
Posted by admin on May 28, 2025
Australia is among the most sought-after places for couples to build a life. Its high standard of living, stable economy, and multicultural population make it an ideal destination for many couples all over the world. When you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Australian Partner Visa can be your ticket to building a life in the country.
Today, we will share with you everything there is to know about the partner visa, which is ranging from the Australia partner visa processing time to the advantages of having this visa.
Also Read: 6 Easy Steps to Convert Your Visitor Visa to a Partner Visa in Australia
Overview of the Australia Partner Visa
A spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or an eligible New Zealand citizen can reside in Australia with the Partner Visa. Below are the different Partner Visas that you can get:
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) – For individuals already in Australia.
- Subclass 309 (Provisional Partner Visa): This is the initial visa for individuals outside Australia. It opens your door to subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa).
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa): The government awards it to those who continue to meet the eligibility criteria after holding a Subclass 309 visa for a period of time.
- Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) – For fiancé partners to marry in Australia.
De Facto Partner Visa
If you’re in a committed relationship but not married, you can apply for the De Facto Partner Visa Australia. You need to be able to show that:
- You and your partner have been together for more than 12 months.
- Have a joint financial plan.
- You share a household and live your life as a couple in public.
This visa permits you to reside in Australia and eventually become a permanent resident, similar to married couples.
Partner Visa benefits
Here are some of the advantages of having the Partner Visa.
- Work Rights: You’ll be able to live, work, and study in Australia during the application.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The partner visa is given in a two-stage process. Firstly, a temporary visa and, after two years, a permanent residency visa are given.
- Healthcare Access: You will be entitled to Australia’s public health system, Medicare.
- Free Movement: You will be free to come and go from Australia as you please during the duration of the visa.
- Sponsor Family Members: Once permanent residence is achieved, you can sponsor qualifying family members.
Also Read: 9 Tips for Successfully Lodging a Partner Visa Australia Application!
Visa Requirements
The partnership should be genuine and ongoing in order to be eligible for any partner visa. The below are the bare minimum Partner visa Australia requirements:
- Sponsor Eligibility: Your partner should be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a qualifying New Zealand citizen.
- Relationship Evidence: You need to present evidence of a relationship, i.e., joint bills, joint bank statements, photos, communications records, and travel documents.
- Age Requirement: Both applicants should be 18 years of age or above.
- Health & Character: Applicants must undergo a medical examination and present police clearance certificates.
- Relationship Duration: You usually need to present proof of cohabitation for at least 12 months unless on a state relationship register.
- Intent to Marry (subclass 300): You are required to get married to your partner within nine months of your arrival in Australia under the Prospective Marriage visa.
- Pay Application Fees: The base partner visa Australia cost is $9,095 for the main applicant, $4,550 for any child over 18 and $2,280 for each child under 18 years of age. a further government fee of $1,920 is payable during the time of applying for the spouse visa,.
Critical Factors Affecting Australia Partner Visa Processing Time
The Australia partner visa processing time relies on numerous factors, including your profile as well. For simplicity’s sake, here are some critical factors affecting partner visa processing time:
- Completeness of Application: It is necessary to fill in your visa application completely because incomplete applications or a lack of documents will make the visa processing slower.
- Verification of Documents: This visa processing time Australia will be longer if background checks and document verification are necessary.
- Applicant’s Country of Origin: Processing times will also vary depending on your country of origin.
- Current Backlog: Any visa, be it a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa or offshore partner visa 309, processing time can be uncertain based on the number of applications in process.
- Complexity of the Case: Australian spouse visa processing time can be longer for complex cases, i.e., more challenging ones.
Also Read: Key Differences Between 189 and 190 Visas Explained
Average Australia Partner Visa Processing Time
First of all, you require a partner visa (subclass 309). Partner visa 309 processing time, by default, takes 13 to 17 months. The Australia partner visa processing time can vary depending on different situations, profile complexity, and the previously listed factors.
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time
Home Affairs typically processes 75% of visa applications within 15 months and completes 90% of them within 21 months.
Spouse Visa Processing Time Australia
The processing times of onshore and offshore spouse visa applications are different in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs typically issues the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) 18 to 24 months after receiving the application.
485 Spouse Visa Processing Time
The Department of Home Affairs usually processes Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) spouse applications promptly. Depending on the case of the applicant and the documentation and information readiness of the application. The processing time for the 485 spouse visa is between two and four months.
Tips to Speed Up the Partner Visa Process
Below are some tips that, if followed, can speed up the spouse visa Australia processing time.
- Submit a Comprehensive Application: In order to prevent excessive delays in Aus partner visa processing times, prepare your visa application comprehensively and in the right manner. All documents must be attached.
- Be Quick in Response: Be prompt and careful when responding to the Department of Home Affairs when they ask for more necessary information.
- Keep Messages Concise: Be genuine and truthful while interacting with the immigration authorities, and respond to each question with the information at hand as soon as possible. This will streamline your partner visa Australia application process.
- Take Professional Assistance: Seek assistance from a qualified immigration consultant Adelaide or where you are staying so that the application is completed correctly and submitted within the specified time limit.
Also Read: When Will Be the Next 189 Invitation Round- New Update
Wrapping Up
It is extremely important for individuals who intend to begin a new life with their loved ones to be aware of the processing time of the visa they are applying for, be it the Partner Visa or the Australia dependent visa processing time. Timelines are not always specific, but preparation and presenting a flawless and comprehensive application can definitely minimise delays.
Each visa application process comes with its own unique requirements and advantages. Through staying informed and seeking professional advice, couples can successfully go through the application process without hesitation and reunite in Australia with minimal uncertainty and stress.