Partner Visa Stage 2 (801/100 Permanent Visa) Document Checklist
The Partner Visa Stage 2 process is one of the most important steps in the Australian partner visa journey. If you currently hold a temporary Partner visa subclass 820 or subclass 309, the next stage usually involves the permanent Partner visa subclass 801 or subclass 100.
In most cases, the 801/100 permanent partner visa can allow you to live in Australia indefinitely, work and study, access Medicare, sponsor eligible family members, and later apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements. In addition, the Department of Home Affairs explains that the subclass 801 visa lets eligible partners live in Australia permanently and that applicants generally already paid for this visa when they applied for the combined temporary and permanent partner visas.
However, the permanent stage does not happen automatically. Instead, you still need to provide updated documents and prove that your relationship remains genuine and continuing. Therefore, preparing a strong Partner Visa Stage 2 801/100 permanent visa document can help you avoid delays, reduce requests for further information, and move through the second-stage process with greater confidence.
What Is Partner Visa Stage 2 (801/100 )?
Partner Visa Stage 2 refers to the permanent stage of the partner visa process. For onshore applicants, this usually means moving from the subclass 820 temporary partner visa to the subclass 801 permanent partner visa. On the other hand, for offshore applicants, it usually means moving from the subclass 309 temporary partner visa to the subclass 100 permanent partner visa.
The Department confirms that subclass 820 is the first step towards the permanent subclass 801 visa. Similarly, subclass 309 is the temporary stage that can lead to the subclass 100 permanent visa. Therefore, whether you applied onshore or offshore, the second stage focuses on whether your relationship has remained genuine and continuing.
In most cases, you apply for the temporary and permanent partner visa together at the beginning. You also pay one visa application charge for the combined application. Later, once you become eligible for the permanent stage, the Department assesses your updated evidence and checks whether your relationship has continued since the temporary visa stage.
Important tip: Do not wait until the Department asks for documents. Start collecting relationship evidence as soon as your temporary Partner visa is granted.
801/100 Eligibility Requirements
To move from a temporary Partner visa to the permanent 801/100 visa, you usually need to show that you still meet the partner visa requirements. Most importantly, this means proving that your relationship with your sponsor remains genuine and continuing, unless a limited exception applies.
Generally, you need to show that:
- you hold or held the relevant temporary Partner visa;
- you remain sponsored by the same partner;
- your relationship remains genuine and continuing;
- you and your partner share a mutual commitment to a life together;
- you meet character requirements;
- you provide updated documents when requested;
- your sponsor continues to meet relevant sponsor requirements.
The subclass 801 and subclass 100 visas both allow eligible applicants to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, sponsor eligible family members, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Important tip: If your relationship has changed, ended, or become complicated, seek legal advice before uploading documents or notifying the Department.
Partner Visa Stage 2 Relationship Evidence Checklist
Relationship evidence sits at the centre of every Partner Visa application. You need to show that your relationship has continued and developed since the temporary visa stage.
The Department usually looks at several areas of a couple’s life together. Therefore, you should prepare evidence across different categories instead of relying on one type of document.
Financial Evidence for 801/100 Partner Visa
Financial evidence helps show that you and your partner share financial responsibility. This does not mean every couple must combine all money, but you should show how you manage financial matters together.
Useful documents may include:
- joint bank account statements;
- evidence of shared rent or mortgage payments;
- utility bills in joint names;
- joint insurance policies;
- joint car ownership or loan documents;
- joint credit card or personal loan statements;
- evidence of shared household expenses;
- money transfers between each other;
- tax records showing partner details;
- superannuation beneficiary nominations;
- wills or estate planning documents, if available.
Household Evidence for 801/100 Partner Visa
Household evidence shows how you and your partner live together and share domestic responsibilities. This evidence can become especially important if you do not have extensive joint financial records.
Useful documents may include:
- lease agreements in both names;
- mortgage documents;
- council or utility bills addressed to both partners;
- mail showing the same residential address;
- driver licence or government records showing the same address;
- household purchase receipts;
- evidence of shared chores or responsibilities;
- statements explaining how you divide household tasks;
- photos of your shared home;
- documents relating to children, if relevant.
Social Evidence for 801/100 Partner Visa
Social evidence shows that other people recognise you as a couple. This can include family, friends, community members, colleagues, and social networks.
Useful documents may include:
- photos together at family events;
- photos from holidays, birthdays, festivals, and special occasions;
- invitations addressed to both partners;
- travel bookings and itineraries;
- hotel bookings in both names;
- social media posts, if appropriate;
- evidence of joint memberships;
- evidence of attending community, cultural, or religious events together;
- Form 888 statutory declarations from family or friends.
Commitment Evidence for Partner Visa Stage 2 801/100
Commitment evidence shows that you and your partner intend to share a long-term life together. It also helps explain the emotional, practical, and personal side of your relationship.
Useful documents may include:
- updated relationship statements from both partners;
- evidence of future plans together;
- communication records during periods apart;
- travel plans;
- evidence of caring responsibilities;
- evidence involving children;
- emergency contact records;
- beneficiary nominations;
- long-term financial or family plans;
- explanations of major relationship milestones since the temporary visa grant.
Partner Visa Stage 2 Identity Document Checklist
You should also prepare updated identity documents for yourself and, where required, your sponsor. These documents help the Department confirm your current identity and personal circumstances.
Common identity documents may include:
- current passport biodata page;
- old passport details if passport changed;
- birth certificate;
- national identity card, if relevant;
- Australian driver licence, if available;
- change of name certificate, if applicable;
- marriage certificate, if applicable;
- divorce certificate, if applicable;
- updated contact details;
- evidence of any new family members, if relevant.
Partner Visa Stage 2 801/100 Character Document Checklist
Character documents play an important role in the permanent stage. The Department may request updated police clearances, even if you already provided police checks during the first stage.
Common character documents may include:
- Australian Federal Police certificate;
- overseas police certificates, if required;
- court documents for any charges or convictions;
- traffic offence records, if relevant;
- explanations for any character concerns;
- evidence of rehabilitation or compliance, where appropriate.
You should check whether you need overseas police certificates based on where you lived after turning 16 and any updated Department request.
Partner Visa Stage 2 801/100 Sponsor Document Checklist
Your sponsor may also need to provide updated information. This helps the Department confirm that the sponsorship remains valid and that the sponsor continues to support the permanent stage.
Sponsor documents may include:
- sponsor identity documents;
- evidence of Australian citizenship, permanent residence, or eligible New Zealand citizenship;
- updated sponsor statement;
- evidence of shared life with the applicant;
- police checks, if requested;
- any documents requested through ImmiAccount.
What If the Relationship Ends Before Partner Visa Stage 2 (801/100)?
If your relationship ends before the Department grants the permanent 801/100 visa, you should seek advice before taking action. In some limited circumstances, applicants may still continue with the permanent partner visa pathway.
Possible exceptions may include:
- family violence;
- sponsor death;
- a child of the relationship;
- shared custody or access arrangements.
The Department explains that if a partner visa applicant has experienced family violence and no longer remains in a relationship with the sponsor, the applicant may still receive consideration under family violence provisions. The Department also states that partner visa applicants should tell the Department when the relationship has ended and can use the Notification of Relationship Cessation form in ImmiAccount if they have access.
Important tip: Do not withdraw your application or upload relationship cessation information without legal advice if family violence, children, or sponsor death may apply.
How Legal Help Matters for Partner Visa Stage 2 801/100?
Legal help can make a major difference during Partner Visa Stage 2, especially when your situation involves complex evidence, periods of separation, character issues, previous refusals, family violence, sponsor issues, or Department requests.
At Emigrate Lawyers, we can help you:
- review your eligibility for the 801/100 permanent stage;
- prepare a tailored document checklist;
- organise relationship evidence clearly;
- draft strong applicant and sponsor statements;
- identify gaps in financial, household, social, and commitment evidence;
- respond to Department requests;
- advise on family violence or relationship breakdown options;
- manage character concerns;
- reduce avoidable delays or mistakes.
At Emigrate Lawyers, we assist clients with partner visa matters, including the transition from subclass 820 to 801 and subclass 309 to 100. Our team can help you prepare a clear, complete, and well-structured second-stage evidence package so you can move forward with greater confidence.
Important tip: Seek legal help before submitting weak or incomplete second-stage documents. It is often easier to prepare the application properly than to fix problems later.
Need Help With Your Partner Visa Stage 2?
Emigrate Lawyers can help you review your 801/100 documents, organise your relationship evidence, and prepare your next steps with confidence.
Book A ConsultationFAQs
Q1. What is the difference between Partner Visa 100 and 801?
A- The Partner Visa 100 is the permanent stage for offshore Partner Visa applicants who first held a subclass 309 visa. The Partner Visa 801 is the permanent stage for onshore Partner Visa applicants who first held a subclass 820 visa.
Q2. How long does it take to get a Visa 100?
A- Processing times for the subclass 100 visa vary depending on the evidence, relationship circumstances, police checks, and Department workload. Most applicants become eligible for assessment around two years after lodging the original 309/100 combined application.
Q3. What is the second stage of Visa 801?
A- The second stage of the 801 visa is the permanent partner visa assessment after the temporary subclass 820 visa. At this stage, applicants must provide updated documents showing that the relationship remains genuine and continuing.
Q4. Is Partner Visa 801 the same as PR?
A- Yes, the Partner Visa 801 is a permanent residence visa. It allows eligible applicants to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
Q5. Is Partner Subclass 100 a PR?
A- Yes, the Partner Visa subclass 100 is a permanent residence visa. It allows eligible offshore partner visa applicants to live in Australia permanently after meeting the permanent stage requirements.
Q6. What happens after 5 years of 801 visa?
A- The Partner Visa 801 does not expire as a permanent visa, but the travel facility usually lasts for 5 years from the grant date. After 5 years, you may need a Resident Return Visa to travel overseas and return as a permanent resident, unless you become an Australian citizen.
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa Stage 2 801/100 process is a crucial step toward permanent residence in Australia. Although you have already completed the temporary stage, the Department still needs updated evidence before granting the permanent partner visa. Therefore, you should prepare clear documents that show your relationship remains genuine, continuing, and committed.
In addition, you should not treat the second stage as a simple formality. Your relationship evidence, police checks, sponsor documents, and personal circumstances still matter. As a result, early preparation can help reduce delays and strengthen your permanent partner visa application.
If your case involves separation, family violence, sponsor death, children, character concerns, or weak evidence, legal advice can help you understand your options before you act. At Emigrate Lawyers, we can assist with permanent partner visa document preparation, evidence review, and legal strategy for subclass 801 and subclass 100 applicants.
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