Updates on effective Partner Visa processing for 2024 include increased demand, specialised assistance for complicated situations, and quicker routes to Australian permanent residence.

With the Department of Home Affairs making notable progress in improving processing efficiency and meeting rising demand, Australia’s Partner Visa Program remains a key aspect of the Family Migration Program. This is a well-organised summary of current developments, processing initiatives, and enhancements to the Partner visa system.

1. Growth in Partner Visa Applications

Australia’s Family Migration Program still heavily relies on the Partner Visa category. Applications increased by 26% during the 2023–2024 period, and this trend has continued into the 2024–2025 program year. Applications grew by 35.1% by September 30, 2024, over the same period the previous year.

2. First Stage Partner Visa Processing

The Department has maintained a steady quantity of applications on hand in spite of the increasing demand. With 76,128 first-stage applications still pending finalisation, 14,424 first-stage Partner visas have been awarded as of 30 September 2024, an increase of just 1.4% from 75,060 applications as of 30 June 2024.

3. Specialized Team for Complex Cases

In September 2021, a dedicated staff was formed to handle complicated Partner visa applications. Initially, this team dealt with applications that were impacted by Ministerial Direction 80, which had previously deprioritized applications from sponsors who entered the country illegally. The Department has achieved a significant decrease in long-standing applications by continuing to give priority to both complex and ageing cases.

– Only 4,015 (5.3%) of the applications that were on hand as of September 30, 2024, were 24 months of age or older. This is a substantial drop from 12,289 (21%) and 19,905 (30.8%) in June 2023 and June 2021, respectively.

4. Two-Stage Visa Process

In the two-step Partner visa process, candidates submit simultaneous applications for both temporary and permanent visas. Only people in sincere, committed relationships are allowed to get permanent status under this paradigm.

– Two years following the first application, candidates are usually eligible for the permanent visa evaluation.

5. Second Stage Partner Visa Processing

The Department is actively completing second-stage Partner visas in addition to first-stage processing. Up until September 30, 2024, 8,869 second-stage Partner visas were issued throughout the 2024–2025 year. Additionally, there are now 21,880 qualifying second-stage applications, down from 47,638 as of June 30, 2023.

By handling complicated and older applications and continuing to process them efficiently in spite of rising demand, this methodical approach demonstrates the Department’s dedication to enhancing the Partner Visa Program.