How long does an Australian partner visa take to process?

Partner visas (Subclass 820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore) are among the longest-processing Australian visas. At the 75th percentile, the temporary stage (820/309) currently takes 24–36 months. The permanent stage (801/100) is typically granted after 2 years from the initial application date, provided the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Total processing from lodgement to permanent grant can exceed 3–4 years.

What is the difference between an onshore and offshore partner visa?

Onshore partner visas (Subclass 820/801) are lodged while the applicant is in Australia and allow the applicant to remain and work in Australia while the application is processed. Offshore partner visas (Subclass 309/100) are lodged while the applicant is outside Australia. The final permanent grant (801 or 100) can usually be granted while the holder is either onshore or offshore.

Can I work in Australia while my partner visa is being processed?

Yes. Once a Subclass 820 bridging visa is granted (automatically when the onshore application is lodged), you have full work rights in Australia while the application is pending. For offshore 309 applicants, work rights only commence once the temporary visa is granted and you enter Australia.

Australian Family Visa Finder — Partner, Parent, Child & More

Step 1 — Your Relationship

What is your relationship to the person you want to bring to Australia?

Select the option that best describes your situation. The visa pathway depends on your relationship to the applicant.

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Partner or spouse (married or de facto)

Partner visas 820/801 (onshore) or 309/100 (offshore)

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Fiancé — we plan to marry in Australia

Prospective marriage visa (subclass 300) — valid for 9 months to allow marriage

👨‍👩‍👧

Parent — I'm sponsoring my parent(s) to migrate to Australia

Parent visas 103 (standard) or 143/173 (contributory) — balance of family test applies

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Child — I'm sponsoring my child (under 18 or dependent)

Child visas 101 (offshore) or 102 (onshore), or 445 (step-child)

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Other family member (sibling, aunt/uncle, etc.)

Limited pathways exist — a consultation will identify the best option

Step 2 — Current Location

Where is the visa applicant (your family member) currently located?

This determines whether you apply for the onshore or offshore version of the visa. For partner visas, this significantly affects processing.

Currently in Australia (on a valid visa)

Onshore application — they can remain in Australia while the visa is processed

Currently overseas

Offshore application — they remain abroad during processing and travel to Australia when the visa is granted

Step 3 — Sponsor Status

What is your status in Australia?

The sponsor (the person in Australia) must meet certain residency requirements. Australian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor most family members.

Australian citizen (including by descent)

Australian permanent resident

Eligible New Zealand citizen (holding a special category visa)

Your result

Your requirements and next steps

Your pathway is above. The full requirements, the evidence you’ll need, and what to do next arrive by email — free, no obligation. We may occasionally send relevant immigration updates — unsubscribe anytime.