Our analysis of partner visa grants from July to early October 2025 reveals a significant acceleration in processing times—with some applicants receiving PR in just 5 months, far exceeding official estimates.

Key Data Highlights

Subclass 309 (Offshore) Visa

Fastest Approval: 5 months

Case: Elderly couple where sponsor had held PR for 5+ years (via Parent Visa 143). Application lodged February 2025, granted July 2025 with direct 309/100 grant.

Typical Timeline: 7–12 months

Complex Case Success:

Middle-aged couple with limited evidence (met while traveling, maintained long-distance via WeChat, met 2–3 times yearly). Approved in 13 months (lodged July 2024, granted September 2025).

Subclass 820 (Onshore) Visa

Fastest Approval: 8.5 months

Case: Elderly couple with sponsor meeting 5-year PR requirement, receiving direct 820/801 grant.

Standard Cases: 10–13 months

Young couples with children:

Lodged August 2024, granted September 2025 (13 months)

Lodged September 2024, granted October 2025 (13 months)

Complex Cases: 13–16 months

Factors: Prior refusals, previous sponsorships, age gaps, same-sex relationships, or PR held <5 years.

Examples:

Tourist visa refusal history: 16 months

Same-sex couple: 13.5 months

Newlyweds with minimal evidence + sponsor’s prior marriage: 14 months

Subclass 801 (Permanent Stage)

Accelerated processing, with some applicants receiving direct 820/801 grants

Standalone 801 applications processed faster post-820 approval.

Critical Observation

Since August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has noticeably accelerated partner visa processing, with many approvals in 7–11 months—far surpassing officially published timelines.

Why the Speed Increase?

Streamlined document verification processes

Prioritization of straightforward cases with strong relationship evidence

Efficient handling of sponsors meeting long-term PR requirements

Pro Tips for Faster Approval

Submit complete relationship evidence upfront (joint accounts, photos, statutory declarations)

Ensure sponsors meet 5-year PR residency where applicable

Use a registered migration agent to avoid delays due to incomplete applications

Need Help? Contact us to leverage these accelerated processing times for your application!