Partner visa processing times

The processing times for partner visas in Australia can vary significantly depending on the specific type of partner visa applied for. Various factors come into play, influencing the duration it take for the application to be assessed and approved. The article gives you the average processing times for various types of partner visas.

Partner visas in Australia have diverse options available, with six distinct types catering to individual circumstances. These visa categories are tailored to accommodate the unique situations of applicants. The primary differentiator lies in whether the application is lodged onshore or offshore.

The types of visas are

• Partner (Provisional) Visa SC 309

• Partner (Migrant) Visa SC 100

• Prospective Marriage Visa SC 300

• Partner Visa (Temporary) SC 820

• Partner Visa (Permanent) SC 801

• New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa SC 461

The SC 309 visa is a temporary visa for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa allows temporary residence until a decision on the permanent Partner (Subclass 100) visa is made. This visa must be lodged only if the applicants is outside Australia when applying.

Average processing time taken by the department:

• 50% of your visa application will be processed in 12 months

• 90% of your visa application will be processed in 51 months

The SC 100 visa is a permanent visa option available to spouses and de facto partners who have been on the SC 309 visa for a minimum of 2 years. This visa is designed for individuals who initially entered Australia on the temporary SC 309 visa and now wish to transition to permanent residency.

Average processing time taken by the department:

• 50% of your visa application will be processed in 12 months

• 90% of your visa application will be processed in 51 months

The SC 300 visa is a temporary visa designed for individuals planning to marry their prospective spouse in Australia. It's crucial to note that applicants must be outside of Australia when lodging their visa application. The primary purpose of this visa is to facilitate the entry of individuals who intend to get married within the visa grant period, allowing them to join their Australian partner. The partners should intend to marry their prospective spouses before the expiration of the visa that is usually within 9 months.

Average processing time taken by the department:

• 50% of your visa application will be processed in 12 months

• 90% of your visa application will be processed in 27 months

The SC 820 visa is a temporary partner visa designed for spouses and de facto partners who wish to live in Australia with their Australian partner. It's essential to note that applicants must be physically present in Australia when lodging their visa application. Once granted, this temporary visa allows spouses and de facto partners to reside in Australia while awaiting the outcome of their subsequent application for the permanent partner visa (SC 801). It's an important step in the two-stage process toward obtaining permanent residency in Australia for eligible applicants.

Average processing time taken by the department:

• 50% of your visa application will be processed in 18 months

• 90% of your visa application will be processed in 47 months

The SC 801 visa is a permanent partner visa that spouses and de facto partners can apply for after fulfilling the initial 2-year period on the temporary SC 820 visa. It represents the second stage in the two-step process towards obtaining permanent residency in Australia. It's important to note that applicants should have been on the SC 820 visa for at least two years before becoming eligible for the SC 801.

Average processing time taken by the department:

• 50% of your visa application will be processed in 6 months

• 90% of your visa application will be processed in 10 months

The SC 461 visa is a temporary visa designed for individuals in relationships with New Zealand citizens. Once you've established a genuine and committed relationship with a New Zealand citizen, you can apply for this visa. This temporary visa allows individuals to live and work in Australia for the duration of the visa.

It's important to note that the SC 461 visa doesn't lead to permanent residency. Applicants must maintain their relationship with the New Zealand citizen sponsor throughout the visa period. It's a suitable option for partners of New Zealand citizens who wish to join them in Australia for a temporary stay.

Average processing time taken by the department:

• 50% of your visa application will be processed in 86 days

• 90% of your visa application will be processed in 4 months

Crucial for your timely process of your application is the completeness of the information provided; an incomplete or missing set of details may extend processing times.

Additionally, the inclusion of specific information relevant to your application, which may need scrutiny or further assessment by the department will also increase the processing time.

Prompt responses to any information requests from the Department of Home Affairs by you plays a pivotal role, because if you are not prompt in corresponding with the Department, that will result in a delay in your application.

Factors external to the Department scope of work, such as the time taken for health checks, police checks ,biometrics and other agency-related information, contribute to the overall timeline.