What is the Processing Time for Partner Visa in Australia?

Couples often face hurdles when one partner lives abroad and seek ways to be together forever eventually. The Partner Visa in Australia truly helps bridge these distances by helping couples to start a new life together in this beautiful country.

If you are also looking to move in with your partner in Australia, getting a Partner Visa can help you make it possible. But you have to follow the whole visa application process. Afterwards, the authorities take some time to verify if your intentions are genuine and whether you meet the necessary criteria to qualify for a Partner Visa Australia.

But, actually, how much time does it usually take? Are we talking days, weeks, months, or even a year? Let’s find out!

Estimated Processing Time For A Partner Visa In Australia

As of 2025, according to the Department of Home Affairs, the general visa processing timeline for various Partner Visas is as follows:

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 100)

• 50% of applications processed in 10 Months
• 90% of applications processed in 21 Months

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

• 50% of applications processed in 8 Months
• 90% of applications processed in 26 Months

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

• 50% of applications processed in 8 Months
• 90% of applications processed in 26 Months

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309)

• 50% of applications processed in 14 Months
• 90% of applications processed in 24 Months

These are rough estimates; the actual Partner Visa Australia processing time may vary depending on a number of factors, which we will discuss next. But first, let’s understand what the Partner Visa Australia is in detail.

Understanding Partner Visa Australia

A Partner Visa Australia allows individuals to live in Australia as permanent residents by being sponsored by their partner, who can be either a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or an eligible citizen of New Zealand.

The term ‘partner’ represents

• spouses (married)
• de facto partners (those who have lived together for at least a year)
• de facto partners (those who are in a permanent relationship while living apart).

Once granted, a Partner Visa allows you to live, work, and travel freely within and outside of Australia. You will also have access to Medicare and other essential services, just as an Australian citizen.

The process of obtaining Australian permanent residence with a Partner Visa Australia is divided into two stages. You cannot have direct access to an Australian PR. You must first qualify for a temporary visa (Subclass 309 or Subclass 820) before applying for a permanent visa (Subclass 100 or Subclass 801).

The Department of Home Affairs determines the genuineness of a partner visa application by considering several important elements of the relationship, such as the nature of the commitment, financial and social aspects, and how the household is shared.

Different Types of Partner Visas in Australia

Based on whether you are applying from onshore or overseas, here are your visa options:

Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

This visa is for applicants who are already in Australia on a temporary visa, such as a student or work visa. The process involves two stages:

• Temporary visa (Subclass 820): This visa allows you to secure temporary residence while the Department of Home Affairs is assessing the permanent visa application.
• Permanent visa (Subclass 801): Once the relationship with the eligible “sponsor” is verified over a period (usually two years), this permanent visa is granted.

Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

This visa is for applicants who are outside Australia when applying. It also follows a two-stage process:

• Temporary visa (Subclass 309): This visa allows you to enter Australia while the Department of Home Affairs processes the application for a permanent visa.
• Permanent visa (Subclass 100): Once the genuineness of your relationship is proven over the specified period of stay in Australia, this permanent visa is granted.

Factors Affecting the Partner Visa Processing Time In Australia

The processing time for your partner visa application depends on multiple factors, such as:

Volume of Applications

It basically means the workload on the Department! The visa assessment process requires a lot of careful consideration, and the Department never compromises on this! There are times when a large number of people apply for a visa, which slows down the process and influences wait times.

Condition of Your Application

If you have missed out on some details or even made mistakes in the application, it can definitely cause delays. The Department would take additional time to request and review the changes.

Changes in Immigration Law

The Department of Home Affairs keeps updating the laws to keep the visa assessment process fair and relevant. The change in the immigration framework can cause delays and even speed up the visa processing timeline.

Location of Application

Generally, applications lodged within Australia have a slightly shorter processing time than offshore applications. It is because the Department needs to carry out a more in-depth assessment for Offshore applicants that includes international background checks, document verification, and more.

Security and Health Checks

Security and health screenings are an important step for almost every type of Australian visa. The importance of this step extends the processing times.

Case complexity

Visa applications in which partners were involved in previous relationships or have dependent children take much time. Furthermore, if any of the partners have had legal issues in the past, it will be thoroughly investigated and may require additional time.

Response Times for Additional Information

As previously stated, the Department may request additional information to better evaluate your application. Now, how early you respond and even the accuracy of your response can impact the momentum of the application process.

Tips To Reduce Processing Time Delays for Partner Visa

Here are some of the practical tips that can help you reduce delays and move your visa application quickly:

• Apply for the right Partner Visa depending on your conditions and requirements.
• Fill out the complete application and make sure to double-check all forms and details before submitting.
• Schedule medical exams and obtain police clearance certificates before submitting your application.
• Have strong evidence to prove your relationship with your sponsor. It includes marriage certificates or proof of de facto partnership, joint bank accounts, utility bills, rental agreements, travel records, family photos, and so on.
• After logging your application, actively monitor your account. Provide additional documents as soon as possible if the Department of Home Affairs requests them.

Most importantly, apply for your visa with a registered and experienced migration agent. They will make sure you won’t make any mistakes and secure a valid visa as early as possible.

Need Help With Your Partner Visa Australia?

Visa options are numerous, and the requirements to qualify are even more stringent, making the partner visa process overwhelming and complicated.

But you don’t have to worry! Ozee Migration has a team of registered MARA agents who are experienced in guiding you through the visa application process and even obtaining a Partner visa quickly and easily. Book a consultation to get expert advice!

Recommend Read: How Can a Migration Agent Improve Your Chances of Australian Visa Approval?