Australia partner visa processing time?
My partner and I have applied for an Australian partner visa (subclass 820/801), and we're anxiously waiting for an update. Could anyone share their recent experiences with processing times for this visa, both onshore and offshore applications? We're keen to get a realistic idea of how long we might expect to wait and if there are any ways to track the application progress more effectively.
1 answer
Australia partner visa processing times are currently among the longest:
Current Processing Times (2025/2026):
Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)
- Temporary (820): 20–30 months
- Permanent (801): 24–36 months after 820 granted
- Total: 4–5+ years
Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa)
- Temporary (309): 18–28 months
- Permanent (100): 24–30 months after 309
- Total: 3.5–5 years
What You Can Do While Waiting:
- 820 applicants get a Bridging Visa A (work + travel rights)
- 309 applicants must wait offshore (can visit on tourist visa)
Requirements:
- Genuine, ongoing relationship (12+ months or registered)
- Evidence: Joint finances, cohabitation, social recognition
- Sponsor must be Australian citizen/PR
- Health & character checks
Cost:
- Application fee: AUD 8,850 (2025)
- Medical exams: ~AUD 400
- Police checks: ~AUD 100–300
- Migration agent (optional): AUD 3,000–6,000
Tips to Strengthen Application:
- 📸 Extensive photo evidence across time
- 💳 Joint bank accounts/leases
- 💌 Statutory declarations from friends/family
- 🏠 Evidence of living together
Track your partner visa timeline on MIGRS.