Why Work With Sangeeta Mahajan (MARN 2518841)?
Moving from a temporary partner visa to permanent residency is a major step for couples building their lives in Australia. The Partner Visa 801 Australia is the permanent-residency stage of the partner migration pathway, generally following on from the temporary Partner Visa 820.
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I'm Sangeeta Mahajan, a registered migration agent (MARN 2518841) at Immigration HQ Australia. At immigration HQ, we provide one-on-one Partner Visa 801 support, eligibility guidance, document preparation, relationship-evidence review and application assistance.
How Long Does Partner Visa 801 Processing Take?
Processing times vary by application complexity, evidence quality, and current Department of Home Affairs workload, so there's no single fixed timeframe. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current published processing times before relying on any estimate.
A complete, well-organised application from the outset is the main thing within your control to help avoid delays
What Is Partner Visa 801 Australia?
The Partner Visa 801 is a permanent visa for the eligible spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It is the second and final stage of the combined subclass 820/801 partner visa pathway, and it assesses whether the relationship remains genuine and ongoing since the temporary stage was granted.
Am I Eligible for Partner Visa 801?
You are generally eligible to progress to the Partner Visa 801 if you:
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Hold, or have applied through, the temporary Partner Visa 820 pathway
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Continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner
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Can provide updated supporting evidence of that relationship
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Continue to meet your visa conditions
Because eligibility depends on individual circumstances, include any changes to your relationship or personal situation.
Why Work With Sangeeta Mahajan (MARN 2518841)?
Even applicants who were well-prepared for their Partner Visa 820 often run into new questions at the permanent stage, since the focus shifts from starting a relationship to proving it has continued.
Here are the issues I see most often.
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Not knowing when to apply:
Timing depends on your current visa status and circumstances. Applying too early or too late in relation to your 820 conditions can create unnecessary delays or complications.
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Unsure what "updated" evidence means:
Applicants often resend 820-stage evidence instead of showing what's changed. A permanent visa assessment looks for progression in the relationship, not a repeat of documents already on file.
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Life changes mid-process:
Address, employment or family changes can affect how an application should be presented, and unexplained gaps or inconsistencies can prompt additional questions from a case officer.
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Gaps in the evidence timeline:
Long stretches with no financial, household or social evidence can raise questions, even when the relationship itself hasn't changed. Applicants don't always realise this until a case officer asks for clarification.
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Combining evidence types incorrectly:
Some applicants submit a large volume of documents without organising them by category, making it harder for a case officer to see how the pieces fit together.
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Uncertainty around sponsor obligations:
Sponsors are sometimes unsure what information they still need to provide or update at the permanent stage, which can hold up an otherwise complete application.
What Evidence Do I Need for Partner Visa 801?
The permanent stage focuses on how your relationship has continued and developed since your temporary visa was granted.
Typical evidence includes:
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Financial connection: Joint accounts, shared bills, shared assets
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Household Arrangements: Shared address, shared responsibilities
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Social recognition: How friends, family and the community view the relationship
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Future commitment: Shared plans, ongoing plans as a couple
At immigration, we help applicants identify which updates are relevant to their situation and organise them clearly, rather than resubmitting the same evidence used at the 820 stage.
Partner Visa 801 Application Process
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Review your current situation:
Current visa status, relationship circumstances, and any changes since your 820 application.
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Prepare updated evidence and documents:
Organised so your application tells a clear, consistent story.
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Submit your application:
With the required supporting information.
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Respond to any follow-up requests:
I stay involved after submission to help with additional information requests or updates during assessment.
Common Challenges Applicants Face
Even applicants who were well-prepared for their Partner Visa 820 often run into new questions at the permanent stage, since the focus shifts from starting a relationship to proving it has continued.
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Here are the issues I see most often.
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Not knowing when to apply:
Timing depends on your current visa status and circumstances. Applying too early or too late in relation to your 820 conditions can create unnecessary delays or complications.
-
Unsure what "updated" evidence means:
Applicants often resend 820-stage evidence instead of showing what's changed. A permanent visa assessment looks for progression in the relationship, not a repeat of documents already on file.
-
Life changes mid-process:
Address, employment or family changes can affect how an application should be presented, and unexplained gaps or inconsistencies can prompt additional questions from a case officer.
-
Gaps in the evidence timeline:
Long stretches with no financial, household or social evidence can raise questions, even when the relationship itself hasn't changed. Applicants don't always realise this until a case officer asks for clarification.
-
Combining evidence types incorrectly:
Some applicants submit a large volume of documents without organising them by category, making it harder for a case officer to see how the pieces fit together.
-
Uncertainty around sponsor obligations:
Sponsors are sometimes unsure what information they still need to provide or update at the permanent stage, which can hold up an otherwise complete application.
What Documents Are Required for Partner Visa 801?
Personal Information
Current identity documents, updated personal details, visa details
Relationship Evidence
Updated proof of financial, household and social connection
Sponsor Information
Sponsor details, declarations, supporting statements
Exact requirements vary by applicant; we review each case and confirm what's needed before you start gathering documents.