Partner Visa 820/801 Processing Times and Updates (2026)
Applying for a partner visa is one of the most emotionally significant steps in an Australian migration journey. While love and commitment form the foundation of the application, timelines and uncertainty often become the biggest source of stress for couples. If you’re planning to apply (or already waiting) under the Partner Visa 820/801, understanding processing times and the latest updates for 2026 is essential for realistic planning.
This guide breaks down Partner Visa 820 processing times for 2026, Partner Visa 801 processing times for 2026, key delays, policy trends, and what applicants can expect from the Department of Home Affairs moving forward.
Let’s get to know about them.
Understanding the Partner Visa 820/801 Pathway
The Partner Visa 820/801 is a two-stage onshore visa pathway designed for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Partner Visa Subclass 820 is a temporary visa that allows applicants to live, work, and study in Australia while their permanent stage is assessed.
- Partner Visa Subclass 801 is the permanent residency stage, usually assessed around two years after the initial application date.
This staged approach is why Australia partner visa 820 801 wait times vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and application quality.
Partner Visa 820 Processing Times in 2026
As of 2026, current processing times for partner visa 820 remain influenced by application volumes, relationship complexity, and departmental priorities.
Average Processing Time (Indicative)
Most well-prepared applications fall within:-
- 12 to 20 months for Subclass 820
- Some straightforward cases may be processed sooner
- Complex cases can exceed 24 months
If you’re wondering how long does partner visa 820 take, the answer largely depends on how “decision-ready” your application is at lodgement.
Factors Affecting 820 Processing
Here are the most important factors that affect the processing of the 820 partner visa:-
- Strength and consistency of relationship evidence
- Health and character checks
- Previous visa history
- Requests for further information (RFIs)
- Case officer workload
Partner Visa 801 Processing Times & Permanent Stage Assessment
Once eligible for permanent assessment, applicants move to the Partner Visa Subclass 801 stage.
Partner Visa 801 Processing Times in 2026
Partner Visa 801 processing times in 2026 generally range between:-
- 6 to 15 months after eligibility
- Some long-term relationships may receive earlier grants
- Others may experience delays due to reassessment requirements
The partner visa 801 final decision time is influenced by whether the relationship remains genuine and continuing at the time of review.
Partner Visa 820/801 Updates in 2026
The partner visa 820 801 updates in 2026 reflect operational improvements rather than major legislative changes.
Here are some key updates that applicants should know:-
- Increased reliance on digital evidence via ImmiAccount
- More scrutiny of relationship consistency over time
- Higher expectations for front-loaded applications
- Continued focus on fraud prevention and compliance
Partner visa processing times may fluctuate throughout the year due to changes in how the Department of Home Affairs allocates staff across different migration streams.
Why Are Partner Visa 820/801 Applications Delayed?
Delays remain one of the most common frustrations for couples waiting on decisions. The most frequent causes include:-
- Incomplete or Weak Relationship Evidence
Applications lacking joint financial records, cohabitation proof, or social recognition often trigger RFIs.
- Health and Character Processing
Police checks from multiple countries or follow-up medical requests can significantly extend timelines.
- Requests for Further Information (RFI)
An RFI pauses assessment until documents are provided. Sometimes this adds months to the process.
- High Application Volumes
Backlogs continue to impact partner visa 820 801 delays, especially during peak migration periods.
Is Priority Processing Available for Partner Visa 820/801?
There is no formal fast-track program to serve that purpose. However, partner visa 820 priority processing may occur in limited situations involving:-
- Compassionate or compelling circumstances
- Children affected by separation
- Health-related urgency
Even then, priority consideration does not guarantee immediate approval. It simply places the file earlier in the assessment queue.
Tracking Your 820/801 Visa Status
Applicants can monitor progress through ImmiAccount, where common updates include:-
- “Received”
- “Initial assessment”
- “Further assessment”
- “Finalised”
A visa 820 801 status update does not always mean immediate action. Many applications remain under review without visible changes for extended periods.
How to Reduce Partner Visa Processing Time
While no one can control departmental workloads, applicants can significantly improve outcomes by relying on the following tips:-
- Submitting a complete and front-loaded application
- Providing consistent evidence across all relationship aspects
- Updating changes promptly via ImmiAccount
- Responding quickly to RFIs
- Seeking professional review before lodgement
The aforementioned steps help align your application with the 820 801 visa processing as per Australian standards.
What to Expect from Partner Visa Processing in 2026
Looking ahead, applicants should plan for the following:-
- Longer-than-expected waiting periods
- Increased documentation scrutiny
- Limited communication during assessment
- Continued importance of relationship updates
Understanding the Australia spouse visa processing time 820 801 helps couples prepare emotionally, financially, and practically while waiting.
Get Expert Guidance to Avoid Delays
Navigating Partner Visa 820/801 processing times in 2026 requires more than patience. It demands strategy, accuracy, and expert insight. With delays becoming more common and assessment standards tightening, professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Visa Empire is recognised as one of the best migration agents in Perth, helping couples lodge strong, decision-ready partner visa applications with confidence. From document preparation to ongoing case management, our experts ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and positioned for the best possible outcome.
Ready to move forward with clarity and confidence?
Contact Visa Empire today and let our migration specialists support your Australian future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take from 820 to 801?
In most cases, applicants become eligible for the Partner Visa 801 around 2 years after lodging the combined 820/801 application.
2. What is the current waiting time for a partner visa in Australia?
As of 2026, the current waiting time for a partner visa in Australia is approximately:
- 12–20 months for Partner Visa 820
- 6–15 months for Partner Visa 801 after eligibility
Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and Department of Home Affairs workload.
3. Can 820 and 801 be granted together?
Yes, in limited cases. If the relationship is considered long-term (generally 3 years, or 2 years with a dependent child), the Department may grant Partner Visa 820 and 801 together, significantly reducing overall waiting time.
4. Can I travel while waiting for 801?
Yes. If you hold a Partner Visa 820, you can travel freely in and out of Australia while waiting for the 801 visa, as long as your visa remains valid. You will also need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) for travel. You must always check your travel facility dates before departure.
5. What impacts partner visa wait times?
Several factors affect partner visa processing times, including:-
- Strength and consistency of relationship evidence
- Completeness of documents at lodgement
- Health and character clearances
- Requests for further information (RFIs)
- Overall Department of Home Affairs processing capacity
6. How long after 801 can you get Australian citizenship?
After receiving the Partner Visa 801 (PR), most applicants can apply for Australian citizenship once they have:
- Lived in Australia for 4 years total
- Held permanent residency for at least 12 months
- Met residence and character requirements
7. What is the difference between partner visa 820 and 801?
The Partner Visa 820 is a temporary visa allowing you to live and work in Australia while your permanent stage is assessed.
The Partner Visa 801 grants permanent residency, providing access to full work rights, Medicare, and a pathway to citizenship.
8. What happens after an 801 visa is granted?
Once the Partner Visa 801 is granted, you become an Australian permanent resident. You gain:
- Indefinite stay in Australia
- Full work and study rights
- Access to Medicare and social benefits
- Eligibility to sponsor family members
- A clear pathway to Australian citizenship
9. Can Partner Visa 820 be granted offshore?
No. The Partner Visa 820 is an onshore visa, meaning you must be in Australia at the time of application and decision. Offshore applicants apply for Partner Visa Subclass 309/100 instead.
