Processing Guide
The Two-Stage Processing Timeline
Australian partner visas follow a two-stage structure: temporary then permanent. Understanding the timeline helps you set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary anxiety. All information sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
The Big Picture: Temporary → Permanent
When you apply for a partner visa, you are applying for both the temporary and permanent visas at the same time in a single combined application. The Department of Home Affairs processes your application in two stages:
Temporary Visa
Subclass 820 (onshore) or 309 (offshore). This is the first decision — your relationship is assessed as genuine, and you are granted a temporary visa with full work rights and Medicare access.
Permanent Visa
Subclass 801 (onshore) or 100 (offshore). Assessed 2 years after your original application date. You must still be in a genuine relationship and provide updated evidence.
Onshore Pathway: 820 → 801 Timeline
Lodge Combined Application
Day 0
You submit a single combined 820/801 application online through ImmiAccount. You must be in Australia when you apply. Include all evidence upfront — do not wait for the case officer to ask.
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
Automatic on lodgement
If you hold a substantive visa when you apply, you are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A. It takes effect when your current visa expires, allowing you to stay lawfully in Australia while your partner visa is processed. You retain full work rights and Medicare access.
Request for Further Information
3–12 months after lodgement
A case officer is assigned to your application. They may request additional evidence or clarification. Respond promptly and comprehensively — delays in your response cause delays in processing.
Temporary Visa Grant (820)
14–28 months from lodgement
If the Department is satisfied your relationship is genuine, your temporary 820 visa is granted. You become eligible for Medicare (if not already covered) and can work without restriction. This is when the 2-year clock for Stage 2 begins — measured from your original application date, not the grant date.
Two-Year Qualifying Period
2 years from application date
The relationship must continue to be genuine throughout this period. Keep collecting evidence — bank statements, lease renewals, shared bills, updated photos. The Department may contact you at any time.
Permanent Stage Assessment
Approximately 2 years after application
The Department invites you to provide updated evidence for the permanent stage (801). You submit documentation showing your relationship remains genuine and ongoing. You do not need to submit a new application — this is part of the same combined application.
Permanent Visa Grant (801)
12–21 months from eligibility
If satisfied, the Department grants your permanent 801 visa. You become an Australian permanent resident with all associated rights, including a pathway to citizenship (subject to residence requirements).
Offshore Pathway: 309 → 100 Timeline
Lodge Combined Application
Day 0
Submit a combined 309/100 application online through ImmiAccount. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the 309 visa is granted.
Request for Further Information
3–12 months
A case officer may request additional documents. Respond within the timeframe given.
Temporary Visa Grant (309)
13–26 months
Your 309 provisional visa is granted. You can now enter Australia. You have full work rights and Medicare access upon arrival. The 2-year qualifying period begins from your original application date.
Special Case: Double Grant (309+100)
At Stage 1 decision
If your relationship has been long-term (3+ years, or 2+ years with dependent children), the Department may grant both the 309 and 100 at the same time — skipping the 2-year wait entirely. This is not guaranteed; it is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Two-Year Qualifying Period
2 years from application date
Continue gathering evidence of your ongoing relationship. You can be in Australia or overseas during this period.
Permanent Visa Grant (100)
12–18 months from eligibility
The Department assesses your permanent stage. If satisfied, your 100 visa is granted, giving you Australian permanent residency.
Prospective Marriage (300) Timeline
The 300 visa follows a different structure — it is a one-stage visa valid for 9 months from entry. After marriage in Australia, you then apply for the standard 820/801 onshore partner visa.
Lodge 300 Application
Outside Australia
You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted. You must have met your partner in person as adults.
300 Visa Grant
11–32 months
Once granted, you have an initial entry date by which you must enter Australia. The 9-month validity period starts from entry.
Enter Australia & Marry
Within 9 months
You must marry your Australian partner within 9 months of entering Australia. The marriage must be legally valid under Australian law.
Apply for 820/801
After marriage
After marriage, you apply for the onshore partner visa (820/801). You follow the standard onshore timeline from this point.
Tips for Keeping Your Timeline on Track
Submit Complete Evidence Upfront
Incomplete applications cause the biggest delays. Submit all evidence with your initial application — do not wait for the case officer to request it.
Respond to RFIs Promptly
If the Department requests further information, respond within the specified timeframe. Delayed responses = delayed processing.
Keep Evidence Up to Date
Continue collecting evidence throughout the process. Upload significant changes (new lease, joint purchases) via ImmiAccount.
Notify of Changes
If your address, passport, or relationship status changes, notify the Department immediately through ImmiAccount.
Check Processing Times Regularly
Global processing times are published on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and are updated monthly. Use them as a guide, not a guarantee.
Get Professional Advice for Complex Cases
If you have health, character, or previous visa refusal issues, consult a registered MARA agent early — complex cases take significantly longer.
Timeline FAQ
Can the 2-year qualifying period be shortened? +
Generally no. The two-year qualifying period for permanent stage eligibility is set by migration regulations. However, in limited circumstances (long-term relationships of 3+ years, or 2+ years with dependent children) the Department may grant both stages simultaneously — this is the "double grant" and is assessed on a case-by-case basis at the initial decision stage.
What happens if my temporary visa expires before the permanent stage is decided? +
The temporary 820 visa does not have a fixed expiry date in the traditional sense — it remains valid until a decision is made on your permanent 801 application. You are lawful as long as you hold the 820 visa or a bridging visa associated with your application.
Can I travel while my application is being processed? +
820 holders can travel on a Bridging Visa B (BVB), which you must apply for before leaving Australia. 309 applicants must remain offshore until grant. Check your specific visa conditions before booking any travel.
Do processing times include the time I spend waiting for a case officer? +
Yes. Published processing times include all stages — from lodgement to final decision. They do not include time spent waiting for you to provide additional information if you were asked to do so.
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global Visa Processing Times