Standard two-year rule
Two years from the 820 lodgement date. Most applicants reach eligibility this way. Submit 801 evidence around this time.
Subclass 801 · Permanent Residency · 2-Year Milestone
The 820 is the first step. The 801 is the second.
Two years after lodging your 820, the Department reviews your relationship again to decide whether to grant permanent residence. The process is quieter than stage one, but getting it wrong still ends badly.
Eligibility for 801
Three qualifying scenarios.
The 801 is assessed against your circumstances at the two-year eligibility date.
Long-term relationship at 820 lodgement
If the relationship was long-term at 820 lodgement (3+ years, or 2+ years with a child), the applicant may have been granted 820 and 801 simultaneously. 801 already in place.
Compelling circumstances
Compelling or compassionate circumstances (serious illness, family violence, death of sponsor, child of relationship) can enable 801 grant earlier. Specific provisions apply.
What evidence is needed
Continuing relationship evidence.
The 801 focuses on evidence the relationship has continued since the 820 was granted. Different emphasis from stage one.
Evidence spanning the full 2 yearsJoint bank statements, joint bills, joint travel, joint photos dating from grant forward. Continuous documentary record.
New evidence categoriesItems acquired since 820 grant: joint mortgage or lease, joint insurance, joint wills, birth of children. Each strengthens the continuing nature of the relationship.
Updated Form 888sFresh statutory declarations from friends and family who have continued to observe the relationship. See evidence checklist.
Any relationship changes disclosedBrief separations, periods apart, or difficulties disclosed with explanation. Hiding issues is worse than explaining them.
Processing and outcome
12-18 months typical.
801 processing is usually faster than 820. The bulk of the assessment has already been done at stage one.
Timing
Submit 801 evidence around the 2-year eligibility date. Processing 12-18 months typical. Bridging visa continues during processing if required.
Most 801s grant
Where the 820 was properly granted and the relationship has genuinely continued, 801 grant is usually straightforward.
Grounds for 801 refusal
Relationship ending, weak continuing evidence, or new adverse information can result in 801 refusal. See refusal patterns.
Most 801 refusals come from relationships that have quietly ended.
The 801 evidence must show the relationship continued. Couples who separated during the 2-year period and hoped to get the PR anyway often find the Department notices the evidence gaps. Family violence and other special provisions may apply if circumstances justify.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 801 preparation, book with Neha Sharma.
Do I need to pay a separate 801 fee?
No separate Department fee for most applicants. The 820 fee covered both stages.
Can my 801 be refused even if my 820 was granted?
Yes. 801 is a fresh assessment of continuing relationship. The 820 grant does not guarantee 801.
Can I travel on a bridging visa waiting for 801?
Depends on your visa status. If the 820 is still in effect (not yet expired or ended), travel is on the 820 which is a substantive visa. Check VEVO.
What if we separated briefly during the 2 years?
Brief separations do not necessarily end the relationship. Explain the circumstances honestly with supporting evidence of reconciliation and continuing relationship.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.