Partner Visa Processing Time 2026: Current Wait Times
Australian partner visa processing times in 2026 vary by visa type and individual circumstances. The temporary stage (Subclass 820 onshore or 309 offshore) currently takes 8-18 months. The permanent stage (Subclass 801 or 100) takes an additional 18-30 months after the temporary visa is granted. Total time from initial application to permanent residence: approximately 2.5-4 years. Processing has improved from the pandemic-era backlog but remains lengthy due to high application volumes.
Quick Facts
| Visa Stage | Current Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 820 (Onshore Temporary) | 8-18 months |
| 309 (Offshore Temporary) | 12-24 months |
| 801 (Onshore Permanent) | 18-30 months after 820 |
| 100 (Offshore Permanent) | 18-30 months after 309 |
| 300 (Prospective Marriage) | 14-26 months |
| Total to PR (onshore) | 2.5-4 years |
| Total to PR (offshore) | 3-5 years |
Understanding the Two-Stage Process
Partner visas in Australia are processed in two stages:
Stage 1 — Temporary visa: The Department assesses your relationship and grants a temporary partner visa (820 or 309). During this stage, you (or your bridging visa) have work and travel rights in Australia (onshore) or are waiting overseas (offshore).
Stage 2 — Permanent visa: Approximately 2 years after the temporary visa application date, the Department reassesses your relationship. If it's still genuine and ongoing, the permanent visa (801 or 100) is granted.
The 2-year gap between stages is designed to verify that the relationship is lasting, not just for visa purposes. Couples who separate during this period don't receive the permanent visa (with exceptions for family violence).
What Affects Processing Time
Application Completeness
Incomplete applications take longer. If the Department needs to request additional documents, your application goes to the back of the queue each time. Submitting a complete application with strong relationship evidence upfront is the single most effective way to reduce processing time.
Complexity
Complex cases take longer:
- Previous visa refusals or cancellations
- Character concerns (criminal history)
- Previous relationships where partner visas were involved
- Health issues requiring waiver assessment
- Applications involving children from previous relationships
Country of Applicant
Applications from certain countries may face additional processing due to:
- Document verification requirements
- Security checks
- Higher rates of fraudulent applications from some regions
Priority Processing
The Department doesn't offer a formal "priority processing" service for partner visas, but certain circumstances may result in faster processing:
- Compelling compassionate circumstances (medical emergency, pregnancy)
- Australian Defence Force members
- Applications where delay causes significant hardship
- Applications that are straightforward and complete
Tips to Avoid Delays
Before Lodging
- Gather comprehensive evidence before submitting. A complete application is processed faster than one that requires multiple information requests.
- Get police clearances early. Some countries take months to issue police clearances.
- Complete health examinations before lodging. While you can do these after lodging, having them ready eliminates one processing step.
- Ensure all documents are certified and translated where required.
After Lodging
- Respond to information requests promptly. The Department typically gives 28 days. Respond within a week if possible.
- Update the Department if your circumstances change (new address, new job, new child).
- Don't contact the Department unnecessarily. Repeated status enquiries don't speed up processing — they create more work for case officers.
- Keep accumulating evidence. While waiting, continue building your evidence file. New photos, new financial documents, and updated joint activities can be submitted as additional evidence.
What Happens During the Wait
Onshore Applications (820/801)
When you lodge an onshore partner visa application:
- A Bridging Visa A is automatically granted
- The BVA activates when your current visa expires
- You have full work rights
- You can study without restriction
- You generally cannot travel overseas on a BVA — apply for a Bridging Visa B before any international travel
Offshore Applications (309/100)
You wait overseas for the visa to be granted. Once the 309 is granted, you can travel to Australia. Some applicants visit on tourist visas during the wait, but this requires a separate visa application.
Processing Milestones
While every application is different, here's a typical timeline for an onshore application:
| Milestone | Approximate Timing |
|---|---|
| Application lodged | Day 0 |
| Acknowledgment received | 1-2 weeks |
| Biometrics requested (if applicable) | 2-4 weeks |
| Health examination requested | 2-6 months |
| Additional information requested | 4-12 months |
| Case officer assigned | 6-14 months |
| 820 temporary visa granted | 8-18 months |
| Eligible for 801 assessment | 2 years from application date |
| 801 permanent visa granted | 2.5-4 years from application date |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay to speed up processing?
No. There's no premium processing service for partner visas. The application fee ($9,095) is the same regardless of processing time.
What if I haven't heard anything for months?
Silence is normal, unfortunately. The Department doesn't provide regular updates. You can check your application status through ImmiAccount. If you haven't heard anything for 12+ months and your application is complete, a polite enquiry through ImmiAccount is reasonable.
Will my bridging visa have work rights?
Yes. Bridging visas associated with partner visa applications include full work rights (no hour restrictions).
Can I travel overseas while waiting?
On a Bridging Visa A, no — you'll need a Bridging Visa B to travel and return. On a 309 (offshore), you're already overseas. Plan any travel carefully.
What if we have a baby during processing?
Notify the Department and add the child to the application. A baby born in Australia to a temporary visa holder doesn't automatically become an Australian citizen, but the child can be added to the partner visa application.
Does marriage speed up processing?
Not directly. Being married doesn't give priority over de facto couples. However, marriage simplifies the relationship evidence and eliminates any question about whether you've met the 12-month de facto requirement.
