Subclass 820 (onshore provisional)
The onshore temporary partner visa. Median around 18-24 months, 90th percentile can stretch to 30-36 months.
309 · 820 · 100 · 801 · 2026 Wait Times
Processing times are the single most asked question at partner visa consultations.
The Department's published figures do not tell the whole story. Here is what current processing looks like in 2026, what drives the variation between cases, and how to plan your life around a wait that usually lands somewhere between one and three years.
Current processing windows
Four partner visa subclasses. Different timelines.
The Department publishes median and 90th-percentile processing times for each subclass. Current windows sit in these ranges as of 2026.
Subclass 801 (onshore permanent)
Second stage onshore. Usually 12-18 months after eligibility, faster for most applicants.
Subclass 309 (offshore provisional)
Offshore temporary. Median 12-18 months, faster than onshore in most country groups.
Subclass 100 (offshore permanent)
Second stage offshore. 12-18 months typical once eligibility met.
Why processing times vary
Four factors. Not all within applicant control.
Three applicants lodging on the same day can wait wildly different amounts of time. Here is why.
Evidence completeness at lodgementComplete applications with strong evidence at lodgement process faster. Requests for further information (RFIs) add months.
Country of citizenshipSome country processing (country-specific checks, document translation complexity) takes longer than others. India and some African countries can add months to baseline.
Relationship typeDe facto cases tend to take longer than married. Married couples with registered marriage certificates process faster.
Character and health complicationsPrevious criminal matters, past visa refusals, or health conditions requiring waivers all extend processing.
Planning around the wait
Three practical strategies.
While waiting, applicants can take specific steps to improve both processing speed and the final outcome.
Ongoing evidence gathering
Keep gathering relationship evidence during processing. Updated evidence can be uploaded. Stronger evidence = faster RFI responses and stronger case.
Priority processing requests
Compelling circumstances (serious illness, family bereavement, work requirements) can sometimes justify priority processing requests. Evidence-led submissions.
Prepare for 801/100 transition early
Second-stage evidence should be prepared at eligibility date, not months after. See evidence checklist.
Priority processing is granted in a minority of cases but where it applies, it can save 6-12 months.
Compelling humanitarian, medical, or work circumstances are the strongest priority grounds. Routine inconvenience or anxiety about waiting times alone rarely succeed.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For partner visa timing, book with Neha Sharma.
Do agent-prepared applications process faster?
Not automatically, but stronger evidence and correct lodgement reduce RFI risk, which is the main cause of delay. Prepared applications tend to process without back-and-forth.
Can I work during the 820 wait?
Yes. 820 applicants usually receive a bridging visa with work rights. See work rights guide.
Does lodging onshore or offshore process faster?
Offshore 309 tends to be faster than onshore 820 in recent years. Your circumstances determine which is available.
Can I expedite my case?
Only with compelling circumstances evidence. The Department decides priority. Not every request succeeds.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.