Processing Time for a Partner Visa in Australia in 2024
The Australian Government provides a variety of methods for New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens, and permanent residents to reunite with their partners, de facto partners, and prospective spouses in Australia. According to estimates, the Department of Home Affairs awarded 72,300 partner visas between 2021 and 2022.
A partner visa in Australia allows you to dwell temporarily or permanently, depending on the category you choose. Furthermore, the processing period for a partner visa varies depending on the unique circumstances, the volume of applications, and the partner visa category for which you are requesting.
The blog post below provides a full summary of the partner visa processing period. But before we get into the partner visa processing times for each category, let’s have a look at the different categories of partner visas in Australia.
What are the different types of Australian partner visas?
Here’s a list of the major categories of companion visas in Australia:
- Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820)— Offshore
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 820) — Offshore
- Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) — Onshore
- Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) — Onshore
- Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100) — Onshore
Let us go over these types in depth, with a focus on the processing time for each group.
1. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820), Onshore
A temporary partner visa (subclass 820) allows the spouse or de facto partner of a qualifying New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, or permanent resident to temporarily reside and work in Australia. Candidates may submit a single application for both the temporary and permanent visa streams.
820 Partner Visa Processing Time
Check the table below for the processing times for 820 partner visas.
| Applications Percentage | Processing Time |
| 25% of applications | 3 Months |
| 50% of applications | 6 Months |
| 75% of applications | 16 Months |
| 90% of applications | 34 Months |
2. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801): Onshore
An 801 partner visa enables applicants (spouses or de facto partners) of an eligible New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, or permanent resident to live in Australia permanently. To apply for a permanent visa, you must first hold an 801 temporary partner visa.
801 Permanent Partner Visa Processing Time
The table below discusses the processing period for an 801 partner visa.
| Applications Percentage | Processing Time |
| 25% of applications | 6 Months |
| 50% of applications | 13 Months |
| 75% of applications | 16 Months |
| 90% of applications | 26 Months |
3. Subclass 309 (provisional)
The Partner Visa—Offshore (Provisional) subclass 309 allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, or permanent resident to temporarily remain in Australia. This is the initial stage in obtaining an offshore permanent partner visa (subclass 100).
309 Partner Visa Processing Time
Look at the table below to find out the approximate processing time for 309 partner visa applications.
| Applications Percentage | Processing Time |
| 25% of applications | 6 Months |
| 50% of applications | 10 Months |
| 75% of applications | 15 Months |
| 90% of applications | 29 Months |
4. Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100)—Offshore
A partner visa subclass 100 allows the de facto partner or spouse of an eligible New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, or permanent resident to live in Australia permanently. Candidates holding a temporary partner visa (subclass 309) are eligible to apply for this visa stream.
Subclass 100: Partner Visa Processing Time
The following table summarizes the projected processing time for partner visa applications under subclass 100.
| Applications Percentage | Processing Time |
| 25% of applications | 12 Months |
| 50% of applications | 17 Months |
| 75% of applications | 20 Months |
| 90% of applications | 29 Months |
5. Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage)-Offshore
A prospective marriage visa (subclass 300) enables individuals to enter Australia and marry their future partner there. After that, you may apply for a partner visa. However, when filing for a future marriage visa, you must be outside of Australia.
300 Prospective Partner Visa Processing Time
Let’s look at the processing time for a projected marriage visa application in 2024.
| Applications Percentage | Processing Time |
| 25% of applications | 6 Months |
| 50% of applications | 11 Months |
| 75% of applications | 17 Months |
| 90% of applications | 35 Months |
Factors Affecting Partner Visa Processing Times
The Department of Home Affairs analyses applications for partner visas on an individual basis, and processing time may vary depending on a variety of circumstances, including:
- How soon do you respond to questions from the Department for additional information?
- How many slots are available for citizenship applications in the migration program?
- How long does it take to attend a naturalization ceremony and receive a certificate of citizenship?
- Is your application complete, including all essential supporting documentation?
- How long does it take you to complete the required verifications of supporting documentation?
- How long does it take to obtain further information from organizations, particularly about the character, health, and national security requirements?
Closing thoughts
So, you’ve learned about the many sorts of Australian partner visas and the processing times for each. The processing period for a partner visa in Australia typically ranges between 15 and 28 months. However, it can vary depending on a number of factors, including your personal circumstances, the type of partner visa you are seeking for, the completeness, and the volume of visa applications being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to obtain an Australian partner visa in 2024?
The processing time for Australian partner visa applications typically ranges from 15 to 28 months. It varies depending on the visa category and the individual’s circumstances. Nonetheless, the median processing period for the initial stage of partner visa applications is 11 months.
How long must you be in a relationship before applying for a partner visa?
To be eligible for a partner visa in Australia, you must have a genuine relationship with your partner and have lived together for at least a year.
How long does it take to obtain a 309 partner visa in 2024?
Although Partner Visa 309 applications have varied processing times, the average duration for 2024 is between 12 and 24 months. However, keep in mind that processing times may vary depending on individual situations, difficult application processes, and changes in immigration regulations.
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