What to Expect: Partner Visa 820 Processing Time Explained
Curious about how long it will take to process your Partner Visa 820 application among other partner visas? Currently, in February 2025, the Partner Visa 820 processing time takes between nine to eighteen months, but this can vary based on individual circumstances and the completeness of your submission. In this article, we’ll break down what affects processing times and offer tips to expedite your application.
Key Takeaways
The Partner Visa subclass 820 allows onshore partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to reside in Australia on a temporary visa, serving as a pathway to permanent residency through Partner Visa 801.
Using a Registered Migration Agent can help enhance the quality of the Partner Visa application and potentially reduce processing delays by ensuring compliance with immigration requirements.
What is a Partner Visa 820?
The Subclass 820 Partner Visa provides a pathway for the partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia on a temporary basis. This visa is also available to de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It is an essential option for those who are currently within Australia and aim to stay with their Australian partner using the onshore partner visa route. If you are a citizen of New Zealand, this visa category could be applicable for your situation.
Upon being granted the Partner Visa subclass 820, individuals have the opportunity to temporarily reside in Australia alongside their Australian partners while enjoying privileges such as working and traveling during this interim period. This visa allows couples to strengthen their relationship by providing them with time together as they anticipate achieving permanent residency status.
Securing the Subclass 820 Partner Visa marks the initial phase towards securing a Permanent Partner Visa. After being granted the subclass 820 visa and satisfying specific requirements over time, applicants can then transition onto pursuing the subsequent step. The Permanent Residency through Partner Visa subclass 801, which solidifies one’s long-term residential standing within Australia.
Proving the Relationship
Relationship Evidence
Proving the authenticity of your relationship is a critical part of the Partner Visa application process. You will need to provide comprehensive evidence that demonstrates the genuine nature of your relationship. This includes:
A detailed statement outlining all key milestones of your relationship.
Legal documents such as a marriage certificate or a registered de facto relationship document.
Evidence of joint financial responsibilities, like joint bank accounts or loan documents.
Proof of joint household responsibilities, such as utility bills or rental agreements.
Documentation of joint social activities, including photos or witness statements.
Evidence of your commitment to each other, such as joint statements or letters from friends and family.
The Department of Home Affairs will meticulously assess your relationship based on the evidence you provide. Therefore, it is crucial to be thorough and detailed in your documentation to clearly demonstrate the depth and authenticity of your relationship. This comprehensive approach ensures that your application is robust and stands up to scrutiny, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Processing Time for Partner Visa 820
Understanding the processing time for a Partner Visa subclass 820 is essential to effectively plan and set realistic expectations. Typically, half of these applications are processed within about nine months. It’s crucial to recognize that these times can fluctuate substantially depending on specific situations.
Processing times for permanent partner visas can also vary, making it important to understand the specific timelines for each visa type.
For most people applying for a Partner Visa subclass 820, the expected time frame ranges from nine months up to eighteen months. Such variations stem from factors like how complete your application is and any necessary external evaluations.
To remain informed, you should consistently use the processing time tool available through the Department of Home Affairs’ website. Remember that processing durations may be altered at any moment according to the Department’s discretion, indicating an inherent unpredictability in timelines. By keeping abreast with current information concerning such changes in timeframes will assist applicants in managing their expectations and making well-informed plans.
Factors Influencing Processing Time
The duration it takes to process a Partner Visa 820 application can be influenced by several elements. Submitting a fully complete application, including all necessary documents and correctly completed forms, can expedite the partner visa processing time as this reduces the likelihood of having to provide additional information.
Holding a substantive visa can also impact the processing time, as it may allow for a smoother transition during the application process.
If your application is incomplete, you might be asked to provide additional documentation, which can extend the processing time. Delays can also arise from extra checks related to health or character requirements. The time taken by external bodies to complete health assessments is another factor that might impact the speed at which applications move through the process.
Processing times are impacted by current workload—the total number of applications in queue at any moment—as well as variables tied to the applicant’s nationality since countries considered lower risk typically see faster movement on their applications.
To avoid additional wait periods, responding swiftly and adequately to any communication from the Department of Home Affairs is advisable.
Steps to Expedite Your Partner Visa 820 Application
To accelerate the processing of your Partner Visa 820 application, it’s imperative to submit all required documents when you apply. Submitting a well-prepared application with detailed and comprehensive documentation can significantly increase the chances of a faster review process. The attention to detail in ensuring your application is complete can greatly influence how swiftly it progresses through the timeline.
Bridging Visa During Processing
While waiting for the Partner Visa 820 application to be processed, applicants can remain in Australia on a temporary bridging visa. This visa is vital as it allows you to stay legally in the country during the processing period. It bridges the gap between your previous visa and the Partner Visa 820. This bridging visa is crucial as it allows applicants to stay in Australia.
Individuals on a bridging visa may be eligible for Medicare (read another article about it here), Australia’s public health care system, depending on their circumstances. This provides access to essential health services while you await the outcome of your partner visa application. However, bridging visa holders must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.
Bridging visas may come with specific rights and conditions that applicants must adhere to during the processing period. For instance, the Bridging Visa A (BVA) for subclass 820 applicants does not have any conditions attached. Understanding and adhering to these conditions is crucial to maintain your legal status in Australia during the application process.
Moving to Permanent Residency: Partner Visa 801
The journey from a temporary visa like the Partner Visa 820 to a permanent Partner Visa 801 involves a two-step procedure. Two years after applying for the subclass 820 Partner visa, applicants become eligible for assessment for permanent residency under the subclass 801. This process ensures that couples have established a stable and genuine relationship.
Eligibility for the Partner Visa 801 is established two years after applying for the temporary Partner Visa 820. During this period, applicants must continue to meet the relationship criteria and other conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs. Once granted the Partner Visa 801, individuals can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
The processing timelines for the Partner Visa 801 can vary based on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case. While waiting for their permanent Partner Visa 801 application to be processed, applicants will remain on the subclass 820 visa and can continue to live, work, and study in Australia.
Dependent children can be added to the Partner Visa 801 application if they hold the necessary visa and meet health and character requirements. This ensures that the entire family can transition to permanent residency together, providing stability and security for all members.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When submitting an application for the Partner Visa 820, it’s common to encounter pitfalls that could result in postponements or outright denials. By compiling a well-organized set of necessary documentation, you can fend off any additional requests for information that typically bring about significant hold-ups. It is essential to ensure your submission is thorough and meticulously prepared. Ensuring accuracy in your application is crucial for both temporary and permanent visa processes.
Honesty is crucial throughout your application process. Omitting important details can not only result in denial but may also lead to legal complications. Ensuring a seamless review by authorities involves maintaining consistency across all submitted documents, as any discrepancies might raise concerns during the evaluation. Both partners should diligently update their addresses on all forms to avoid casting doubt on the authenticity of their relationship.
Crafting detailed relationship statements can significantly enhance your visa application by clearly demonstrating the seriousness and depth of your relationship. When writing these statements, it is beneficial to highlight key events with specific dates to avoid any ambiguity and enhance the clarity of your narrative. Avoid overwhelming the reviewers with excessive evidence; instead, focus on providing materials that genuinely validate the authenticity of your relationship.
Seeking Professional Help
Utilizing the expertise of a Registered Migration Agent, like me, although not guaranteeing expedited processing, can significantly enhance the quality of your submission. Their proficiency is particularly beneficial during the intricate Partner Visa 820 application process. Agents are adept at pinpointing and rectifying potential stumbling blocks or inaccuracies that might cause delays or denials in processing.
Hiring professional assistance ensures your application is comprehensive and meets all required standards. Having an expert guide you through this process not only saves time but also reduces stress. They remain updated on current migration regulations to guarantee that every part of your application fully complies with legal requirements. Their expertise is beneficial for both temporary and permanent partner visas, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate application.
In conclusion, while hiring a Registered Migration Agent may involve additional expenses, their expertise can be invaluable. They can significantly streamline the Partner Visa 820 application process by ensuring your application is meticulously prepared, making what might otherwise be an overwhelming task much more manageable.
Summary
It’s essential to grasp the intricacies of partner visas, including the Partner Visa 820 application process, typical processing times, and what may affect them. This guide thoroughly explores how you can potentially speed up your application while also highlighting critical errors to steer clear of. Seeking expert advice could markedly improve your likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Progressing through the partner visa pathway necessitates diligent preparation and prompt communication. Adhere to this guide’s strategic directions as you endeavor to join your significant other in Australia. Maintain an active role in managing your partner visa endeavors, ensuring that you remain updated and ahead at every turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a partner visa to be approved?
Partner visas can take between 6 months to 26 months to process, depending on the specific visa type.
It is important to prepare for this timeframe when planning your application.
What is the average processing time for a Partner Visa 820?
The average processing time for a Partner Visa 820 is approximately nine months for 50% of applications.
It’s important to plan accordingly and be patient during this period. Processing times for permanent partner visas can also vary, making it important to understand the specific timelines for each visa type.
Can I expedite my Partner Visa 820 application?
You can expedite your Partner Visa 820 application by submitting all necessary documents upfront, completing forms thoroughly, promptly addressing inquiries, and undergoing health examinations early.
These steps can significantly enhance the processing speed of your application. Holding a substantive visa can also impact the processing time, as it may allow for a smoother transition during the application process.
What is a bridging visa?
A bridging visa permits individuals to stay in Australia while their Partner Visa 820 application is being processed, often with specific rights and conditions attached.
This ensures that applicants can remain in the country legally during the waiting period.
How do I transition from a Partner Visa 820 to a Partner Visa 801?
To advance from the temporary Partner Visa subclass 820 to permanent residency with the Partner Visa subclass 801, applicants must wait for two years after submitting their subclass 820 visa application and fulfill specific criteria to be eligible for assessment for the subclass 801 visa.
