Important Update for Australian Partner Visa Holders: Transition to Permanent Residency (August 2025)

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced a significant update for individuals holding provisional Partner (Subclass 309) or temporary Partner (Subclass 820) visas. As of August 21, 2025, visa holders who applied for their visa at least two years ago can now submit their information for the permanent stage of their Partner Visa Permanent Residency (Subclass 100 or 801). This update streamlines the pathway to Permanent Residency for eligible applicants, providing clarity and transparency in the process.

For more general visa news, you can always visit our internal link: Visas Update.

Key Details for Partner Visa Permanent Residency Update

This announcement is a major step towards Partner Visa Permanent Residency and applies to individuals who:

• Hold a Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309), typically applied for outside Australia.

• Hold a Partner (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 820), applied for within Australia.

• Have been waiting for at least two years since their initial visa application was lodged.

After the two-year period, applicants can submit additional documentation to transition to the permanent Partner (Subclass 100) or Partner (Subclass 801) visa, depending on their initial application. This two-stage process ensures that the relationship remains genuine and ongoing before Permanent Residency is granted.

What You Need to Do for Your Permanent Residency

If you hold a Subclass 309 or 820 visa and two years have passed since your application, you can now provide the required documentation to progress to the Partner Visa Permanent Residency stage. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application based on:

• Evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship with your Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor.

• Compliance with health and character requirements.

• Updated documentation, such as joint financial records, shared household responsibilities, social recognition of the relationship, and evidence of ongoing commitment.

For detailed guidance from the official website:

• Visit the Partner (Subclass 100) visa page for offshore applicants.

• Visit the Partner (Subclass 801) visa page for onshore applicants.

Changes in Circumstances

If your circumstances have changed since your initial application—such as a relationship breakdown, the death of your sponsor, or instances of family violence—you may still be eligible for Permanent Residency under specific conditions. For more information on how to proceed in these situations, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ change in circumstances page.

Why This Partner Visa Permanent Residency Update Matters

This update, effective August 2025, aligns with Australia’s partner visa regulations, which require a two-year temporary visa period before transitioning to Permanent Residency. The new guidance provides a clearer timeline for applicants, reducing uncertainty and enhancing transparency. Previously, applicants faced variable timeframes for submitting permanent visa documentation, but this change ensures a standardized process for achieving Partner Visa Permanent Residency.

Next Steps

1. Check Your Eligibility: Confirm that two years have passed since your Subclass 309 or 820 visa application was lodged.

2. Gather Documentation: Prepare evidence of your ongoing relationship, including financial interdependence, shared household responsibilities, social recognition, and commitment to a shared life.

3. Submit Your Application: Use your ImmiAccount to upload the required documents for the Permanent Residency visa stage (Subclass 100 or 801).

4. Seek Professional Advice: If your situation is complex (e.g., relationship changes, visa refusals, or health issues), consult a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer for tailored guidance.

For further details, refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website or contact a registered migration agent to ensure your application for Partner Visa Permanent Residency is complete and accurate.

This update represents a positive step toward simplifying the partner visa process, offering greater certainty for couples building their lives together in Australia.