Partner Visa Processing Time: What are The Official Timing?

You think your partner visa processing application is taking so long? The process to bring your spouse takes between 11 and 24 months from start to finish—a lengthy period that affects your future together.

The current Partner visa processing times shows a modest improvements compared to past years. This article will cover the essential details about partner visa timelines and requirements to help you direct your way through the waiting period.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Partner Visa

Your partner visa processing time depends on understanding who qualifies and what evidence you need. The application process takes time, so meeting all partner visa requirements correctly from the start helps avoid extra delays.

Who can apply for a partner visa?

Your partner’s residency status determines your eligibility for partner visas. You can apply if your partner is:

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident
• An eligible New Zealand citizen
• Someone with refugee or humanitarian protection status in Australia

Legal marriage or a de facto relationship with your partner makes you eligible. De facto relationships usually require living together for at least 12 months before applying. Both partners must be at least 18 years old and plan to live together permanently in Australia after migration.

British or Irish citizens can sponsor UK family visa applications. Sponsors must have settled in the UK, have pre-settled status, or hold specific visa types like a Turkish Businessperson visa.

Proof of genuine relationship

Immigration officials examine relationships to verify they’re genuine and not arranged just for visa purposes. You must provide evidence in four main categories:

1. Financial aspects: Joint bank accounts, shared investments, property ownership documents, insurance policies, and evidence of financial support between partners.
2. Nature of household: Joint tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address, and documents showing shared household responsibilities.
3. Social recognition: Evidence that others view you as a couple, including joint invitations, travel bookings, social media presence, and statutory declarations from friends and family.
4. Commitment to each other: Correspondence showing contact during periods of separation, wills naming each other, and evidence of long-term plans together.

Australian partner visa applications require statutory declarations from two witnesses aged 18 or older who can confirm your relationship.

Financial and character requirements

The Australian government wants to ensure that the sponsoring partner can financially support their partner and any dependent children without relying on public funds. Here’s a breakdown of the key financial considerations:

• Sponsor’s Income: While there isn’t a strict minimum income requirement legislated for all Partner Visa subclasses, the Department of Home Affairs will assess the sponsor’s capacity to provide financial support. Having a stable income is a significant factor suggesting an annual income threshold of around AUD 53,900 for the sponsor to demonstrate their ability to support their partner and any dependent children.
  
• Assurance of Support (AoS): In some cases, particularly if the sponsoring partner’s financial situation is not considered strong enough, or if there are other risk factors, the Department might request an Assurance of Support. This is a legal commitment by a third party (often a family member) to provide financial assistance to the visa applicant and their family if they access certain Australian social security payments.
  
• Combined Finances: The Department will look at the financial aspects of your relationship as evidence of its genuineness. This includes:
  • Joint bank accounts: Statements showing regular transactions.
  • Joint ownership of major assets: Property, cars, etc. Provide ownership documents.
  • Joint liabilities: Loans, insurance policies in both names.
  • Shared household bills: Utility bills (gas, electricity, internet) in both names or at the same address.
  • Evidence of financial support: If one partner financially supports the other.
  • Shared financial goals: Evidence of joint savings or investment plans.
    
• Applicant’s Financial Capacity: While the sponsor’s financial situation is the primary focus, the applicant’s ability to contribute financially can also be considered.

It’s crucial to provide as much evidence as possible to demonstrate your financial aspects. Setting up joint accounts and ensuring shared responsibility for finances early in the relationship is advisable.

Character Requirements

Both the visa applicant and the sponsoring partner must meet certain character requirements to be granted a Partner Visa. These requirements aim to protect the Australian community.

For the Visa Applicant:

The applicant must be of good character and will be assessed based on their past and present conduct. They may be refused a visa if they:

• Have a substantial criminal record. This generally includes a sentence of 12 months or more imprisonment.
• Have been convicted of a sexually based crime involving a child.
• Are subject to an adverse security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
• Have engaged in conduct that indicates they are not of good character. This can include various criminal and non-criminal behaviors.
• There is a risk they will engage in criminal conduct, harass, molest, intimidate, or stalk another person, or vilify or incite discord in the Australian community.
• Are involved in activities of concern, such as people smuggling, human trafficking, war crimes, etc.
• Have provided false or misleading information in their visa application.

As part of the character assessment, applicants are usually required to:

• Declare all criminal conduct.
• Provide police certificates from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 16 in the last 10 years. These certificates are generally valid for 12 months from the issue date.
• Complete Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment) if requested.
• Provide military service records or discharge papers if they have served in the armed forces of any country.

For the Sponsoring Partner:

The sponsor also needs to meet character requirements, although the assessment might differ slightly. The sponsor may be refused if they:

• Have a significant criminal record related to relevant offenses, especially those involving violence, harassment, or family violence.
• Have been convicted of a registrable offense if the application includes a child under 18.
• Have a history of family violence or other serious offenses.
• Have previously sponsored more than one partner or have sponsored a partner within the last five years (in some circumstances).
• Fail to consent to the disclosure of certain adverse information relating to their criminal history to the visa applicant.

Sponsors may be required to provide:

• Police certificates from countries they have lived in for a significant period.
• Statutory declarations confirming the genuineness of the relationship.
• Information about their criminal history, including any past convictions.

Step-by-Step Partner Visa Application Process

The partner visa application process needs your close attention to detail. This piece breaks down your experience from preparation to approval and helps you reduce delays in processing time.

Step 1: Prepare your documents

A successful application needs proper documentation. Start by gathering:

1. Identity documents with both parents’ names (birth certificates preferred)
2. Current passport pages that show your photo, personal details, and validity dates
3. Marriage certificate or evidence of your de facto relationship
4. Evidence of shared financial matters (joint accounts, bills)
5. Proof of shared domestic arrangements
6. Two witness statements from people 18+ who know about your relationship

You’ll need proof like marriage certificates or official documents to show name changes. Sort all documents by category so nothing gets missed. Note that complete applications face fewer processing delays.

Step 2: Submit your application

Your documents are ready, so it’s time to submit your application. Australian partner visa applications must go through ImmiAccount online. Before you submit:

• Get proper translations for documents not in English
• Fill out all required forms correctly
• Pay application fees completely

You’ll get a confirmation and reference number after submission to track your status. Keep digital copies of everything you submit as backup.

Step 3: Health and character checks

Health and character assessments play a vital role in the partner visa process. To handle health checks:

• Book medical exams with an approved doctor after getting your HAP ID
• Take required tests including chest X-rays (if over 11) and blood tests (if over 15)
• Pregnant applicants can usually wait until after childbirth for chest X-rays

Character checks need police certificates from countries where you’ve lived 12+ months in the last 10 years. These certificates stay valid for 12 months from issue date. In spite of that, you might not need a new certificate if you haven’t returned to that country after getting one, even if it’s expired.

Step 4: Attend interviews (if required)

Not every partner visa applicant needs an interview – some cases qualify for waivers. If you have an interview scheduled:

• You and your sponsor should both attend
• Take all original documents with you
• Be ready to discuss your relationship history and daily life together
• Practice likely questions beforehand to feel more confident

The interviewing officer mainly wants to see if your relationship is genuine and not just arranged to get a visa.

Step 5: Wait for decision

Waiting after submission takes the longest time in the partner visa process. While you wait:

• Check your application through your online account
• Answer any requests for more information quickly
• Tell immigration about important changes in your situation

You can ask for updates if your application takes longer than usual without any communication. Don’t make permanent plans like selling property or quitting jobs until your visa gets approved.

You might want to think over getting professional migration help, especially if your case involves complex situations or past visa refusals.

Partner Visa Processing Time Australia: What to Expect

The 2025 partner visa processing times in Australia differ based on visa type and personal circumstances. This information will help you create a realistic plan for your Australian migration.

Average wait times for subclass 820/801 and 309/100

The Department of Home Affairs reports specific processing timeframes for each partner visa category in 2025:

The processing for subclass 820 temporary partner visa starts the day you submit your application. The Department states they are “focusing on reducing processing times for all Partner visas”. Complex cases might need extra time.

How processing times have changed in recent years

Over the last several years, partner visa processing timeframes have seen many changes. December 2024 data shows the median processing time for Partner (First Stage) visas reached 10 months. This marks a notable rise from 6 months in early 2024.

The subclass 820 visa now sees 75% of applications processed within 19 months. This shows improvement from previous years’ longer waiting periods. The Department’s focus on older applications might affect overall processing times temporarily.

Partner visa Australia processing time vs global averages

Australian partner visa processing remains competitive worldwide, though it takes longer than some countries. The Subclass 309 visa typically needs 13-17 months, with 75% of applications completed within 15 months. Global processing times show wide variations.

Several factors affect processing timeframes:

• Your original application’s completeness
• How fast you respond to information requests
• External checks (health, character, national security)
• Changes in government policy and priorities
• Total number of applications received

The Department of Home Affairs states: “We are focusing on deciding older and complex applications. This will affect overall processing times which may change each month”. Regular checks of the Department’s website will help you track current timeframes during your visa process.

How to Track and Monitor Your Application

You need the right tools and knowledge to track your partner visa processing time and handle any delays. The Australian immigration system lets you monitor your application status while you wait.

Using the ImmiAccount portal

ImmiAccount is your main hub to track partner visa processing time in Australia. This portal lets you check messages, see your application status, add more documents, and keep your personal details current. Here’s how to access your account:

1. Visit the ImmiAccount website and enter your username and password
2. Use the “forgotten username” or “forgotten password” links if you can’t remember your login details
3. Your account locks for four hours after five wrong login attempts

Each username is unique and you can’t change or reuse it, even after deleting your account. The portal makes document uploads simple – just click “Attach documents” from the application details menu, pick your document type, and upload your file.

Understanding status updates

Your application status shows where you are in Australia’s partner visa timeline. ImmiAccount shows these status indicators:

• Incomplete: Application started but not completed
• Ready to submit: Application completed but not submitted
• Submitted: Application sent to immigration
• Received: Application received and waiting for assessment
• Initial assessment: Application currently under review
• Further assessment: Additional requested information being assessed
• Finalized: Decision made on your application
• Discontinued: Visa form no longer exists or has been repealed

The “Messages” section in your application details shows any communications from immigration authorities about document requests or decisions.

What to do if your application is delayed

Processing times can take longer than expected. Here’s what you can do:

Check if you’ve included all supporting documents. Immigration authorities look at each case individually, and complete applications move faster through the system. Online applications typically get processed faster than paper ones.

The Partner Processing Enquiry Form helps you request more time if needed. Submit your extension request before your original timeframe ends. Include proof of any steps you’ve taken, such as payment receipts or booking confirmations.

You might qualify for priority processing in compelling circumstances. Submit your case through the Partner Processing Enquiry Form with all required details, though this doesn’t guarantee faster processing.

When to Seek Legal or Migration Help

Partner visa applications can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with long processing times. The right time to get professional help could save you months of stress and avoid possible refusals.

Situations that require professional advice

Your application becomes more complex in several situations where you’ll need expert guidance:

• Criminal history (for either applicant or sponsor)
• Previous visa refusals or cancelations
• Health issues that might affect eligibility
• Extended stays without valid visas
• Large age gaps between partners
• Second or subsequent partner visa applications
• Cases where the foreign partner was previously a caregiver or refugee

Professional advice from a registered migration agent is a great way to get help, especially when you have compelling and compassionate circumstances. These experts can help you present evidence about medical conditions or show relationships with children in custody situations.

Benefits of using a migration agent

A migration agent can significantly boost your application’s chances of success. Fixing a refused visa application costs between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000 for appeals or new applications. Many migration firms offer payment plans and “No Visa, No Professional Fee” guarantees.

Migration agents prepare “decision ready” applications that process faster than self-prepared ones. Their expertise helps you avoid common mistakes that could add months or even years to your partner visa processing time in Australia.

How to choose a registered agent

Make sure your migration agent is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). The law prohibits unregistered agents from providing immigration advice or submitting applications for you.

Reach out to at least three different agents to compare their services and fees. Ask about their experience with partner visas and get written contracts that outline all services and costs before you start.

A qualified agent will give you a written agreement with their fees, services, and estimated timeframes. They should act quickly on your behalf and keep you updated about changes that might affect your partner visa processing time in Australia.

Conclusion

Getting a partner visa without doubt needs patience, proper preparation, and attention to detail. The waiting time keeps on changing, but knowing typical processing timeframes helps you set realistic expectations and plan better. Your application must be complete from the start to substantially cut down the risk of delays beyond the standard 12-29 month processing period.

Partner visa processing times change based on your specific circumstances and visa subclass. A well-prepared application with all required documentation from the four relationship evidence categories gives you the best chance for smooth processing. On top of that, keeping track of your application through ImmiAccount helps you stay calm during the wait, and quick responses to immigration authorities prevent extra delays.

Difficult cases like previous visa refusals or health concerns make working with a registered migration agent a great way to get help. Their expertise can help create a “decision-ready” submission that usually processes faster than self-prepared applications. You can choose professional help or handle the application yourself, but staying updated about current processing times and requirements is your best approach to handle this challenging but rewarding experience of building your life together in Australia.