel history.
• Inconsistent dates between different documents.
• Lack of evidence in any of the relationship categories.

Use this checklist to tick off each document and prevent errors.

11. After You Apply

Once lodged:

1. You will receive an application number and acknowledgement letter.
2. The department may request further information—respond promptly within the deadline.
3. Processing times vary but expect 12 to 24 months.
4. You may need to attend an interview or provide biometrics.

Stay in touch with your migration agent or directly check your ImmiAccount for status updates.

12. Preparing for Visa Grant

If all goes well, you will receive approval for permanent residency. Before your grant:

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Plan your travel or residency arrangements in Australia.
• Consider enrolling in Medicare for healthcare coverage.
• Learn about rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident.

This preparation helps you settle smoothly into life with full residency rights.

Conclusion

Securing the Australian Partner Visa Subclass 801 paves the way to long‑term residency and future citizenship. To succeed, gather all identity documents, relationship evidence, health and character clearances, and sponsor information before lodgement. Follow each step carefully, check for errors, and respond quickly to any departmental requests. With this comprehensive checklist in hand, you can apply confidently. Good luck on your journey toward permanent residence in Australia, and enjoy building your future together down under.