If you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the partner visa 801 could be your pathway to a new life together in Australia. This permanent visa is designed for couples who are looking to live in Australia long-term. But before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand what the 801 partner visa entails, how to apply, and what the processing time is like.
What is the Partner Visa Subclass 801?
The partner visa subclass 801 is a permanent residency visa designed for individuals who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia, as well as access public health care through Medicare.
One key point to note about the 801 partner visa is that it is not a standalone application. It is granted after you first apply for the temporary partner visa subclass 820. The 801 visa is the permanent residency stage of the partner visa process. You must first be granted the temporary 820 visa, which allows you to live in Australia while your permanent visa application is being processed.
Who is Eligible for the 801 Partner Visa?
To apply for the 801 partner visa, you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
Genuine Relationship: You and your partner must demonstrate that you are in a committed, long-term relationship. This includes sharing finances, living arrangements, and social life.
Temporary Partner Visa: Before being eligible for the partner visa subclass 801, you must first be granted the temporary 820 partner visa.
Health and Character: As with any Australian visa, you and your partner must meet certain health and character requirements. This usually includes undergoing medical exams and providing police certificates.
Sponsorship: Your Australian partner must agree to sponsor you, and this sponsorship will be assessed by the Australian government.
The 801 partner visa is available to both de facto partners and married couples, as long as you can show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
The Process of Applying for the 801 Partner Visa
Applying for the 801 partner visa involves a multi-step process:
Apply for the 820 Visa: This is the temporary visa you will receive initially. You will need to submit your application, provide documentation of your relationship, and attend interviews if required. Once granted, this allows you to live and work in Australia while your permanent visa application is processed.
Wait for the 801 Visa: After your 820 visa is granted, you will be able to apply for the permanent 801 partner visa. You do not need to submit a separate application for the 801 visa, as it is automatically considered once you’ve been on the 820 visa for two years or more.
Provide Further Evidence: The Department of Home Affairs will ask for updated documents to ensure that your relationship is still genuine and continuing. This could include financial records, joint bank statements, or statements from friends and family.
Approval and Permanent Residency: If everything checks out, you’ll be granted the permanent partner visa subclass 801. This allows you to live in Australia permanently, enjoy all the rights of Australian citizens (except voting), and apply for Australian citizenship after a few years.
Partner Visa Subclass 801 Processing Time
The processing time for the 801 partner visa varies significantly from one applicant to another. While the temporary 820 visa is usually granted relatively quickly, the wait for the 801 partner visa can be longer, as it depends on the complexity of your case and the current workload at the Department of Home Affairs.
On average, the processing time for the 801 partner visa can range from 18 to 24 months after the 820 visa is granted. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Some applicants may wait longer, depending on the circumstances.
Benefits of the 801 Partner Visa
The 801 partner visa comes with a variety of benefits that can significantly improve your life in Australia:
Permanent Residency: Once granted, you’ll have the right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
Access to Medicare: As a permanent resident, you can enjoy Australia’s public healthcare system, which provides low-cost or free medical services.
Travel Rights: The 801 partner visa allows you to leave and re-enter Australia as often as you wish. If you’re planning on traveling abroad, this visa provides the flexibility to return to Australia without worrying about reapplying for entry.
Pathway to Citizenship: After holding the 801 partner visa for a few years, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
Key Considerations
While the 801 partner visa offers many advantages, the application process can be lengthy, and not all applications are straightforward. It’s important to keep your documentation organized and up to date to avoid any delays. Working with a registered migration agent can also help streamline the process, especially when navigating the complex visa system.
Conclusion
The partner visa subclass 801 is an essential step for couples who want to live together permanently in Australia. Although it involves a multi-stage process and a lengthy waiting period, the benefits of permanent residency and access to Australia’s healthcare system make it a worthwhile investment. By ensuring that your application is thorough and well-documented, you can increase your chances of a smooth application process, ultimately enjoying the life you’ve always dreamed of with your partner in Australia.