Can You Reuse Your 820 Evidence for the 801 Partner Visa Stage 2?

You do not need to pretend your original 820 evidence never existed when you reach the permanent Subclass 801 stage. But Stage 2 should not be a copy-and-paste of the original Partner Visa application. Home Affairs wants evidence that the relationship continues and what has happened since the temporary-stage application.

The same principle applies to the offshore 309 → 100 pathway.

What is Stage 2 actually assessing?

For most applicants, the permanent-stage assessment occurs after two years from the original combined Partner Visa application date. The Department asks for updated information about the relationship, finances, household, social aspects, commitment and future plans.

Can old evidence still be relevant?

Yes. Historical evidence remains useful where it explains continuity—for example, the original lease may show when cohabitation began, a marriage certificate remains legally relevant, and earlier financial records can help establish the relationship chronology.

However, the permanent stage should focus heavily on what is new. If the only evidence is the same material submitted years earlier, the Department may have little current evidence that the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

What should be updated for the 801?

• Current joint bank or financial evidence.
• Current lease, mortgage or living-arrangement documents.
• Recent household bills and correspondence.
• Evidence of children or changed family circumstances.
• Recent travel and social activities.
• Updated relationship statements.
• Current Form 888 supporting statements where required.
• Updated sponsor declaration.
• Police certificates where Home Affairs requires new ones.

Do not upload Stage 2 documents too early

Home Affairs currently says eligible 820 and 309 holders can submit permanent-stage documents once two years have passed since the original Partner Visa application, and specifically says not to attach those Stage 2 documents before that time.

Case example

A couple reached the 801 stage and planned to re-upload the same lease, 2024 bank statements and wedding photos used for the original 820. Their Stage 2 package instead used those older documents only where needed for context and concentrated on the following two years: a new home, joint savings, family travel, updated wills and evidence of how their household had developed.

Think continuity, not duplication

The strongest Stage 2 application tells one continuous story from the original 820/309 application to the present. It should be obvious what has remained stable, what has changed and why the couple remains committed to a shared life.

See our 820/801 Partner Visa hub and permanent Partner Visa Stage 2 checklist.

General information only. Stage 2 evidence should be tailored to the relationship history and any changes since the temporary visa stage.