July 4, 2024

Australian Partner Visas Processing Timeline

Are you thinking about applying for an Australian Partner visa and curious about the partner visa timeline? You’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence the processing times for Australian Partner visas, offering you valuable insights and guidance to navigate the application process confidently.

Key Factors Affecting Processing Times

Several factors can influence the processing times of Australian Partner visas:

1. Completeness of Application: Submitting a complete application with all required documents can significantly reduce delays. Missing information or documentation can lead to requests for further information, which can extend processing times.
2. Volume of Applications: The number of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs can impact processing times. During peak periods, such as the end of the financial year or after major policy changes, processing times may be longer.
3. Complexity of the Case: More complex cases, such as those involving previous visa refusals, criminal records, or extensive travel histories, may take longer to process as additional checks are required.
4. Health and Character Checks: All applicants must undergo health and character checks. Delays in obtaining medical exams or police certificates can impact the overall processing time, as can any health waiver process where a significant medical condition is identified.
5. Interview Requirements: In some rare cases, applicants or sponsors may be required to attend an interview, which can add to the processing time, especially if scheduling an interview is delayed.
6. Verification of Information: The Department may need to verify the information provided in your application, including checking the authenticity of documents and the validity of your relationship. This verification process can take additional time.

Understanding the Two-Part Partner Visa Process

The process of applying for a Partner visa occurs in two stages:

1. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309)

• This first stage requires applicants to prove to the Department of Home Affairs that they are in a genuine and continuing relationship. The Department evaluates four key criteria:
  • The nature of the household
  • Financial aspects of the relationship
  • Nature of the commitment
  • Social aspects of the relationship
• If the Department is satisfied, they will grant a provisional (subclass 820) or provisional (subclass 309) partner visa. This visa allows the applicant to live, work, and travel in Australia but they are still considered a temporary visa-holder despite being eligible for Medicare.

2. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100)

• Two years from the date of lodging the initial application, the temporary partner visa-holder becomes eligible to apply for a permanent partner visa. During this second stage, the applicant and sponsor must demonstrate that their relationship is continuing.
• If satisfied, the Department will grant a permanent partner visa (subclass 801 for onshore applications or subclass 100 for offshore applications).

Current Provisional Partner Visa Processing Times According to the Department of Home Affairs as of 20 June 2024

 The broad range of factors discussed above is responsible for the highly variable processing times published by Home Affairs.

NB: Where processing time traverses 24 months, the Department may proceed to grant the permanent stage visa immediately after temporary visa grant.

Conclusion

Understanding the factors that impact the processing times for Australian Partner visas can help you better prepare for the application process. Ensuring your application is complete, staying informed about potential delays, and seeking professional advice can significantly improve your chances of a smooth and timely approval. 

At Longton Migration, we support you through every step of your partner visa timeline processing. Reach out to us today to make sure your application is strong and ready for a decision, maximising your chances of success.

*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*

Understanding the Partner Visa Cost Australia

By Tina Ye

Partner visa cost Australia is a crucial consideration when applying for an Australian partner visa, which is a significant step towards securing permanent residency (PR) in Australia. However, it’s essential to be aware of the substantial costs involved. Here’s an overview to guide you through the essential and potential costs.

Cost Breakdown

Visa Application Fee

The primary cost when applying for a combined provisional and permanent partner visa (constituting the fee for a combined application for the provisional and permanent visa stages) is the visa application fee (aka ‘Visa Application Charge’ or ‘VAC’) payable to the Australian Government:

• Partner visa (subclass 820/100 or 309/100): $9,095 + 1.4% credit card surcharge
  • Additional applicant cost: Over 18 years: $4,550, Under 18 years: $2,280
• Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300): $9,095 + 1.4% credit card surcharge. An additional fee of $1,515 is payable when you later apply for the partner visa.
  • Additional applicant cost: Over 18 years: $4,550, Under 18 years: $2,280

Ancillary Costs

In addition to the visa application fee, there are several other costs may incur:

• Medical Examination: Approximately $500 per adult and $350 per child. Paid directly to the doctor.
• Biometrics Collection: Fees for providing fingerprints and facial photographs, paid to the Australian Biometric Collection Centres or their overseas providers.
• Police Checks: Required if you have lived in any country for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. The fee varies and is paid to the police authorities in the respective countries.
• Document Translation: Necessary if your documents are not in English. Fees vary depending on the translator.
• Tribunal Application Fee: $3,374. If the tribunal finds in your favor, 50% of this fee is refundable.

Staying Informed

Although these fees are accurate as of 1 July 2024, Visa application charges and requirements change often, so it’s crucial to check the latest information on the Australian Government’s website or consult with an Australian Migration Lawyer. 

Applying for a partner visa can be a complex and costly process. However, with careful preparation and professional guidance, you can improve your chances of a successful application and avoid the lengthy appeal process, and forfeited costs related to the partner visa cost Australia.

*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*

Understanding the Visa Processing Time After a Section 56 Request

By Anne Nguyen

Visa processing time after s56 request can be a concern for many applicants.

You’ve been issued a “section 56’ request from the Department of Home Affairs (“the Department”) and you’ve responded to their request with all the additional information they required and within the timeframe (usually 28 days).

So, what’s next? How long until you wait for a decision?

Now that the response is in the Department’s court, the Department will assess, scrutinise and consider the information that you’ve given.

With around 120 or so Australian visa types available, processing times can vary greatly from hours to months and in some cases, decades from when you’ve submitted your information.

A range of factors can impact on the time it takes to make a decision such as (including but not limited to):

•  The type of visa,
• Whether responded completely or partially,
• The case officer’s case load,
• Your circumstances including any changes,
• The simplicity versus complexity of your response,
• Submissions and supporting documents,
• Whether the case officer needs to complete internal checks or cross-references with other sections of the Department,
• Whether there are additional follow ups required for example, you’ve completed your medical examination and the examining doctors may require a few days to release the results to the Department or whether they require further medical examination from you,
• Whether it is a federal election year (or leading up to it).

Unfortunately, the Department does not give a global visa processing time for post-section 56 requests. Whilst you are waiting for a decision, it is important to continue to be visa compliant and to keep the communication channels open by checking your email inbox (including spam mail) regularly and keeping your postal address up to date.

Remember, just because the Department gives you 28 days to respond, they are not themselves bound by any such response time to finalise the application! The uncertainty of visa processing time after s56 request can be challenging, but staying informed and prepared is key. Need expert advice on your visa application? Contact Longton Migration today for a free consultation with our experienced immigration lawyers.

*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*