Partner Visa Processing Time – Current 2026 Update

Latest published category median

Partner (Provisional/Temporary): 23 months

Data period: July 2026

This figure is published by the Department of Home Affairs as the median processing time for the Partner provisional/temporary visa category. Individual Partner visa subclasses can have different processing experiences.

A median means that approximately half of the recently finalised applications were processed within that period and approximately half took longer.

It does not mean that every applicant will receive a decision within 23 months.

Why Partner Visa Processing Times Vary

There is no single processing time that applies to every Australian Partner visa application.

The Department considers a range of factors, including:

• Visa subclass
• Onshore or offshore application
• Whether the application is complete
• Quality of supporting evidence
• Relationship evidence
• Health requirements
• Character requirements
• Requests for additional information
• National security checks
• Complexity of the application
• Number of applications on hand
• Migration program planning levels
• Ministerial Directions
• Departmental processing priorities

Home Affairs states that processing times can vary because of application completeness, online versus paper lodgement, response times for further information, external checks, application complexity, application volumes and changes to Ministerial Directions.

Partner Visa Processing Priorities in 2026

A major factor affecting Partner visa processing is the Department's Ministerial Direction 117 (MD 117).

Ministerial Direction 117 replaced Ministerial Direction 102 on 25 July 2026.

Under the current direction, the highest priority is given to Family visa applications made while the primary applicant is in Australia for a visa that can be granted while the applicant remains in Australia.

Lower priority is given to applications where the primary applicant is outside Australia at the time of application or must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.

This means that the applicant's location and the visa subclass can affect processing priority.

Subclass 820 & 801 Processing

Partner Visa Subclass 820

The Partner visa subclass 820 is the temporary stage of the onshore Partner visa pathway.

You generally apply while you are in Australia.

The subclass 820 allows an eligible spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to remain in Australia temporarily.

The subclass 820 application is lodged together with the permanent subclass 801 application.

Processing considerations

Onshore Partner applications have the highest priority under the current MD 117 framework where the visa can be granted while the applicant is in Australia.

However, this does not mean that every subclass 820 application will be finalised within a particular number of months.

Subclass 801 Permanent Partner Visa Processing

The Partner visa subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the onshore Partner visa pathway.

The applicant generally becomes eligible for assessment of the permanent stage after the required period has passed.

Home Affairs currently states that if you hold a temporary Partner visa subclass 820 or 309 and two years have passed since you applied for that visa, you can submit information for assessment of the permanent Partner visa stage through ImmiAccount.

The two-year point is therefore important, but it should not be confused with a guaranteed grant date.

Subclass 309 & 100 Processing

Partner Visa Subclass 309

The Partner visa subclass 309 is the provisional stage of the offshore Partner visa pathway.

It is designed for eligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who are applying from outside Australia.

The subclass 309 can lead to the permanent subclass 100 Partner visa.

Under current MD 117 processing priorities, offshore Partner applications are lower priority than the highest-priority onshore Partner applications.

This can contribute to longer processing periods for some offshore applicants.

Subclass 100 Permanent Partner Visa

The Partner visa subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the offshore Partner visa pathway.

Like subclass 801, the permanent stage is separate from the initial provisional or temporary stage.

Applicants should continue to provide relevant information and relationship evidence when requested and follow the Department's instructions through ImmiAccount.

Partner Visa Processing Time for De Facto Applicants

A de facto Partner visa application is not automatically processed faster or slower simply because the couple is de facto rather than married.

The Department assesses the application according to the relevant visa requirements and processing priorities.

However, de facto applicants should prepare strong evidence demonstrating the nature and development of their relationship.

This may include evidence relating to:

Financial aspects

• Joint bank accounts
• Shared expenses
• Joint loans
• Rent or mortgage
• Insurance
• Financial support

Household arrangements

• Joint lease
• Utility bills
• Shared address
• Household responsibilities
• Evidence of living together

Social aspects

• Family events
• Friends
• Travel
• Invitations
• Photos
• Social activities

Commitment

• Relationship statements
• Communication
• Future plans
• Mutual support
• Evidence of periods spent apart

Strong and consistent evidence can help avoid delays caused by requests for additional information.

Does a Complete Partner Visa Application Process Faster?

A complete application can help reduce avoidable delays.

Home Affairs specifically recommends providing all necessary supporting documents when applying. It also states that applications with correct information and all required documents can be processed faster.

However:

Complete application ≠ guaranteed fast decision

The Department can still require:

• Additional evidence
• Health examinations
• Police certificates
• Further information
• Relationship evidence
• Character information
• Other checks

What Can Cause Partner Visa Delays?

1. Missing Documents

If important documents are missing, the Department may request additional information.

2. Incomplete Relationship Evidence

Partner visas require evidence of the relationship. Weak or inconsistent evidence can result in further questions.

3. Health Examinations

Health assessments may take time to complete, particularly where additional medical information is required.

4. Character Checks

Police certificates and other character checks can affect processing.

5. Complex Immigration History

Previous visa refusals, cancellations, unlawful periods or other immigration matters can make an application more complex.

6. Inconsistent Information

Differences between forms, statements and supporting documents can lead to further assessment.

7. Additional Department Requests

Responding late to a request for information can delay an application.

8. Processing Priorities

Applications are processed according to the applicable Ministerial Directions and Departmental priorities.

Does Marriage Make a Partner Visa Faster?

Not necessarily.

Australian Partner visa pathways are available for both:

• Married couples
• Eligible de facto couples

Processing priority is determined by the applicable visa subclass and Departmental processing arrangements rather than simply whether a couple is married.

A well-prepared application with clear and consistent evidence is important for either relationship type.

Can You Speed Up an Australian Partner Visa?

There is no general guaranteed fast-track service for Partner visas.

Home Affairs states that under MD 117, a Partner visa application may be prioritised where there are special circumstances of a compassionate nature and compelling reasons to depart from the normal order of priority. However, there is no guarantee that priority processing will be granted.

Applicants should therefore be cautious about anyone promising a guaranteed faster Partner visa decision.

Compassionate and Compelling Circumstances

In limited situations, an applicant may request priority consideration based on special compassionate circumstances.

The Department may consider whether there are compelling reasons to depart from the normal processing order.

Examples may involve serious circumstances affecting the applicant or family.

However:

A request for priority processing does not guarantee that the application will be prioritised.

The Department also notes that other applicants may have equally or more compelling circumstances.

Can You Check Your Partner Visa Processing Status?

Yes.

Applicants can use ImmiAccount to:

• Check application information
• Upload documents
• Respond to requests
• Check correspondence
• Monitor application status
• Provide additional information where required

Home Affairs advises applicants to check ImmiAccount for application information and supporting-document status.

Should You Contact Home Affairs About Processing Delays?

If your application is still within the standard processing time, Home Affairs advises applicants not to contact the Department simply to request an update.

The Department states that it cannot provide further updates while the application remains within the standard processing time.

If your circumstances have changed or the Department requests information, use the appropriate communication channel.

How Long Until the Permanent Partner Visa?

The Partner visa pathway has two stages.

Onshore pathway

Subclass 820

↓

Permanent assessment

↓

Subclass 801

Offshore pathway

Subclass 309

↓

Permanent assessment

↓

Subclass 100

Home Affairs currently states that holders of subclass 820 or 309 can submit information for the permanent stage when two years have passed since the original Partner visa application, subject to the applicable requirements.

The two-year eligibility point does not mean that the permanent visa is automatically granted at that time.

2026 Partner Visa Processing – What Applicants Should Know

For applicants preparing a Partner visa application in 2026, the following points are particularly important:

Current category median

23 months for Partner provisional/temporary visas based on July 2026 Department data.

Current processing direction

Ministerial Direction 117 applies from 25 July 2026.

Highest priority

Eligible onshore Family visa applications where the primary applicant is in Australia and the visa can be granted in Australia receive the highest priority.

Lower priority

Offshore Partner applications, including subclass 309/100 pathways, receive lower priority than the highest-priority onshore applications.

Processing times are estimates

Published processing times are a guide based on recently finalised applications and are not a guarantee for an individual application.

2026–27 Australian Family Migration Program

The Australian Government has allocated a Family stream planning level of 52,460 places for 2026–27.

Within that planning level:

• 41,500 Partner visas
• 3,500 Child visas

are included in the planning levels.

These are planning levels and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed number of Partner visa grants for an individual applicant or as a fixed processing timeframe.

Partner Visa Processing Time – Important Difference Between Median and Guarantee

A common mistake is to read a published processing time as a promise.

For example:

23 months median

does not mean:

"Your Partner visa will be granted within 23 months."

A median is a statistical measure based on recently finalised applications.

Some applications can be processed considerably sooner, while others can take longer.

Home Affairs specifically warns that Partner visa applicants may experience longer processing times than expected.

How to Reduce Avoidable Partner Visa Delays

You cannot control Departmental processing priorities, but you can reduce avoidable problems by preparing carefully.

Before Lodgement

☑ Check the correct Partner visa subclass
☑ Confirm onshore or offshore eligibility
☑ Prepare identity documents
☑ Prepare relationship evidence
☑ Prepare sponsor documents
☑ Check previous visa history
☑ Prepare police certificates where required
☑ Review health requirements
☑ Check previous relationship information
☑ Ensure names and dates are consistent
☑ Translate non-English documents where required

After Lodgement

☑ Monitor ImmiAccount
☑ Respond to Department requests promptly
☑ Keep relationship information updated
☑ Notify the Department about relevant changes
☑ Keep evidence of ongoing relationship where appropriate
☑ Check visa status and conditions
☑ Keep copies of submitted documents

Partner Visa Processing Time Checklist

Before submitting your application, check:

Applicant

☐ Passport
☐ Birth certificate
☐ Identity documents
☐ Visa history
☐ Residential history
☐ Travel history
☐ Police certificates where required
☐ Health requirements

Sponsor

☐ Australian citizenship/PR evidence
☐ Identity documents
☐ Sponsorship information
☐ Character documents where required
☐ Previous sponsorship information

Relationship

☐ Relationship statement
☐ Financial evidence
☐ Household evidence
☐ Social evidence
☐ Commitment evidence
☐ Evidence of periods apart
☐ Travel evidence
☐ Future plans

Application

☐ Correct visa subclass
☐ Correct forms and information
☐ Documents uploaded
☐ Translations completed
☐ ImmiAccount monitored
☐ Department requests answered

Partner Visa Processing Times – 820 vs 309

Home Affairs confirms that subclass 820/801 is the onshore pathway and subclass 309/100 is the offshore pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Australian Partner visa take in 2026?

The Department's July 2026 data shows a 23-month median processing time for the Partner provisional/temporary category. Individual processing times can vary significantly.

Is the 23-month Partner visa processing time guaranteed?

No. It is a median based on recently finalised applications and is only a guide.

Is subclass 820 faster than subclass 309?

Current Ministerial Direction 117 gives the highest priority to eligible onshore Family visa applications that can be granted while the applicant is in Australia. Offshore Partner applications are lower priority. This does not guarantee a particular processing time for subclass 820 or 309.

How long does a de facto Partner visa take?

There is no separate guaranteed processing time simply because an application is de facto. Processing depends on the relevant Partner visa subclass, priority and individual circumstances.

How long does subclass 801 take?

Subclass 801 is the permanent stage of the onshore Partner pathway. Eligibility for permanent-stage assessment generally arises after two years have passed since the temporary Partner visa application, subject to the applicable requirements.

How long does subclass 100 take?

Subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the offshore Partner pathway. Processing depends on the circumstances of the application and current Departmental processing priorities.

Can I request faster Partner visa processing?

In limited circumstances, you can request priority consideration where special compassionate circumstances and compelling reasons exist. There is no guarantee that the Department will prioritise the application.

Should I contact Home Affairs to ask about my application?

If your application is still within the standard processing time, Home Affairs advises applicants not to contact the Department for an update.

Can missing documents delay my Partner visa?

Yes. Missing information or documents can result in requests for further information and may contribute to delays. Home Affairs recommends submitting all necessary supporting documents with the application.

Does marriage make processing faster?

Not necessarily. Partner visa pathways are available to eligible married and de facto couples. Processing is affected by the visa subclass and applicable processing priorities.

Can my Partner visa be processed faster because of compassionate circumstances?

A request can be made in qualifying circumstances, but Home Affairs states that there is no guarantee that an application will receive higher priority.

Get Help With Your Australian Partner Visa

Understanding Partner visa processing times is important, but preparing a complete and well-supported application is equally important.

At The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd, we assist clients with Australian Partner visa pathways, including:

• Partner visa subclass 820
• Partner visa subclass 801
• Partner visa subclass 309
• Partner visa subclass 100
• De facto Partner visas
• Spouse Partner visas
• Relationship evidence
• Partner visa documentation
• Sponsor requirements
• Complex Partner visa matters
• Permanent Partner visa stage

Our Registered Migration Agent, Navneet Kaur (MARN 2318181), can help you understand the requirements relevant to your circumstances.

Phone: +61 430 077 714
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://thevisa.com.au/

Planning to Apply for an Australian Partner Visa?

Start by understanding your visa pathway, preparing your relationship evidence and checking the current Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Important: Partner visa processing times change regularly. The processing figures on this page are based on Australian Government information available in September 2026 and should be treated as a guide only. Always check the current Home Affairs Visa Processing Time Guide before making travel, employment or other major plans based on an expected visa decision.