Getting a spouse visa (also referred to as a Partner visa) to join your partner in Sydney is a great achievement to reach. One of the most frequently asked questions, however, is: How long will it take to get approved?
Knowing the Department of Home Affairs timeline will assist you to plan your life, career and housing in Sydney with confidence. Let’s look at how long it takes and what factors affect the wait time.
Understanding the Two-Stage Partner Visa Process
Australia has a two-stage visa process for partner visas. The temporary and permanent visas are applied for concurrently, but at separate times.
Stage 1: Temporary Partner Visa
- Onshore (Subclass 820): If you are already in Australia on a valid visa when you apply.
- Offshore (Subclass 309): If you are not in Australia at the time of your application.
Stage 2: Permanent Partner Visa
Onshore (Subclass 801) / Offshore (Subclass 100): This is the subclass for people who want to be assessed after approximately two years since their initial subclass 189 visa application to ensure that their relationship is still ongoing and genuine.
Current Processing Times (Department of Home Affairs)
The processing time may vary depending on the number of cases in the system and application specifics. Using the statistics published by the Department of Home Affairs, the following picture is a good indicator for you:
1. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 309)
- The median processing time is 14-18 months.
- 90% applications: Completed within 24-26 months.
Onshore (Subclass 820) applicants typically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) which will enable them to reside, work and study legally in Sydney while their visa application is pending.
2. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801 / 100)
- Eligibility begins: Two years from the date of your first Stage 1 application.
- After eligibility is determined: 8 to 20 months.
The entire process from applying for permanent residence until you are granted permanent residency in Australia can take 3 to 4 years.
What Factors Delay or Speed Up Your Application?
Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Home Affairs. There are some factors that directly affect the visa processing time:
1. Submitting a “Decision-Ready” Application
Completed applications that have all needed documents from the initial submission go through much quicker. Your file may be placed on hold if Home Affairs needs to reach out to you for missing documents (Request for Information or RFI), which adds months to the wait.
2. Quality of Relationship Evidence
Home Affairs checks four key aspects of your relationship:
- Finances: Shared bank accounts, household bills or lease agreements.
- Household structure: Household responsibilities and situations.
- Social context: Pictures in pairs, invitations with friends and family, and statements from friends and family under the law.
- Mutual commitment: Statements outlining past and future intentions of one’s relationship.
An organized, legible set of evidence makes it easy for case officers to confirm your relationship in a timely fashion.
3. Health and Character Checks
Police checks from all countries lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years and medical checks are required. Foreign police certificates may take longer to be obtained and can therefore slow you down.
How a Migration Agent Sydney Can Help
The process of partner visas can be confusing, particularly if they involve compiling years of joint documents. An experienced migration agent Sydney will ensure that your application is properly formatted, complete and completely up to date with the latest migration rules.
A licensed migration agent Sydney will:
- Review documentation and make sure it meets all four types of evidence.
- Know what could be cause for concern or missing before you submit.
- Prepare written legal submissions for your application.
- If anything changes in your situation while you are waiting to hear from us, please update your application.
Final Thoughts
The process of obtaining a spouse visa for Sydney is not quick and easy, but with a well-prepared visa application, there won’t be any delays. Begin relationship evidence collection early and maintain medical and security needs.
For peace of mind while making your way through the partner visa process, it is best to seek the help of an experienced migration agent Sydney along the way.
