801 Visa Processing Time in 2026: Stage 2 Timing, Priorities and Delays

Updated September 2026. The Subclass 801 Partner Visa is the permanent stage of the onshore Partner Visa pathway. Processing time is not fixed, and the Department’s published processing guide is based on recently decided applications rather than a promise for an individual case.

For legal advice on the onshore pathway, see our Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa service.

When does Stage 2 usually become assessable?

In the standard pathway, the permanent stage is generally assessed after the required period has passed from the original combined Partner Visa application. Some applicants may be eligible for earlier permanent-stage consideration, including certain long-term relationship cases.

Does Home Affairs prioritise 801 applications?

Home Affairs currently states that Partner Visa applications are processed under Ministerial Direction 117 and gives highest priority to onshore Partner Visa applications involving Subclasses 820 and 801. That does not mean every 801 case will be decided quickly or strictly in date order.

Why can one 801 case take longer than another?

• relationship evidence has not been updated;
• police checks or identity documents are outstanding;
• the Department requests further information;
• family composition has changed;
• there are sponsor character or sponsorship issues;
• the relationship has changed or ended;
• the file contains inconsistent information; or
• the application requires additional integrity checks.

Should you upload new relationship evidence while waiting?

Yes, where relevant. The permanent-stage decision concerns whether the relationship continues to satisfy the applicable criteria. Updated joint finances, household evidence, social evidence, travel, correspondence and future plans can be important.

What if your relationship circumstances change?

Marriage, separation, family violence, the death of a sponsor, a new child, a new address or another significant change should not simply be ignored because the 801 stage is pending. Some changes can materially affect how the application is assessed.

Can you ask Home Affairs for a status update?

Home Affairs advises Partner Visa applicants not to contact the Department for a progress update where the application is still within the published processing range. The online processing-time guide should be used as a guide only.

What can you do to reduce avoidable delay?

1. Keep ImmiAccount contact details current.
2. Upload requested documents promptly.
3. Maintain current police and identity evidence where requested.
4. Provide organised relationship updates rather than hundreds of unexplained files.
5. Respond carefully to any section 56 or natural justice request.

Official guidance

Home Affairs explains Partner Visa processing priorities and current guidance in its Partner Visa FAQs and Visa processing times.

Need help with a delayed 801 application?

Emigrate Lawyers can review the Stage 2 file, identify missing or weak evidence and assist with Department requests or changed circumstances. Contact our Partner Visa team.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Processing times change and are not guaranteed.

About the author

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.

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