If you want to build a life in Australia, getting the 801 visa is a significant milestone, if you have just obtained yours, congratulations.
This permanent residency visa granted to anyone who has held a Partner (subclass 820) visa for a certain period, is like a key to a new chapter in the life of many immigrants in the country.
While congratulations need to start coming in if you just got yours, it doesn’t end there; it marks the beginning of a new phase of your stay in Australia- a phase filled with more responsibilities and benefits.
If you are wondering what’s next for you after getting the 801 visa, we will walk you through what happens after the 801 visa has been granted to you here.
The 801 Visa
The Australian Partner Visa (subclass 801) is a type of visa that lets you live in Australia permanently. With this visa, you can work, study, travel, and maybe even become an Australian citizen later.
To get the 801 Visa, you first need to apply for the Temporary 820 Visa. The 801 Visa is the second stage for you to become a permanent resident of Australia.
The visa signifies the transition from temporary to permanent residency, offering you long-term stability and the opportunity to build your life in Australia.
What happens after the 801 visa is granted?
After the 801 visa is granted to you, you will become a permanent resident of Australia. This means you can continue to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You don’t have to worry about your visa expiration anymore.
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Your stay is now permanent. As a holder, you will no longer be subjected to the conditions and limitations associated with temporary visas.
You will also have the option to apply for Australian citizenship after some time if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Life after getting the 801 visa
Once you get your 801 visa, you’ll receive a confirmation letter from the Department of Home Affairs.
This letter will outline the conditions and privileges attached to your new permanent residency status.
When you receive the letter, you need to thoroughly review it, and make sure you understand everything explained inside as it serves as your official record of the visa grant.
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No more travel restrictions for you
Even though the 801 visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, you will also enjoy other privileges such as travelling in and out of the country without the need for additional visas.
Yes, unlike the temporary Partner visa, the 801 visa frees you from travel restrictions. With it, you can now travel to and from Australia without the need for a separate travel authority.
You can use this freedom to travel to reconnect with family abroad or explore new destinations whenever you want.
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Access to government services
With your permanent residency status, you will gain access to various government services, including healthcare through Medicare.
Permanent residents in Australia are eligible for the country’s renowned healthcare and as an 801 visa holder, you also have this access.
With this privilege, you will enjoy quality medical services and facilities when necessary. Make sure you enrol in Medicare to enjoy this benefit.
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Work and study opportunities
Another change you will witness after getting the 801 visas is unrestricted work or study opportunities.
The 801 visa will give you unrestricted access to the Australian job market. You will have the right to work and study rights in Australia indefinitely.
This means you can pursue employment and educational opportunities without any limitations.
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This privilege allows you to explore career advancements, pursue new employment opportunities, or even start a business.
It also means you have the right to work in any field without restriction – this is great if you consider you will have a better shot at job opportunities.
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Social security benefits
As a permanent resident, you become eligible for certain social security benefits, which provide you a safety net in times of need.
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You have better chances to apply for Australian citizenship
The ultimate goal for many permanent residents is Australian citizenship. While the 801 visa doesn’t lead directly to Australian citizenship, getting it brings you closer – it is a step closer to citizenship if you plan to apply for citizenship.
After holding the 801 visa for a specific period, you will become eligible to apply for citizenship.
Before you apply for citizenship if you get the 801 visa, you must meet other specific residency requirements as well – citizenship is your final step to fully integrate into Australian society.
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Update personal information
Another thing that will happen after getting the 801 visas is updating your personal information.
Once you get the 801 visa, you need to inform the Department of Home Affairs of changes to your details, such as a change of address or passport.
This ensures that your records are up-to-date and accurate.
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Obligations and responsibilities
Just as getting the 801 visa comes with benefits, it also comes with responsibilities. Your 801 visa makes you a permanent resident of Australia and as a permanent resident, you must adhere to Australian laws and uphold your obligations.
How long does it take to get the 801 visa?
The processing time for the 801 visa can vary – it depends on the completeness of your application, the complexity of your case, and the current workload of the immigration authorities.
On average, it takes between 4 weeks to 4 months to get the 801 visa if your application package is complete.
What happens if you break up after an 801 visa?
If a relationship breaks down after the grant of the 801 visa, and the permanent residency was based on a genuine spousal or de facto relationship, it can have implications on your immigration status.
You need to notify the Department of Home Affairs about the change in your relationship circumstances.
The department will assess each case individually, and the outcome will determine what happens next.
In some cases, you will still maintain your permanent residency status despite the relationship breakdown, while in other situations, there will be consequences, such as visa cancellation.
Congratulations
If you are in Australia, getting the 801 visa is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities in the country.
From unrestricted travel, and career opportunities to access to government services, the 801 gives you the chance to build a fulfilling life in Australia.
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In addition, it also lays the ground for citizenship, yes, as an 801 visa holder, you will be eligible for citizenship after a while in the country.