1. Australia Changes Partner Visa Processing Priorities: What Offshore Applicants Need to Know
Couples planning to reunite in Australia should pay close attention to recent changes in the processing priorities for Partner Visa applications.
According to information published by NguoiviettaiUc.com on 28 September 2026, the Australian Government has adjusted the processing priorities for Family Visa applications. Under the updated arrangements, applications from people who are already in Australia and can be granted a visa while remaining in the country receive higher priority. In contrast, applications from people who are outside Australia, or who must be outside the country when their visa is granted, receive a lower processing priority.
The change was reported to have taken effect on 25 July 2026. This has raised concerns among many couples applying for a Partner Visa from overseas, as their plans to reunite in Australia may take longer than expected.
In particular, applicants waiting for Partner Visa subclass 309 or subclass 100 need to understand the current processing arrangements so they can prepare their documents, monitor their applications and make appropriate plans for their families.
Under the current guidance from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, Partner Visa applications are processed in accordance with Ministerial Direction 117. Onshore Partner Visa applications under subclasses 820 and 801 are placed in the highest priority category. Meanwhile, Offshore Partner Visa applications under subclasses 309 and 100, together with Prospective Marriage Visa subclass 300 applications, receive a lower priority.
It is important to understand that Offshore Partner Visa applications have not been suspended. However, being placed in a lower priority category may mean that applicants have to wait longer than some Onshore applicants.
2. Understanding the Difference Between Partner Visa Onshore and Offshore: Two Common Visa Pathways for Couples
The Partner Visa program is designed for spouses or eligible de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Depending on where the visa applicant is located when the application is lodged, couples may consider the following two common visa pathways.
Partner Visa Onshore – Subclasses 820/801
This visa pathway is for applicants who are in Australia when they lodge their application.
Subclass 820: Temporary Partner Visa.
Subclass 801: Permanent Partner Visa.
Applicants may first be considered for the temporary visa before being assessed for permanent residency once they meet the relevant requirements.
Partner Visa Offshore – Subclasses 309/100
This visa pathway is for applicants who are outside Australia when they lodge their application.
Subclass 309: Temporary Partner Visa.
Subclass 100: Permanent Partner Visa.
This pathway is suitable for couples where one partner is living in Australia while the other is residing in Vietnam or another country.
Comparison of Partner Visa Onshore and Offshore
| Criteria | Onshore – 820/801 | Offshore – 309/100 |
|---|---|---|
| Application location | Applicant is in Australia | Applicant is outside Australia |
| Temporary visa stage | Subclass 820 | Subclass 309 |
| Permanent visa stage | Subclass 801 | Subclass 100 |
| Current processing priority | Highest priority among the Partner Visa categories discussed | Lower priority |
| Suitable applicants | Couples where the sponsored partner is in Australia and meets the application requirements | Couples living in different countries |
Choosing between the Onshore and Offshore pathways should not be based solely on the desire to obtain faster processing. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant visa and consider their current visa status, place of residence and personal circumstances.
3. Why Could Offshore Partner Visa Applications Face Longer Waiting Times?
One of the key factors is the growing number of Partner Visa applications in recent years, while the Australian Government must balance visa grants and application processing priorities.
According to figures from the Australian Department of Home Affairs cited by ABC News in the source article, the total number of Onshore and Offshore Partner Visa applications increased from 52,479 in the 2019–2020 financial year to 68,105 in the 2024–2025 financial year.
The article also highlights the following figures:
90% of Partner Visa subclass 309 applications were processed within a period of up to 39 months.
For the Onshore Partner Visa category, the corresponding figure was 29 months.
These figures are provided for reference based on the source article. They are not guaranteed processing times for individual applications or fixed processing periods at the time an applicant lodges their application.
As applications are divided into different processing priority categories, Offshore applicants may face longer waiting periods, particularly if the number of outstanding applications continues to increase.
How Longer Waiting Times Affect Couples Living Apart
Waiting for a Partner Visa is not simply an administrative matter. For many families, extended processing times can have a direct impact on their daily lives.
Some common challenges include:
Higher travel expenses: Couples may need to pay for flights to visit each other while waiting for the visa outcome.
Disruption to family plans: Plans to get married, have children, care for young children or establish a stable life together may be delayed.
Emotional pressure: Living apart from a partner for an extended period can create considerable emotional stress.
Concerns about immigration status: If the partner in Australia holds a temporary visa, maintaining lawful visa status requires careful planning.
Therefore, preparing a complete application from the beginning and regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs' requirements are essential for couples planning to reunite in Australia.
4. Why Does the Australian Government Prioritise Onshore Partner Visa Applications?
According to information discussed in the source article, the Australian Government considers that prioritising people who are already in the country may better support individuals who are living and contributing to Australian society as they transition to an appropriate permanent residency status.
At the same time, this policy forms part of the Government's broader efforts to manage the migration program and the impact of immigration on Net Overseas Migration.
However, the changes to processing priorities have also attracted different opinions.
Some Offshore applicants and their sponsoring partners in Australia argue that the lower priority could force families to live apart for longer, even when their relationships continue to meet the requirements for a genuine relationship.
A group of applicants is reported to have submitted a petition to the Australian Minister for Home Affairs, requesting a clearer explanation of the reasons behind the changes to processing priorities.
Despite these differing views, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Offshore Partner Visa applications will continue to be considered. The change in processing priorities does not mean that this visa pathway has been closed or that new applications are no longer being accepted.
5. What Should Applicants Waiting for an Offshore Partner Visa Do?
If you are waiting for a decision on a Partner Visa subclass 309 or subclass 100 application, you should proactively review your application status rather than simply waiting for updates from the Department of Home Affairs.
Here are some important steps to consider.
5.1. Monitor Your Application Through ImmiAccount
Applicants should regularly check their ImmiAccount to monitor notifications, requests for additional documents and other updates relating to their applications.
If the Department of Home Affairs requests further information, applicants should respond within the specified timeframe.
5.2. Keep Your Relationship Evidence Up to Date
For a Partner Visa application, demonstrating that the relationship is genuine and continuing is an important part of the assessment process.
Applicants should continue keeping evidence that demonstrates their commitment to each other, such as:
Photographs together from different stages of the relationship.
Communication records, including text messages, emails and call histories.
Flight tickets and evidence of visits to see each other.
Evidence of financial support or shared expenses.
Documents relating to shared living arrangements and future plans.
Information showing that family members and friends are aware of the relationship.
This evidence should accurately reflect the couple's actual circumstances and demonstrate consistency and continuity throughout the relationship.
5.3. Update Changes in Your Personal Circumstances
If there are changes such as marriage, the birth of a child, a change of address, updated contact details or changes in family circumstances, applicants should check the Department of Home Affairs' guidance and update their information where required.
Providing timely updates helps the immigration authorities assess applications using accurate and current information.
5.4. Explore Whether You Can Request Priority Processing
Under the Australian Department of Home Affairs' guidance on Ministerial Direction 117, certain applications may be considered for priority processing where exceptional and compelling humanitarian circumstances justify a change to the processing order.
However, applicants should keep the following points in mind:
Evidence must be provided to demonstrate the exceptional circumstances.
The request must include sufficient information and supporting documents.
The Department of Home Affairs does not guarantee that every priority processing request will be approved.
Applicants must still meet all legal requirements for visa grant.
Therefore, applicants should not submit a priority processing request simply because they have been waiting for a long time. Their individual circumstances should be carefully assessed, and relevant supporting evidence should be prepared.
6. Should You Switch from an Offshore Partner Visa to an Onshore Application to Receive Higher Priority?
This is a common question among applicants who have learned that Onshore applications currently receive a higher processing priority.
However, applicants should not automatically assume that travelling to Australia and lodging an Onshore application will shorten the processing time.
Before considering a change of plan, several factors need to be checked.
First, entry requirements and current visa status. Applicants currently in Vietnam must hold a valid visa to enter Australia. Being granted a Visitor Visa does not automatically mean they are eligible to lodge an Onshore Partner Visa application.
Second, eligibility to lodge an application in Australia. Applicants need to consider the requirements for subclasses 820/801, including their current visa status and any applicable restrictions, such as a No Further Stay condition.
Third, entitlements while waiting for a decision. Eligibility for a Bridging Visa and the rights attached to it depend on the applicant's circumstances and the relevant regulations. Applicants should not assume that everyone has the same work or travel rights.
Fourth, whether the alternative pathway is suitable. The decision to change the application location should be based on legal eligibility and family circumstances, rather than processing priority alone.
In some cases, continuing with an Offshore application may be the more suitable option. Therefore, anyone considering switching pathways should seek advice from a registered migration agent or an Australian lawyer before taking action.
7. Documents to Prepare for an Australian Partner Visa Application
Whether applying through the Onshore or Offshore pathway, both the applicant and the sponsor should prepare complete, truthful and consistent documentation.
Some important document categories include:
| Document Category | Examples of Supporting Documents and Evidence |
|---|---|
| Personal identification | Passport, birth certificate and identity documents |
| Marital status | Marriage certificate or evidence of an eligible de facto relationship |
| Relationship evidence | Photographs together, messages, call histories and correspondence |
| Financial evidence | Joint bank accounts, shared expenses and money transfers |
| Shared living arrangements | Rental agreements, utility bills or documents showing a shared address, where applicable |
| Long-term commitment | Future plans, family responsibilities and evidence of mutual support |
| Character and health | Police clearance documents and health examinations as required |
Applicants should also check the specific requirements on the Australian Department of Home Affairs' website and the document checklist provided through ImmiAccount. Not every application has exactly the same document requirements.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About the Australian Partner Visa
1. Are Offshore Partner Visa applications still being processed?
Yes. Offshore Partner Visa applications under subclasses 309/100 are still being considered by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. However, under the current processing priority arrangements, these applications receive a lower priority than Onshore applications under subclasses 820/801.
2. What is the difference between subclass 309 and subclass 100?
Subclass 309 is the temporary Partner Visa stage for applicants applying from outside Australia. Subclass 100 is the subsequent permanent Partner Visa stage, which is considered when the applicant meets the relevant requirements.
3. What is the difference between subclass 820 and subclass 801?
Subclass 820 is the temporary Partner Visa for applicants who are in Australia. Subclass 801 is the subsequent permanent residency stage, granted when the applicant meets the relevant requirements.
4. Are Onshore applications guaranteed to be processed faster?
No. Onshore applications receive a higher processing priority within the Partner Visa program, but this does not guarantee that an individual application will be processed within a specific timeframe. Actual processing times also depend on the number of applications, the complexity of each case and the assessment requirements of the immigration authorities.
5. Can I ask the Department of Home Affairs to prioritise my Offshore Partner Visa application?
Applicants may request consideration in exceptional humanitarian circumstances where there are compelling reasons. However, submitting a request does not guarantee approval. Applicants must provide sufficient supporting documents to demonstrate their circumstances.
6. Should I travel to Australia on a Visitor Visa and then apply for an Onshore Partner Visa?
You should not make this decision solely to obtain a higher processing priority. It is important to check the conditions of your Visitor Visa, any restrictions on lodging another visa application, the eligibility requirements for subclass 820 and your plans for remaining in Australia while the application is being processed.
9. Conclusion: Be Prepared and Stay Proactive While Waiting for Your Partner Visa
Australia's decision to prioritise Onshore Partner Visa applications has attracted considerable attention among couples planning to reunite in the country. While applications under subclasses 820/801 are placed in the highest priority category, Offshore applications under subclasses 309/100 may face longer waiting times.
However, this does not mean that Offshore applicants have lost their opportunity to reunite with their families. What matters is understanding the relevant requirements, choosing the appropriate visa pathway and preparing a complete and accurate application.
For couples planning to sponsor a spouse or partner to Australia, the first steps should be to check the sponsor's eligibility, review the applicant's visa status and place of residence, and prepare evidence demonstrating the genuine nature of their relationship.
