Spouse Visa Australia Processing Time 2026: What to Expect

Australia's partner visa is a two-stage process:

Onshore (Applying from within Australia) - Stage 1: Subclass 820 — Temporary Partner visa - Stage 2: Subclass 801 — Permanent Partner visa (usually assessed 2 years after Stage 1 application)

Offshore (Applying from outside Australia) - Stage 1: Subclass 309 — Temporary Partner (Provisional) visa - Stage 2: Subclass 100 — Permanent Partner visa

Both stages are included in a single application and a single visa application charge. You don't apply separately for the permanent stage — the Department assesses it automatically approximately 2 years after you lodged the initial application.

Exception: If you've been in a relationship for 3+ years at the time of application (or 2+ years with children), you may be eligible for direct permanent residence, skipping the temporary stage.

As of early 2026, realistic processing times are:

Subclass 820 (Onshore Temporary) - 75% of applications: 8–14 months - 90% of applications: 14–22 months

Subclass 801 (Onshore Permanent) - 75% of applications: 1–3 months after eligibility date - 90% of applications: 3–8 months after eligibility date

Subclass 309 (Offshore Temporary) - 75% of applications: 8–16 months - 90% of applications: 14–24 months

Subclass 100 (Offshore Permanent) - 75% of applications: 1–4 months after eligibility date

These are estimates based on current Department processing data. Your individual case may be faster or slower depending on complexity, completeness, and country of origin.

Several factors can speed up or slow down your partner visa:

Factors That Speed Things Up: - Complete application with all required evidence submitted upfront - Clear and well-organised relationship evidence - No health or character concerns - Straightforward relationship history (met in person, clear timeline) - Both applicants from low-risk countries

Factors That Cause Delays: - Incomplete applications — missing documents trigger requests for information, adding months - Complex relationship histories — previous visa refusals, previous partner visa sponsorships, short relationship duration - Character concerns — criminal history requiring additional checks - Health issues — conditions requiring further medical assessment - High-risk countries — additional security checking for certain nationalities - Sponsorship limitations — if your Australian partner has previously sponsored another partner, there's a mandatory 5-year waiting period

The partner visa is one of the most expensive visas in the Australian migration system:

• - Visa application charge: approximately $9,095 (covers both temporary and permanent stages)
• - Additional applicant charge: approximately $4,550 per adult, $2,275 per child
• - Health examinations: $300–$500 per person
• - Police checks: $50–$200 per country
• - Migration agent fees: $3,500–$8,000 depending on complexity
• - Translation and document certification: varies

Total cost for a straightforward couple: approximately $13,000–$18,000 including agent fees.

If you applied onshore (Subclass 820), you'll be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) when your current visa expires. This bridging visa:

• - Allows you to work in Australia (full work rights)
• - Allows you to study in Australia
• - Allows you to access Medicare (once your 820 application is acknowledged)
• - Does NOT allow international travel — if you leave Australia on a BVA, it ceases and you cannot return. You need to apply for a Bridging Visa B before travelling.

⚠️ Critical: Always apply for a Bridging Visa B (travel facility) before leaving Australia if you're on a BVA. Failing to do so is one of the most common and devastating mistakes partner visa applicants make.

1. Front-load your evidence — Submit a comprehensive application from day one. Include relationship evidence across all four categories: financial, social, household, and commitment.
2. Provide statutory declarations from friends and family who can vouch for your relationship
3. Include a relationship timeline — a chronological narrative of how your relationship developed
4. Keep evidence ongoing — While waiting, continue collecting evidence (photos, travel together, joint finances) for the permanent stage
5. Respond to requests promptly — If the Department asks for more information, respond within the timeframe given
6. Use a migration agent — Partner visa applications are documentation-heavy. A good agent knows exactly what evidence to include and how to present it
7. Don't contact the Department unnecessarily — Calling or emailing to ask about progress doesn't speed things up and may slow things down