An important tip for faster and smoother partner visa processing: How to lodge a decision-ready Subclass 820/801 and 309/100 visa application
When applying for an Australian partner visa, waiting for a visa decision can be a nerve-wracking experience. This is even more true for couples who are apart for a long period due to the prolonged processing time, and for the partners who are waiting offshore to join their sponsor in Australia.
While the Australian Department of Home Affairs appears to be doing its best to improve wait times and clear backlogs of applications, it is clear that the average processing time has only increased recently and there are no options to request expedited processing.
Current partner visa processing time
At the time of writing, the Department’s published processing times are as follows:
Subclass 309/100 visa: 4 to 30 months
Subclass 820/801 visa: 6 to 37 months
Processing times vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances, the volume of incoming applications, the Department’s planning levels, as well as the complexity of the applications. Last year the Department approved over 45,000 partner visas and the volume of applications received is expected to climb this year as the post-Covid world and Australia continues to open up.
In the meantime, partner visa processing can vary greatly from 3 months to several years and most of the time, there are no discernable reasons for this discrepancy, especially since there is no option to follow up with the Department to get an update on your application.
Despite the realities of the above, is there anything that you can do to achieve a faster processing time for your partner visa application?
Decision-ready partner visa application
Lodging a decision-ready application can significantly reduce the processing time for the partner visa. This means that the application must be accompanied by all the necessary supporting evidence so that a Case Officer should be able to make a decision as they pick up the application, without requesting the applicant or sponsor to provide any further documentation.
Here are some tips on how to lodge a decision-ready application:
Know what forms are required and submit them with complete information. In addition to the visa application, sponsorship form, and Form 80, you may need to submit other forms depending on your circumstances such as forms regarding your history, or custody arrangement for children.
Provide all required supporting documentation in full at lodgement and keep your documents up to date, so that the Case Officer does not have to request additional information when they pick up the application and can make a decision immediately
Avoid mistakes or omissions. If you make a mistake on your application or forget to include important information, this can slow down the process as the Case Officer may take more time to verify your information and/or request further information
Provide timely and complete responses to Request for Further Information (RFI)
Keep your contact information up to date
Partner visa preparation and consideration
Applying for a partner visa can be a complex process even for the most straightforward relationship. A partner visa application requires serious effort from both the applicant and the sponsor, as well as a considerable amount of supporting documents, in order to obtain visa approval.
As it is a visa that is highly dependent on the individual’s circumstances, it could also be a complex and time-consuming process for the Case Officer as no two relationships are the same.
With a high-demand application such as the partner visa, the time taken to process as well as the visa outcome are dependent on how well-organised the applicants are. A lack of understanding of the visa regulations and inadequate supporting documentation are two factors that are likely to lead to a long processing time, or worse yet, a visa refusal.
The partner visa is also one of the most costly visa options available, currently set at AUD$8,085 or approximately £4,700 just for the main applicant alone. A refund is generally not available if the application is refused.
How a migration agent can help with the partner visa application
With so much at stake, it is crucial to submit an accurate and decision-ready application, which can be achieved easily with the help of a registered migration agent. A good migration agent can guide you through the entire process, provide expert advice on how to navigate through the above variables, and ensure that the visa application is thoroughly supported with the required evidence to minimise the risk of delay and refusal.
With the right support and evidence, you can reduce the overall processing time and join your partner in Australia sooner. At Open Visa Migration, an experienced registered migration agent can prepare and submit your partner visa application from £550, or simply review your partner visa application and documents before lodgement, so you can submit with confidence, from just £250. For more information and a free initial consultation, contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended to serve as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a registered migration agent for tailored advice that is specific to your individual circumstances. We do not accept any liability for any reliance on the information contained on this website.