Partner Visa Processing Times 2026: How to Prepare for the Wait

Current Processing Times (2025-2026)

The Australian Partner visa involves two stages: the temporary visa (820 onshore / 309 offshore) followed by the permanent visa (801 onshore / 100 offshore). Here are the current processing timeframes:

Onshore Partner Visa (820/801)

Offshore Partner Visa (309/100)

Note: The 801/100 permanent visa is typically assessed 2 years after your initial application date. This is intentional - the Department wants to verify your relationship has continued genuinely.

Understanding the Two-Stage Process

The Partner visa pathway is designed as a two-stage process for most applicants:

Stage 1: Temporary Partner Visa

Application lodged → Bridging Visa A granted → Wait for 820/309 decision
                                                        ↓
                                              820/309 granted (temporary PR rights)

Stage 2: Permanent Partner Visa

2 years after application → Department assesses relationship
                                        ↓
                            Additional evidence requested
                                        ↓
                            801/100 granted (permanent residency)

When Both Visas Are Granted Together

In some cases, both the temporary and permanent visas may be granted simultaneously:

• Relationship has existed for 3+ years at application
• You have dependent children together
• Relationship registered for 2+ years before application (some states)

What is a Bridging Visa A?

When you apply for a Partner visa onshore, you're automatically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This is crucial to understand:

BVA Rights and Conditions

The Travel Trap: Bridging Visa B

If you need to travel overseas while on a BVA, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving:

⚠️ Critical: If you leave Australia on a BVA without a BVB, your bridging visa ceases and you cannot return until your Partner visa is decided. This could mean years overseas.

Factors Affecting Processing Times

Your application may be processed faster or slower depending on several factors:

Factors That Can Speed Up Processing

Factors That Can Slow Processing

Surviving the Wait: Practical Strategies

The waiting period can be emotionally and practically challenging. Here's how to thrive:

1. Continue Building Your Relationship Evidence

The wait isn't wasted time - it's an opportunity to strengthen your application:

Document throughout the wait:

• Joint financial activities (bills, accounts, purchases)
• Travel together (domestic trips, holidays)
• Social events (photos with family and friends)
• Milestones (anniversaries, birthdays, achievements)
• Communication (if separated for any period)

2. Stay Organised

Create a system to track your application:

3. Prepare for Information Requests

The Department may request additional information at any time:

Common requests include:

• Updated relationship evidence
• Additional statutory declarations
• Clarification on specific matters
• Updated police clearances
• New medical examinations

Best practice: Respond within 28 days (or the specified timeframe). Faster responses = faster processing.

4. Plan Your Finances

The waiting period has financial implications:

5. Look After Your Mental Health

The uncertainty can be stressful:

• Connect with others in similar situations (online forums, support groups)
• Focus on what you can control (relationship, evidence, life in Australia)
• Celebrate small milestones together
• Seek professional support if needed

The Second Stage: Permanent Visa Assessment

Approximately 2 years after your initial application, the Department will assess your eligibility for the permanent visa:

What the Department Assesses

Preparing for Stage 2

About 23-24 months after lodging:

1. *Update your evidence: Prepare new statutory declarations
2. Collect new photos: Events and milestones from the past 2 years
3. Financial updates: New joint assets, accounts, expenses
4. Life changes: Births, property purchases, significant events

The Department will contact you when ready to assess the permanent stage. You'll typically have 28 days to provide updated information.

Checking Your Application Status

You can monitor your application through:

ImmiAccount

• Log in regularly to check for messages
• Status updates appear here first
• Submit additional documents if needed

VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)

• Check your current bridging visa status
• Verify work rights and conditions
• Useful for employers and landlords

Contacting the Department

Tip: Avoid excessive contact. The Department prioritises applications, not enquiries. Frequent contact doesn't speed up processing.

What If You Receive a Request for Information?

Don't panic - information requests are normal. They mean your application is being actively assessed.

How to Respond

1. Read carefully: Understand exactly what's being asked
2. Note the deadline: Usually 28 days
3. Gather evidence: Only provide what's requested
4. Respond in ImmiAccount: Upload documents directly
5. Keep copies: Save everything you submit

What If You Can't Meet the Deadline?

Contact the Department before the deadline expires to request an extension. Explain your circumstances - reasonable extensions are often granted.

How First Migration Can Help

The Partner visa waiting period can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents can:

• Review your application status and timeline
• Advise on evidence collection during the waiting period
• Prepare your second stage (801/100) documentation
• Handle information requests and Department correspondence
• Apply for Bridging Visa B if you need to travel

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.