What is the partner visa processing time in Australia? As per April 2023, according to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Australian partner visas’ processing time depends on a number of factors.
Moreover, partner visa processing time in Australia differs depending on the type of partner visa you have applied for. According to DHA, the partner visa processing time in case of the Provisional Visa (Subclass 309) is as follows:
- 5% of applications: 4 Months
- 50% of applications: 8 Months
- 75% of applications: 15 Months
- 90% of applications: 30 Months
The DHA updates processing times regularly. However, complex cases may take longer to process. Moreover, the following factors can cause delays in processing:
- you do not fill it in correctly
- you don’t include all required documents or we need more information from you
- it takes time to verify your information
What Is a Partner Visa?
A Partner Visa Australia is a type of visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. Similarly, de facto relationships can be eligible to make Australian partner visa application.
The visa is designed to enable couples to live together in Australia on a temporary or permanent basis. Therefore, this is an attractive option for many. To be eligible for a Partner Visa, the applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their Australian partner.
They must also meet the other requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs. The application process can be lengthy and involves providing evidence of the relationship, as well as meeting health and character requirements.
There are several types of Partner Visas available, including:
- Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309): This visa allows the applicant to live in Australia with their partner temporarily while the DHA processes their permanent Partner visa (subclass 100).
- Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100): This visa allows the applicant to live in Australia permanently with their partner.
- Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300): This visa allows the applicant to enter Australia to marry their Australian partner, with the intention of applying for a Partner visa afterwards.
- Partner visa (subclass 820/801): This visa allows the applicant to live in Australia temporarily with their partner while their Permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) application is being processed. Once the Permanent Partner visa is granted, the applicant can live in Australia permanently with their partner.
Partner Visa Processing Time: Subclass 100 (Permanent)
The Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) is a visa for individuals who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an:
- Australian citizen
- Australian permanent resident; or
- Eligible New Zealand citizen
This visa allows the applicant to live in Australia permanently with their partner. Furthermore, to be eligible for the Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100), the applicant must have already been granted a Partner (Provisional) Visa (subclass 309). They must also still be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner.
The application process for the Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) is similar to that of the Partner (Provisional) Visa (subclass 309), and requires the applicant to provide evidence of their relationship with their partner.
This can include documents such as joint bank statements, shared utility bills, photographs, and other evidence of shared life and commitment to each other.
After the grant of Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100), the applicant and their partner are free to live and work in Australia permanently. It is important to note that the processing time for this visa can be quite lengthy, and can vary depending on the circumstances of each individual case.
According to DHA, as of April 2023, the processing time for this visa is as follows:
- 25% of applications: 5 Months
- 50% of applications: 12 Months
- 75% of applications: 17 Months
- 90% of applications: 31 Months
Application Process
The application process for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) involves providing evidence of the relationship, such as photographs, joint bank statements, and other documents that demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship.
The applicant must also meet health and character requirements. Moreover, they must provide evidence of their intention to marry their partner within the validity period of the visa.
After the grant of Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), the applicant can enter Australia and marry their partner within the validity period of the visa. After the marriage, they can apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801). This allows them to stay in Australia with their partner on a permanent basis.
Partner Visa Processing Time: Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage)
The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is a temporary partner visa. This visa allows the applicant to enter Australia and stay for up to nine months. During this time, they can marry their Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen partner. Additionally, this visa allows the couple to marry and apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) afterwards.
To be eligible for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), the applicant must be engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must also intend to marry their partner within the validity period of the visa.
Subclass 801 and 820 Processing Times
As of April 2023, processing time for Subclass 801 (Permanent) is as follows:
- 25% of applications: 6 Months
- 50% of applications: 11 Months
- 75% of applications: 16 Months
- 90% of applications: 25 Months
As of April 2023, processing time for Subclass 820 (Temporary) is as follows:
- 25% of applications: 6 Months
- 50% of applications: 9 Months
- 75% of applications: 18 Months
- 90% of applications: 37 Months
Note that the processing time for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) can vary depending on a number of factors. We recommend that applicants submit a complete and accurate application to avoid delays or refusals.
According to the DHA, given below is the partner visa processing time for subclass 300:
- 25% of applications: 5 Months
- 50% of applications: 9 Months
- 75% of applications: 19 Months
- 90% of applications: 35 Months
Contact our Immigration Law Solicitors for More Information
If you wish to gain more information about partner visa processing time or any matter under migration law, view out immigration law blog here.
There are differences you must consider if you wish to apply for onshore partner visa as compared to offshore partner visa. If there is a dependent child, you may also wish to consider other options.
If you wish to obtain legal advice for Australian citizenship, spouse visa, temporary visa or eligibility criteria, get in touch with our team of experienced migration lawyers today.
Reach out to us here.
