820/801 Partner Visa Processing Time 2026: How Long Does It Take?

How long does an onshore Partner Visa 820/801 take in 2026? There is no guaranteed individual processing time. Home Affairs currently reports a 23-month median for the broader Partner (Provisional/Temporary) category for July 2026. That category figure is a useful benchmark, but it is not an individual estimate for every subclass 820 application.

For onshore couples, there is an important 2026 development: Ministerial Direction 117, which took effect on 25 July 2026, gives the highest processing priority to Family visa applications made while the primary applicant was in Australia for a visa that can be granted while the applicant is in Australia. That includes the onshore Partner Visa pathway.

This page focuses specifically on subclass 820 and subclass 801 processing time. If you need legal advice about an application or a delay, our Australian Partner Visa lawyers can assess your circumstances. For offshore 309/100, Prospective Marriage 300 and broader Partner Visa timing, see our Partner Visa Processing Time Australia 2026 guide.

820 Visa Processing Time in 2026

The subclass 820 is the temporary stage of the onshore 820/801 Partner Visa pathway. Home Affairs does not publish a single guaranteed subclass 820 decision date for an individual applicant.

Its current visa processing times page reports a 23-month median for Partner (Provisional/Temporary) visas for July 2026. Home Affairs expressly states that processing times vary between individual visas and cases.

Applicants should therefore treat the 23-month figure as a category-level reference point, not a promise that their subclass 820 will be decided in exactly 23 months.

What Changed for Onshore Partner Visa Processing in July 2026?

Home Affairs states that Ministerial Direction 117 replaced Direction 102 on 25 July 2026.

Direction 117 gives the highest priority to Family visa applications where:

• the primary applicant was in Australia when the application was made; and
• the visa can be granted while the applicant is in Australia.

Home Affairs separately confirms in its Partner Visa FAQs that applications are generally assessed in the order received, with the highest priority given to onshore subclass 820/801 applications.

This does not create a guaranteed fast-track period. It establishes the Department’s processing order within the Family stream.

Why Can One 820 Application Take Longer Than Another?

Home Affairs states that processing times depend on the circumstances of each case. Factors that can affect a Partner Visa matter include:

• whether the application was complete when lodged;
• relationship evidence and whether further evidence is required;
• health examinations;
• character and police checks;
• identity checks;
• sponsor information;
• requests for further information;
• complex immigration history;
• Schedule 3 or section 48 issues;
• family violence or other special circumstances;
• the volume of applications before the Department; and
• the processing priorities in force at the time.

A strong application cannot guarantee a faster decision, but a complete and internally consistent application can reduce avoidable delay caused by missing or contradictory material.

Does Home Affairs Process 820 Applications in Lodgement Order?

Generally, applications are assessed broadly in the order received, but not every Partner Visa application is decided strictly by date.

Ministerial Direction 117 establishes processing priorities, and Home Affairs states that an application may be prioritised in limited cases involving special circumstances of a compassionate nature where there are compelling reasons to depart from the ordinary order.

Priority processing is therefore exceptional and assessed case by case.

Can You Request Priority Processing of an 820 Partner Visa?

Potentially, but Home Affairs does not treat ordinary inconvenience, travel plans or general separation as an automatic basis for priority.

The Department’s current Family visa processing guidance says that an application may be prioritised where there are special compassionate circumstances and compelling reasons to depart from the normal processing order.

If you are considering a priority request, the evidence should focus on the actual exceptional circumstances rather than simply the age of the application.

What Happens After the 820 Visa Is Granted?

The subclass 820 allows the holder to remain in Australia temporarily while the permanent subclass 801 stage is considered.

Home Affairs states that to remain eligible for the permanent subclass 801, the applicant must continue to hold the subclass 820 or, in relevant cases, a subclass 445 Dependent Child visa. If another visa is granted, eligibility for the subclass 801 can be affected.

After the 820 grant, applicants should continue keeping evidence of the relationship and notify Home Affairs of relevant changes.

When Are You Eligible for the 801 Permanent Partner Visa Stage?

Home Affairs states that an applicant is generally eligible for consideration of the permanent subclass 801 two years after first applying for the temporary and permanent Partner Visas.

This is an important distinction:

• two years generally relates to when the applicant becomes eligible for consideration of the permanent stage; it is not a guaranteed date of decision; and
• the actual time Home Affairs takes to assess and decide the subclass 801 can vary.

You can confirm the original application date in ImmiAccount.

801 Visa Processing Time: Why “Two Years” Is Often Misunderstood

Applicants frequently search for “801 visa processing time” and assume the permanent visa must be granted two years after the 820 application.

That is not what Home Affairs says. The two-year point generally determines when the permanent stage is ready to be considered. Home Affairs may still need to assess updated evidence, conduct checks or request further material before deciding the subclass 801.

For a dedicated discussion of the permanent stage, see our 801 Visa Processing Time 2026: Stage 2 Timing and Delays.

What Evidence Is Needed for the 801 Stage?

When Home Affairs assesses the permanent stage, updated evidence for the 801 stage may be required to show the relationship remains genuine and continuing, subject to the exceptions available under migration law.

Depending on the couple’s circumstances, updated evidence can include:

• joint financial records;
• lease, mortgage or household records;
• evidence of shared expenses;
• travel and social evidence;
• evidence concerning children;
• updated statements about the relationship;
• correspondence during periods apart; and
• other evidence showing the financial, household, social and commitment aspects of the relationship.

See our Partner Visa evidence guide and our 4 Pillars of a Partner Visa Relationship article.

Does a Long-Term Relationship Mean an Immediate 801 Grant?

Long-term relationship provisions can affect how the temporary and permanent stages are assessed, but applicants should not assume that a particular relationship duration guarantees an immediate double grant.

The applicable criteria depend on the facts, the relationship history and the law at the time of decision. If the relationship was already long-term when the application was lodged, it is worth having the file assessed for whether the permanent stage can be considered earlier.

Can Missing Police Checks Delay an 820 or 801 Visa?

Yes. Character requirements and police clearances can affect processing where the Department needs further information.

The correct police certificates depend on the applicant’s residence history and the Department’s requirements. Sponsor police checks can also be relevant in Partner Visa sponsorship matters.

See our Partner Visa sponsor police checks guide.

Can Medical Issues Delay a Partner Visa?

Health examinations can affect timing where further assessment is needed. Some Partner Visa subclasses are subject to PIC 4007, and a health waiver may be relevant in appropriate cases.

If Home Affairs raises a health issue, see our Partner Visa health waiver and PIC 4007 guide.

What If Home Affairs Requests More Information?

A request under section 56 or another Department request can add time to the application, particularly where the issue requires substantial evidence.

Respond to the actual request, provide complete material within the stated period, and avoid uploading contradictory versions of the same evidence without explanation.

Should You Upload New Relationship Evidence While Waiting?

Applicants should keep their application materially up to date. This can be especially important where there are significant changes such as:

• moving home;
• marriage;
• birth of a child;
• extended periods apart;
• changes in family composition;
• a change in sponsor circumstances; or
• relationship breakdown.

Do not upload repetitive material simply to create volume. Updated evidence should help Home Affairs understand the ongoing relationship or a material change in circumstances.

What If the Relationship Ends While Waiting?

Relationship breakdown does not always mean the Partner Visa process ends immediately.

Different provisions can become relevant where:

• family violence has occurred;
• the sponsor dies; or
• other statutory exceptions apply.

If the relationship changes, obtain advice promptly and notify Home Affairs as required.

820/801 Partner Visa Processing Time: Current 2026 Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the 820 Visa taking in 2026?

Home Affairs currently reports a 23-month median for the broader Partner Provisional/Temporary category for July 2026. That figure is not a guaranteed processing time for every subclass 820 application.

Are onshore Partner Visas being prioritised?

Yes. Home Affairs states that Ministerial Direction 117 gives highest Family-stream priority to applications made in Australia for visas that can be granted in Australia, including the onshore 820/801 pathway.

Does the 801 automatically grant after two years?

No. Home Affairs says applicants are generally eligible for consideration of the permanent stage two years after the original application. The actual assessment and decision can occur later.

What happens after my 820 is granted?

You remain on the temporary Partner Visa while the permanent stage is pending. Keep your relationship evidence and contact details current and prepare updated evidence for the 801 stage.

Where can I check current official processing times?

Use the Home Affairs Visa Processing Times guide. Home Affairs emphasises that its figures are a guide and are not specific to an individual application.

How Emigrate Lawyers Can Assist

Emigrate Lawyers assists with subclass 820/801 applications, delayed or complex Partner Visa matters, relationship evidence, Schedule 3, section 48, health waiver issues, sponsor limitations and responses to Home Affairs.

For the substantive visa pathway, visit our 820/801 Partner Visa Lawyers Australia page.

For offshore and other Partner Visa processing-time questions, see our broader Partner Visa Processing Time Australia 2026 guide.

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa processing times change and are not guarantees. Check the current Home Affairs processing-time guide for the latest official information.