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Australian Spouse Visa Processing Time: Did you know that nearly 90% of Australian spouse visas take around 15-32 months to process? Having prior knowledge of the visa approval process can help applicants save a lot of time and effort. It can even help one prepare themselves to meet the prerequisites/eligibility criteria of the visa. An Australian spouse visa or the Australian Partner Visa permits the spouse (husband or wife) or fiance of the applicant to immigrate to Australia. Please read through the article to learn more about the Australian Spouse Visa and its processing time.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Processing Time for a Partner Visa in Australia?
- Australian Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Australian Spouse Visa Document Checklist
- Australian Spouse Visa Application Process
- Australian Spouse Visa Application Fee
- Australia Spouse Visa Processing Time After Medical Tests Are Done
- What If My Medical Test Takes Longer Than Expected?
- Subclass 820 Processing Time
- Subclass 801 Processing Time
- Why is My Australian Partner Visa Taking So Long?
- What to Do If Your Australian Spouse Visa Is Delayed?
- How to Fast Track a Spouse Visa in Australia?
- What to Do if the Australian Spouse Visa Application is Rejected?
- FAQs
What is the Processing Time for a Partner Visa in Australia?
The Australian Spouse Visa processing time ranges between 14 to 26 months depending on the type of spouse or partner visa. For instance, if you intend to apply for a 309-type provisional spouse visa (Australia), you can acquire the said visa between 9 and 15 months. On the other hand, it can take up to 9 to 20 months for your 100-type Permanent spouse visa to process. Look at the following table to understand the processing time for a spouse visa in Australia. The processing time for an Australian spouse visa keeps changing very frequently. So keep updating your information accordingly.
| Visa Type | Processing time ( 50% of applications) | Processing time (90% of applications) |
| 309- Provisional Visa | 14 months | 26 months |
| 100- Permanent Visa | 9 months | 20 months |
Note- The visa processing times are subject to change.
Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner visa)
This is the first step in getting a spouse visa for Australia. It enables the applicant and their Australian partner to reside temporarily in Australia. The pair must be in an actual and continuing spousal relationship to qualify for the Subclass 309 visa. Typically, the Subclass 309 visa is issued first and gives the applicant temporary residency.
Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner visa)
The applicant becomes qualified for the permanent stage of the spouse visa after a waiting period, typically two years from the date of the initial application. As the spouse or partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the holder of the Subclass 100 visa is granted permanent residency, enabling them to live and work in Australia for all time.
Also Read: How to Apply for Australia Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Australian Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements
Individuals who wish to take their spouse to Australia are mandated to acquire the Australian Spouse Visa.
The foremost requirement for acquiring an Australian partner visa is to establish to the authorities that the relationship between the primary and secondary applicant (spouse) is genuine and long-term.
If the authorities get to know about some discrepancy or hint of fraudulence in the information presented, the application will be rejected or jeopardised. Apart from that, there are certain other factors which may determine the applicant’s eligibility.
- Applicant and their spouse must live together permanently.
- The duration of the relationship between the applicant and his/her spouse must be 12 months or more at the time of application.
- Both individuals (applicant and spouse) must clear the health and character criteria.
Australian Spouse Visa Document Checklist
If you submit all the documents, there are fewer chances of visa refusal and processing delay. Therefore, we have provided the documents checklist for the Australian Spouse Visa.
| Documents Required for an Australian Spouse Visa | Temporary Partner visa Dcouments Required | Permanent Partner Visa Documents Required |
| Identity documents (Birth certificate and passport) | Yes | Yes |
| Character documents (police certificate) | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of relationship (to prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing) | Yes | Yes |
| Documents of family members who hold a subclass 820 or 445 visa | No | Yes |
| Details of changes to your marital or de facto status/birth of a child | No | Yes |
Also Read: What is a Student Visa and How to Apply?
Australian Spouse Visa Application Process
The Australian Spouse Visa permits the secondary applicant, i.e., the spouse of an individual to immigrate to Australia. Therefore, those who wish to take their spouses to the country along with them are mandated to apply for the said visa. Prospective candidates can refer to the following steps to apply for an Australian Spouse Visa.
- Candidates must acquire all the necessary documents or credentials prior to applying for the said visa. Doing so will enhance the chances of one’s application getting selected.
- Applicants are then required to lodge an online partner visa application. It is crucial for one to pay the requisite application fees to ensure a successful and seamless registration process.
- Once the application is submitted, one must keep patience as the process may take some time for the DHA (Department of Home Affairs) to decide on the visa application.
- Applicants will receive their visas once they acquire approval from the Department of Home Affairs.
- An Australian Spouse Visa can take up to a year or more to be processed before the visa is granted.
- Candidates are thus advised to begin their application procedure at the earliest.
Watch the video below to learn in detail about the Subclass 309 provincial visa application process
Australian Spouse Visa Application Fee
Applicants must pay the requisite application fee to ensure a successful and seamless registration process. Candidates hailing from India are required to pay an amount of INR 4 Lakhs for an Australian Spouse Visa. Have a look at the following data to understand the fee structure of an Australian Spouse Visa Application.
| Australian Partner Visa Type | Visa Application Fee (AUD) | INR (Approximate Values) |
| Spouse/ De-facto Visa Application (Application lodged outside of Australia – SC 309/100) | Primary Applicant – 7,715 Child (over 18 years) – 3,860 each Child (below 18 years) – 1,935 each | Primary Applicant- INR 4 lakh. Child (over 18 years)- 2 lakh Child (below 18 years)- 1 lakh |
| Prospective Spouse Application (Lodged Outside Australia-Sc300) | Primary applicant – 7,715 Child (over 18 years) – 3,860 each Child (below 18 years) – 1,935 each | Primary Applicant- INR 4 lakh Child (over 18 years)- 2 lakh Child (below 18 years)- 1 lakh |
| Spouse Or De Facto Visa application (Lodged Inside Australia-Sc-820/801) | Primary applicant – 7,715 Child (over 18 years) – 3,860 each Child (below 18 years) – 1,935 each | Primary Applicant- INR 4 lakh Child (over 18 years)- 2 lakh Child (below 18 years)- 1 lakh |
| Eligible New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Application (Sc461) | Primary applicant – 365/ Child (over 18 years) – 185 each Child (below 18 years) – 90 each | Primary applicant – 20k Child (over 18 years) – 10k Child (below 18 years) – 5k |
| Medical Examination | Approximately 350 per adult and $300 per child. | Eligible New Zealand Citizens Family Relationship Application (Sc461) |
Australia Spouse Visa Processing Time After Medical Tests Are Done
The Australia spouse visa processing time consists of various stages and processes. There are your visa interview and medical assessments that need to be completed before being granted a visa. If your medical tests are done, it will take around 8 to 9 weeks to get your Australia spouse visa processed.
What If My Medical Test Takes Longer Than Expected?
The medical test duration can affect the Australian Spouse Visa processing time. In case your medical test takes longer than expected, you can take the following steps:
- Consult the hospital or click and know about the report submission timelines.
- Ensure that your reports are directly sent to the Australian immigration department
- You can also request the medical centre to quickly give the results/
- If the test is taking longer than expected, inform the Department of Home Affairs
- Keep copies of the medical appointments, and follow up regularly.
Subclass 820 Processing Time
Subclass 820 allows your spouse of an Australian permanent resident or citizen, to live in the country temporarily. Getting this visa allows you to later apply for Subclass 801. The processing time for Subclass 820 is
| Visa | Processing time for 50% of the applications | Processing Time (90% of applications) |
| Subclass 820 | 12 months | 29 Months |
Subclass 801 Processing Time
Subclass 801 allows the spouse or de facto partner of a permanent resident or a citizen of Australia to stay in the country permanently. You need a Subclass 802 to apply for this visa.
| Visa | Processing time for 50% of the applications | Processing Time for 90% of applications |
| Subclass 801 | 8 Months | 26 Months |
Note- The visa application processing time are subject to change
Why is My Australian Partner Visa Taking So Long?
At times, it can take a long time to process your application. This is due to:
- Submission of incorrect information or inaccurate documents
- The embassy wants you to submit additional documents for verification
- A huge number of visa applications submitted
What to Do If Your Australian Spouse Visa Is Delayed?
At times, the Australian Spouse Visa processing time can take longer than expected. In such a scenario, you can take the following steps:
- Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and check the status of your application
- Re-evaluate if you have submitted all the documents. If not, provide additional documents
- In case of long delays, contact your visa consultant
- When the immigration officer requests you for any documents, respond quickly
- Confirm that your medical and police check reports have been submitted
- Keep track of any changes in the Australian government policies.
Student Visa Delay? Here’s What To Do Instead of Waiting!
Factors that Influence Visa Processing Times & Can Cause Delays
Several factors influence the Australia Spouse Visa processing time and cause delays. Some of these factors include-
- Submission of incorrect information or documents can cause delays in processing.
- You have not submitted all the documents required.
- Authorities can take extra time to verify your employment details, relationship proof, and financial stability
- If the medical examination has not been held on time
- At times, depending on your circumstances, additional background checks may be needed
- A high volume of applications has been submitted
- If the immigration officers request further details, and you delay submission, it can cause delays in processing.
How to Fast Track a Spouse Visa in Australia?
The best way to ensure that your spouse visa is processed on time is by submitting all the required documents. Also, ensure that you are filling out all required columns in the visa application form.
In case of urgency, your visa application can be prioritised. That is, if you have submitted all the relevant documents and met the visa requirements. However, you will have to show compelling and compassionate circumstances. As per the Australian government, there is no guarantee that your application will be given a higher priority.
What to Do if the Australian Spouse Visa Application is Rejected?
Your Australian Spouse Visa application can be rejected under several circumstances. The reason for the visa refusal is mentioned in the refusal letter. In case you feel like the visa refusal was unfair, you can file a visa appeal. The Administrative Review Tribunal will take your visa application for review.
Why Would a Work Visa Be Denied to Indians?
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FAQs
Ans. Some of the most popular Australian spouses or Partner Visas are the Provisional Partner visa (Subclass 309), Permanent Partner visa (Subclass 100), Temporary Partner visa (Subclass 820), Permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801), and the Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300)/ Fiancé visa.
Ans. A De Facto partner is someone who is not legally married to the applicant (such as a fiance), has a lasting relationship with the applicant, is committed to sharing life with the applicant, is someone who belongs to the same or different sex, and be in a relationship with the applicant that has lasted for more than 12 months before application.
Ans. Candidates in polygamous marriages are not considered eligible for Australian Spouse Visas. Those who are married within a prohibited degree of relationship will never be considered eligible for application. Parents, Children, Grandparents or Grandchildren will not be considered eligible for spouse visas. Apart from that, sibling relationships or underage marriages are not applicable for spouse visas.
Ans. Acquiring a Spouse Visa (Australia) from India is a two-step process. First, the applicant obtains a temporary visa, which permits them to stay in Australia until their permanent Partner visa application is approved. If the applicant’s relationship is still active and genuine, they are eligible to apply for a permanent partner visa.
Ans. The processing time for the Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) in 2025 can vary based on individual circumstances and application completeness. Based on recent trends, the estimated processing times are as follows:
25% of applications: Processed within 6 months
50% of applications: Processed within 10 months
75% of applications: Processed within 15 months
90% of applications: Processed within 21 months
Ans. The Australia spouse visa fee is AUD8,850.00 for most visas. Which is around INR 4.8 Lakhs. Moreover, for prospective marriage visas, that is Subclass 300 holders, the visa fee is AUD1,475. Which is around INR 80 K.
Ans. The Australia spouse visa is valid for around 2 years. It is nullified if a decision on your permanent visa is impending.
Ans. A dependent visa takes around 37 months to process. It allows you to stay in the country indefinitely.
Australian spouse visa or the Australian Partner Visa permits the spouse (husband or wife) or fiance of the applicant to immigrate to Australia. The foremost criterion to apply for the visa is that the primary applicant (spouse) must be either a citizen or permanent resident of Australia/a citizen of New Zealand. Acquiring a Spouse Visa is crucial for those who wish to bring their spouse to Australia. The visa can be a gateway for those who wish to lay a solid groundwork for themselves in various academic and professional domains.
We hope you understand how to apply for various types of Australian Visas! Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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