491 Subsequent Entrant Processing Time in 2026: Partner and Family Applications
Updated September 2026. The Subclass 491 Subsequent Entrant pathway allows an eligible member of the family unit of a primary 491 holder to apply separately and join them later.
For assistance, see our Subclass 491 service.
Is there a fixed 491 subsequent entrant processing time?
No. Home Affairs directs applicants to the visa processing-time guide. The result shown there reflects recently decided cases and is a guide only.
Who can apply?
Home Affairs states that a subsequent entrant must be a member of the family unit of a person who holds a Subclass 491 visa on the basis of satisfying the primary criteria.
Where can the applicant be?
A subsequent entrant can generally be in or outside Australia when applying and when the application is decided, but cannot be in immigration clearance. An applicant applying in Australia must also hold an eligible visa status for the application to be valid.
Why can processing take longer?
Home Affairs identifies several factors that can extend processing:
- an incomplete application;
- slow responses to information requests;
- verification of supporting evidence;
- health checks;
- character checks;
- national security checks; and
- external-agency delays.
What partner evidence may be required?
A spouse or de facto partner should provide evidence of the genuine family relationship, including identity, relationship history, joint finances, household evidence and other documents appropriate to the circumstances.
What about children?
Children must satisfy the family-unit rules applying to the visa. Birth certificates, custody or parental-consent documents and dependency evidence can be important depending on age and circumstances.
How long can the subsequent entrant stay?
Home Affairs states that the subsequent entrant can stay until the visa held by the primary 491 family member ends.
Official guidance
See the Home Affairs Subclass 491 Subsequent Entrant page.
Need help with a family application?
Emigrate Lawyers can assess family-unit eligibility and prepare the partner or child evidence for a 491 subsequent entrant application. Contact our skilled migration team.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice.
Madhab Kharel
Principal Lawyer & Director, Emigrate Lawyers
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers, an Australian law firm assisting clients across Australia and internationally. His migration law practice includes Partner Visas, Protection Visas, visa refusals and cancellations, Administrative Review Tribunal matters, health and character issues, Schedule 3, Section 48, sponsorship limitations and employer-sponsored migration. He regularly advises clients with complex immigration histories and matters requiring detailed legal submissions and evidence strategy.
Reviewed by Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer
Date reviewed: 21 September 2026
