When Do You Move from Subclass 820 to Subclass 801?

After your Subclass 820 temporary Partner Visa is granted, the next milestone is the Subclass 801 permanent Partner Visa. For DIY applicants, understanding when and how the transition happens is crucial to ensure you maintain lawful status and are prepared for the permanent stage.

Step 1: The Two-Stage Partner Visa Process

The Australian Partner Visa pathway consists of:

Subclass 820 – temporary visa granted onshore
Subclass 801 – permanent visa assessed approximately 2 years after lodgement

Key point: You do not need to lodge a separate application for the 801 if you applied onshore for the combined 820/801 pathway. The 801 is essentially automatically triggered once the 820 is granted and sufficient time has passed.

DIY Tip: Keep your Subclass 820 documentation organised; it will support the permanent assessment.

Step 2: Typical Timing to Move to Subclass 801

The Department generally assesses the permanent 801 visa about 2 years after your 820 lodgement date
The exact timeline can vary depending on:
- Completeness of your relationship evidence
- Requests for further information
- Department workload

In 2026, most applicants can expect the 801 assessment to start roughly 24 months after lodgement, but some cases may be faster or slower.

Step 3: What the Department Assesses at the 801 Stage

When the 2-year period arrives, the Department evaluates:

Relationship Continuity
- Has your relationship continued since 820 lodgement?
- Evidence may include joint finances, cohabitation, communication, and social recognition
Sponsor Eligibility
- Your partner must still meet sponsorship requirements
Applicant’s Health and Character
- Usually, no new checks unless circumstances have changed significantly

DIY Tip: Maintain updated evidence throughout the 820 period to make the 801 stage smooth.

Step 4: Evidence Updates

Even after 820 grant, you can update your application with new relationship evidence:

Photos, travel, or events showing ongoing commitment
Updated financial documents (joint bank accounts, bills, leases)
Statutory declarations from friends and family confirming the relationship

DIY Tip: Keep a digital folder with timestamps to quickly upload evidence if requested.

Step 5: Maintaining Your Status During the Transition

You remain on your Subclass 820 temporary visa until the 801 is granted
All work, study, and Medicare rights continue as per your 820 conditions
Avoid any changes that could negatively impact your relationship evidence (e.g., long separations without proof of ongoing commitment)

DIY Tip: Treat the 820 period as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship documentation.

Step 6: What Happens Once Subclass 801 Is Granted

Once the Department grants the 801:

You become a permanent resident of Australia
You gain full work and study rights without restrictions
You are eligible for all government benefits, including Medicare, social security, and the ability to sponsor family visas

DIY Tip: Keep your permanent visa grant notice safe—it is proof of your status and will be needed for banking, healthcare, and employment.

Step 7: Tips for DIY Applicants

Plan ahead: Know the 2-year mark and maintain documentation
Stay organised: Keep a record of ongoing relationship evidence
Update evidence promptly: Include new photos, travel, or joint activities
Respond to Department requests quickly: Avoid delays in 801 assessment
Ensure continuous lawful status: Your 820 allows this until the 801 is granted

Final Thoughts

For DIY applicants, the move from Subclass 820 to 801 is automatic but conditional:

It generally happens about 2 years after lodgement
The Department reassesses relationship continuity, sponsor eligibility, and any major health/character changes
Maintaining organised, updated evidence is essential to ensure a smooth transition to permanent residency

Think of the 820 period as a preparation phase for the permanent stage—the more organised and proactive you are, the easier it is to secure your Subclass 801 visa.

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