Partner Visa Subclasses 801 & 100: What’s Required at the Second Stage? [2025–2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The second stage of the Australian Partner visa (Subclass 801 or 100) requires you to actively lodge a separate application via ImmiAccount after 2 years from your initial lodgement, providing updated evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. You must submit fresh documents covering financial, household, social, and commitment aspects from the period since your provisional visa was granted. Processing typically takes 6–12 months, and your provisional visa remains valid throughout.

Understanding the Two-Stage Partner Visa Process

The Australian Partner visa is assessed and granted in two distinct stages, not automatically.

When you first apply for a Partner visa, you technically lodge for both the provisional and permanent stages simultaneously. However, the Department of Home Affairs assesses and approves each stage separately. The provisional Subclass 820 (onshore) or Subclass 309 (offshore) is granted first, allowing you to live and work in Australia while you wait to become eligible for the permanent stage.

The permanent Subclass 801 (onshore) or Subclass 100 (offshore) is only granted after you satisfy a mandatory waiting period and demonstrate that your relationship remains genuine and ongoing. This two-stage design ensures the Department can verify relationship durability before granting permanent residency.

When Are You Eligible for the Permanent Partner Visa?

You become eligible for the permanent visa once 2 years have passed from your initial lodgement date.

This 2-year waiting period is a standard requirement for most Partner visa applicants. However, there are notable exceptions where the Department may grant both stages simultaneously—known as a “double grant”—including:

• Long-term relationships (typically 3+ years)
• Relationships with dependent children
• Applicants who were in a de facto relationship for 2+ years at time of application

If you believe you may qualify for a double grant, it’s worth discussing with a migration professional before lodging your initial application.

Do You Need to Lodge a Separate Stage 2 Application?

Yes—the second stage does not progress automatically; you must actively lodge it.

Many applicants mistakenly assume the Department will automatically assess them for the permanent visa once the 2-year mark passes. This is incorrect. You are required to submit a separate second stage application through your ImmiAccount when you become eligible. Along with this online application, you must provide updated evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Failing to lodge this application means your provisional visa will continue indefinitely, and you will not progress to permanent residency.

Complete Document Checklist for Stage 2

The Department expects updated evidence covering the period since your provisional visa was granted—not documents you already submitted.

When the Department is ready to assess your permanent visa, the decision-maker will review evidence from the date your provisional visa was granted up to the present. Here is the comprehensive checklist of what you should prepare:

Financial Aspects of the Relationship

• Joint bank account statements showing regular transactions
• Joint mortgage or loan documents
• Evidence of shared financial responsibilities (joint insurance policies, utility bills in both names)
• Superannuation beneficiary nominations

Nature of the Household

• Updated lease agreements or property title documents showing you live together
• Correspondence addressed to both parties at the same address (mail, bills, official letters)
• Updated utility bills in joint names or showing both names at the same address

Social Aspects of the Relationship

• Recent photographs together, including with family and friends (dated and captioned)
• Evidence of travel together (boarding passes, hotel bookings, itineraries)
• At least two new Form 888 supporting statements from friends and family who know your relationship
• Social media posts or invitations showing you as a couple

Commitment to the Relationship

• A statutory declaration from the sponsor describing the ongoing relationship
• Evidence of long-term plans together (joint property ownership, wills, powers of attorney)
• Marriage certificate or de facto relationship registration certificate (if applicable and not previously provided)

Health and Character Requirements

• Updated police clearances if your existing ones have expired (usually valid for 12 months)
• Updated health examinations if requested by the Department

Important: Do not resend documents you provided before the provisional visa was granted. The assessment focuses exclusively on the period since your provisional visa grant.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or points situation, use the EOI Points Calculator to check where you stand.

What Happens If Your Relationship Has Ended?

If your relationship breaks down before the permanent visa is granted, you generally lose eligibility—with limited exceptions.

The permanent Partner visa is contingent on an ongoing, genuine relationship. If your relationship has ended, you will typically no longer qualify. However, there are specific circumstances where you may still be eligible:

• Family violence: If the relationship ended because you experienced family violence perpetrated by your sponsor, you may still be eligible for the permanent visa
• Death of sponsor: If your sponsor has died, you may still be eligible if you can demonstrate the relationship was genuine and ongoing at the time of their death
• Child custody or access rights: If you and your former Australian partner have a child together and share custody or access obligations

These exceptions are complex and fact-specific. The Department will require substantial evidence to support any claim under these provisions. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice if your relationship has ended before the permanent visa is granted.

Timeline and Process After Submitting Stage 2

Processing typically takes 6–12 months, during which your provisional visa remains valid.

After you submit your second stage application and provide updated evidence, the Department will assess your eligibility. The processing time can vary depending on individual circumstances and current caseloads. During this period:

• Your provisional Partner visa remains valid
• You can continue to live and work in Australia
• You maintain access to Medicare (if applicable)
• The Department may request further information or documents

Once the Department is satisfied you meet all requirements, your permanent Partner visa will be granted. At that point, you become a permanent resident of Australia, with full work rights, access to social security, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.

For a more personalised assessment of your chances, try the Visa Success Predictor to see how your application stacks up.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Stage 2 Application

Start gathering evidence early and maintain organised records throughout your provisional visa period.

The key to a successful Stage 2 application is preparation. Here are actionable steps to take:

1. Create a digital folder for all relationship evidence from the day your provisional visa is granted
2. Set calendar reminders for the 2-year eligibility date
3. Collect documents quarterly rather than scrambling at the last minute
4. Keep copies of everything you submit
5. Update your Form 888 statements every 12–18 months to ensure freshness
6. Check your English language proficiency if required for any associated applications using the English Level Guide

Final Thoughts

The second stage of the Partner visa process is a critical milestone on your journey to Australian permanent residency. While the requirements are clear, the process demands active participation and thorough preparation. By understanding exactly what the Department expects and gathering your evidence systematically, you can navigate Stage 2 with confidence.

Remember: your provisional visa gives you time to build a strong case. Use it wisely.

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