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Partner Visa Delays Are Getting Harder to Ignore

Riverwood Migration

August 13, 2026

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Australia has already changed how family visas are prioritised, and further migration reforms are now being considered.

For couples planning a Partner visa, especially from offshore, timing and application strategy are becoming increasingly important.

Offshore Partner Visas Now Have Lower Priority

Since 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 117 has changed the processing priority for Family visas.

Eligible onshore Family visa applications are now given higher processing priority, while offshore applications, including Subclass 309 and 100 Partner visas, sit at a lower priority.

Home Affairs has also confirmed that lower priority applications are likely to experience longer processing times.

This does not mean offshore Partner visas have stopped being processed. It does mean applicants should be prepared for potentially longer waits.

More Family Visa Changes Could Be Coming

The Albanese Government is also considering further measures aimed at reducing net overseas migration.

Media reports suggest the Government has discussed tighter rules around people entering Australia on Visitor visas and later applying for certain Family visas onshore.

Changes to Working Holiday arrangements and parts of the protection visa system are also reportedly under consideration.

Importantly, these proposals have not yet been finalised.

Why Is Australia Tightening Migration Settings?

Net overseas migration has already fallen significantly from its post pandemic peak.

The Government is forecasting NOM to fall further to around 245,000 in 2026 to 27 and 225,000 in 2027 to 28.

At the same time, Australia's permanent Migration Program remains at 185,000 places for 2026 to 27.

Rather than simply reducing permanent migration numbers, the Government is increasingly focused on who receives priority and when migrants enter Australia.

What Should Partner Visa Applicants Do?

If you are planning a Partner visa, avoid relying on old processing assumptions.

Your location at the time of application, visa history, relationship evidence and ability to apply onshore or offshore can all affect your strategy.

If you already have a Partner visa application pending, make sure your relationship evidence remains current and complete.

If you are still deciding when and where to apply, it may be worth reviewing your options before further changes are announced.

Australia's Partner visa system is still open.

But the processing environment is changing, and choosing the right pathway early could make a significant difference.

If you are unsure whether an onshore or offshore Partner visa strategy is more suitable for your situation, speak with our migration team before making your next move.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For partner and family visa matters, we recommend speaking with Shirly Wang, our lawyer specialising in partner and family migration pathways. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.