How long will you actually have to wait for an Australian Partner Visa?
If you’re applying to join your spouse or partner in Australia, the answer isn’t as simple as one number. Your visa subclass, where you apply from, relationship evidence and even missing documents can all affect your timeline.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Partner Visa processing time in Australia for onshore 820/801 and offshore 309/100 applicants, explain what commonly causes delays, and show you what you can do to keep your application on track.
TL;DR
- Home Affairs currently reports a 20-month median processing time for Partner provisional/temporary visas.
- The onshore pathway is Subclass 820 → Subclass 801, while the offshore pathway is Subclass 309 → Subclass 100.
- Missing documents, weak relationship evidence, health or character checks, and additional information requests can extend processing times.
- Applicants should respond promptly to Home Affairs, provide complete evidence, and keep their details updated throughout the application process.
What Is the Processing Time for an Australian Partner Visa?
Australian Partner Visa processing can take several months to more than a year, depending on the subclass and individual application. The 820/801 pathway is for onshore applicants, while 309/100 is for offshore applicants.
There is no guaranteed partner visa processing time. Home Affairs considers each application individually, and incomplete documents, additional checks or requests for information can extend the waiting period.
Current Partner Visa Processing Times (2026)
As of May 2026, the Department of Home Affairs lists a 20-month median processing time for Partner provisional/temporary visas. This category covers the temporary Subclass 820 and 309 stages.
Visa | Location | Current Processing Time |
Subclass 820 | Onshore | 20 months median |
Subclass 801 | Onshore | Permanent-stage processing starts after 2 years of eligibility |
Subclass 309 | Offshore | 20 months median |
Subclass 100 | Offshore | Permanent-stage processing starts after 2 years of eligibility |
The 20-month figure is a median, not a guaranteed approval timeframe. Individual applications may take longer or be finalised sooner depending on their circumstances and whether further assessment or information is required. Home Affairs also states that processing times can change as it works through older and complex applications.
For the permanent 801 or 100 stage, the processing period begins when the applicant becomes eligible, which is generally two years after lodging the temporary and permanent Partner Visa applications.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs – Visa Processing Times
Onshore Partner Visa Processing Time
The onshore Partner Visa processing time covers the Subclass 820 (temporary) stage, followed by the Subclass 801 (permanent) stage.
A. Subclass 820
The Partner Visa 820 processing time currently falls under Home Affairs' 20-month median processing time for Partner provisional/temporary visas. The 820 lets an eligible partner remain in Australia while their permanent Partner Visa application progresses.
Applicants may be eligible for a Bridging Visa after lodging an onshore application, depending on their circumstances. Work and travel conditions depend on the visa or bridging visa they hold, so applicants should check their individual conditions through VEVO or their visa grant information.
B. Subclass 801
The Partner Visa 801 processing time is the permanent stage of the onshore pathway. Generally, applicants become eligible for assessment for the permanent stage two years after they first applied for the combined temporary and permanent Partner Visa application.
Home Affairs may request updated relationship evidence or other information before making a decision. Therefore, the 801 stage does not have one fixed processing time that applies to every applicant.
Offshore Partner Visa Processing Time
The offshore Partner Visa processing time covers the Subclass 309 (temporary) stage and the subsequent Subclass 100 (permanent) stage.
A. Subclass 309
The Partner Visa 309 processing time currently falls under Home Affairs' 20-month median processing time for Partner provisional/temporary visas.
The Subclass 309 allows an eligible partner to live in Australia temporarily while their permanent Partner Visa pathway progresses. Because it is an offshore visa, applicants should also consider travel and relocation arrangements while waiting for the visa decision.
B. Subclass 100
The Partner Visa 100 processing time relates to the permanent stage of the offshore pathway. Generally, applicants become eligible for consideration for the permanent stage two years after lodging their combined temporary and permanent Partner Visa application.
Home Affairs may request further relationship evidence or other documents before deciding the permanent visa. The actual partner visa approval time therefore varies between applicants.
Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa Processing
The main difference is where you apply and what happens while you wait. Both pathways lead from a temporary Partner Visa to a permanent one.
Factor | Onshore 820/801 | Offshore 309/100 |
Apply from | Australia | Outside Australia |
Temporary visa | Subclass 820 | Subclass 309 |
Permanent visa | Subclass 801 | Subclass 100 |
Temporary-stage median | 20 months | 20 months |
Bridging Visa | May be available | Not applicable to the offshore application |
Work rights | Depend on your current visa/bridging visa conditions | Depend on your visa conditions |
Travel | Check your current visa and travel conditions before leaving Australia | Travel arrangements depend on your circumstances and visa status |
PR pathway | 820 → 801 | 309 → 100 |
Which Partner Visa is faster? Neither pathway can be guaranteed to be faster. Home Affairs currently reports a 20-month median for Partner provisional/temporary visas, while individual processing times can vary based on the application and circumstances.
Source: Department of Home Affairs – Visa Processing Times
Factors That Affect Partner Visa Processing Time & How to Reduce the Delays?
Not every delay can be avoided, but applicants can reduce avoidable delays by getting the application right from the start. Here are the main issues to watch:
- Incomplete application: Missing forms or documents can lead to further requests. Use a Partner Visa Document Checklist before lodging.
- Weak relationship evidence: Provide clear evidence covering finances, household arrangements, social activities and communication. A detailed Relationship Evidence Guide can help.
- Outstanding health checks: Complete requested medical examinations as soon as possible.
- Police clearances: Obtain required police certificates early and ensure they meet Home Affairs requirements.
- Inconsistent information: Check that dates, names, addresses and relationship details match across all forms and documents.
- Slow responses: If Home Affairs requests additional information, respond within the specified timeframe.
- Incorrect or uncertified documents: Follow the relevant document and translation requirements before uploading files.
- Changes in circumstances: Keep Home Affairs updated if your address, contact details or circumstances change during processing.
- Professional review: A registered migration agent can review the application for completeness and identify potential issues before lodgement, although they cannot guarantee faster processing or approval.
A registered migration agent can review your application for completeness and identify potential issues before lodgement. We at Visafast Migration Consultancy can assist couples with preparing and reviewing their Partner Visa applications as MARA-registered migration agents in Australia ensuring the application is properly prepared before submission.
How to Check Your Partner Visa Status?
You can track your Partner Visa application status through your ImmiAccount. This is where you can view correspondence, upload requested documents and check whether Home Affairs has requested further information.
If you are already in Australia, you can use VEVO to check your current visa details, including visa expiry and conditions such as work or travel rights.
Tip: Keep your contact details updated in ImmiAccount and check your messages regularly so you do not miss a request from Home Affairs.
Final Thoughts
A Partner Visa is more than a visa application, it is the start of building your life together in Australia. While you cannot control how quickly Home Affairs makes a decision, you can control how well you prepare your application.
The biggest takeaway? Don’t let avoidable mistakes add to an already uncertain waiting period. Take the time to understand your pathway, organise your evidence and make sure your application reflects your circumstances clearly.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or want a professional review before lodging, Visafast Migration Consultancy can help you navigate the Partner Visa process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Partner Visa is processed faster?
Neither the onshore 820/801 nor offshore 309/100 pathway is guaranteed to be faster. Processing depends on your circumstances and Home Affairs' current workload.
Why is my Partner Visa taking longer?
Your Partner Visa processing time may increase due to missing evidence, health or character checks, additional document requests, or complex circumstances.
Can I speed up my Partner Visa?
There is no guaranteed way to speed up Partner Visa processing. Submitting a complete application and responding promptly to Home Affairs can help avoid preventable delays.
Can I work while waiting?
If you are in Australia, your work rights while waiting for a Partner Visa depend on the conditions of your current visa or Bridging Visa. Check your conditions through VEVO.
Can I leave Australia while waiting?
It depends on your current visa or Bridging Visa conditions. Check your travel rights before leaving Australia, as departing can affect your visa status or bridging arrangements.
Does using a migration agent reduce delays?
A MARA-registered migration agent cannot guarantee faster processing, but professional guidance can help identify missing evidence or errors before lodgement and reduce avoidable delays.
When can I apply for the permanent Partner Visa?
For the 801 or 100 permanent Partner Visa, applicants generally become eligible for assessment two years after lodging their combined temporary and permanent Partner Visa application, subject to the applicable requirements.
What happens after the temporary Partner Visa?
After the 820 or 309 temporary Partner Visa, Home Affairs assesses the applicant for the permanent 801 or 100 visa once they become eligible. Updated relationship evidence or other information may be requested.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. As every individual's circumstances are different, you should not rely solely on the information provided in this article when making immigration decisions.
Australian immigration laws and policies are subject to change. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances and to achieve the best possible outcome, we recommend booking a consultation with our Principal Registered Migration Agent.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication, Visafast Migration Consultancy accepts no liability for any decisions made based on this content.
