Making Australia Home: Understanding The Family Stream Permanent Visa

For those who want to stay in Australia with a loved one, the family stream permanent visa offers a way to do that. Whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship, this visa helps you live in Australia with your partner and eventually become a permanent resident. It’s a common option for couples who want to build a life together in Australia.

If you’re thinking of staying in the country with your Australian partner, you’ll probably hear about something called the Partner Visa, which comes in different steps. These steps lead to the family stream permanent visa Australia offers to people in genuine relationships.

Let’s walk through what this visa is, who it’s for, and how it works.

V. Temporary To Permanent: What Happens After Two Years?

Once two years have passed since your original application date, you’ll be asked to submit more information. This is to check that you’re still in a genuine, ongoing relationship.

This next step is when you’re being assessed for the subclass 801 visa, which is the permanent part of the family stream permanent visa Australia provides to long-term partners.

You may need to send updated documents and possibly attend an interview. If everything looks good, you’ll be granted the permanent visa, and that’s when things really change. With this visa, you can:

VI. Can You Apply Only For The 801 Visa?

No. You can’t apply directly for the permanent visa (subclass 801) unless you already hold the temporary visa (subclass 820). It’s a two-step process, and both are linked together under the same application. You pay one fee upfront when applying, which covers both stages.

What If You Break Up During The Process?

This can affect your application, but it depends on your situation. If the relationship ends after you receive the temporary visa but before the permanent one is granted, you might still be able to get the permanent visa if:

In any case, you should let immigration know and get advice on what to do next.

VII. What If You’re Already In A Long-Term Relationship?

f you’ve been together for a long time before applying, immigration may skip the two-year wait and assess you directly for the permanent visa. This only happens if your relationship meets the “long-term” criteria, which usually means:

Again, this isn’t automatic. You’ll still need to provide enough proof to show how long and strong your relationship is.

II. The Two-Step Process: How It Works

This is how the process usually flows:

Apply for both the temporary and permanent partner visa at the same time.

If approved, you receive the permanent 801 visa.

In some situations, if you’ve been in a long-term relationship before applying, you might be granted the permanent visa straight away after the temporary one is processed.

III. Who Can Apply For The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)?

To apply for this type of family stream permanent visa, you must be in a relationship with:

This visa is open to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.

IV. What Do You Need To Show?

Immigration wants to know that your relationship is real. That means showing evidence like:

If you’re married, you’ll need a valid marriage certificate. If you’re in a de facto relationship, you need to show you’ve been together for at least 12 months unless there are special circumstances.

I. What Is The Family Stream Permanent Visa?

The family stream permanent visa is a pathway that allows partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. It starts with a temporary visa and, after two years, can turn into a permanent one if everything is in place.

Both are part of the family stream permanent visa Australia offers to people who are in long-term and genuine relationships.

VIII. Staying In Australia During The Process

One benefit of the Partner Visa 820 is that it lets you stay in Australia while your application is being processed. You can work, study, and access public health care while waiting. You’ll also receive a Bridging Visa that kicks in once your current visa expires, so there’s no gap in your legal stay.

IX. Why People Choose The Family Stream Permanent Visa

The family stream permanent visa is one of the most trusted options for people who want to stay in Australia with their partner. It’s structured to support people in committed relationships and gives them a chance to build a future together.

Many applicants find peace of mind knowing there’s a clear pathway from temporary to permanent residency.

Let Love Lead The Way

Building a life with your partner is something worth holding on to. The family stream permanent visa Australia offers is one way to make that dream real. It takes time and effort, but being together is worth it. Make sure you prepare well, gather the right documents, and stay honest throughout the process.

Ready To Take The Next Step With Your Partner?

Want to know if you and your partner qualify for a family stream permanent visa? At Unique Education and Migration Services, we help couples understand their options and get through the visa process smoothly. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re ready to go from temporary to permanent residency, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s help you stay together in Australia. Contact us today for a personalised consultation.

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