How Long Does A Partner Visa Take To Process In Australia?

If you're asking how long does a Partner Visa take to process in Australia, the honest answer is: longer than most couples expect, and it depends heavily on which stage and pathway applies to you. Here's what the current Department of Home Affairs data shows.

Partner Visa Processing Time: The Current Picture

As of 2026, Home Affairs data shows the temporary stage (Subclass 820 onshore or Subclass 309 offshore) has a median processing time of around 17 months, with a realistic range of 12 to 24 months depending on the complexity of the case. The permanent stage (Subclass 801 or 100) is generally assessed around two years after your temporary visa was lodged, once you become eligible. This means most couples are looking at 3 to 4 years from first lodgement to permanent residency.

Processing Times by Subclass

• Subclass 820 (onshore temporary): typically 12–24 months, though some periods have reported longer waits
• Subclass 309 (offshore provisional): typically 12–24 months, varying by country and post
• Subclass 801 (onshore permanent): assessed roughly 6–12 months after the two-year eligibility mark
• Subclass 100 (offshore permanent): assessed on a similar timeline to the 801

These figures shift monthly, so always confirm your exact estimate using the official Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times tool before making travel or work decisions.

What Happens While You Wait?

Onshore applicants (Subclass 820) are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A once they lodge, giving full work rights and lawful stay in Australia while the application is assessed. If you need to travel internationally before your 820 is decided, you must first apply for a Bridging Visa B — leaving without one causes your bridging visa to cease. Partner and dependent child applications are also prioritised under Ministerial Direction 102, which places them near the top of the Department's processing order.

What Causes Partner Visa Delays?

Processing times blow out most commonly because of avoidable, fixable issues:

• Incomplete or inconsistent relationship evidence across the four assessed pillars (financial, household, social, commitment)
• Missing joint financial records or proof of cohabitation
• Requests for Further Information (RFIs), which pause the clock until documents are supplied
• Police checks required from multiple countries for applicants with a complex residence history
• Health examinations or character checks flagged for additional review