Partner Visa Processing Priority: Why Onshore Applications Now Come First

Since 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 117 sets the order in which the Department processes family visas, including partner visas. It replaced Direction 102. The biggest change is that applications made in Australia, which can be granted in Australia, now sit in a higher priority tier than offshore applications. This guide explains what that means for 820 and 309 applicants.

The two tiers

Tier	Who is in it	Partner visas
Higher	Main applicant in Australia at application, and the visa can be granted in Australia	820 and 801
Lower	Main applicant outside Australia at application, or must be outside Australia at grant	309 and 300

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The order within each tier

1. cases where the Minister has intervened;
2. partner, prospective marriage and dependent child visas;
3. orphan relative visas;
4. contributory parent visas;
5. carer visas;
6. non-contributory parent, remaining relative and aged dependent relative visas.

Under Direction 102, partner, de facto and prospective spouse applications shared equal highest priority after Ministerial intervention cases, regardless of where they were lodged. Location now comes first. An onshore 820 is ahead of an offshore 309 even though both are partner visas.

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What this means for couples

• Already in Australia on a valid visa: an 820 may now move faster than a 309 would, but check the conditions on your current visa first. A no further stay condition such as 8503 can block an onshore application. See condition 8503 and partner visas.
• Outside Australia: the 309 remains the right visa for most couples living overseas. Do not travel to Australia just to apply onshore without advice.
• Without a substantive visa: extra Schedule 3 criteria apply to onshore applications. See Schedule 3 and section 48.

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Faster processing in special cases

The Department can still depart from the order where there are compassionate circumstances and compelling reasons, and older guidance gave examples such as a life-threatening illness or permanent harm to the sponsor or family. Ask for priority in writing and include evidence.

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A complete application still matters most

Priority only decides which applications are worked on first. A complete, well evidenced application avoids requests for more information that can add months. See partner visa processing times and how to prove your relationship.

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What you should do now

• Check which tier you are in: it depends on where you were when you applied.
• Do not change strategy without advice: visa conditions and Schedule 3 can make onshore applications risky.
• Ask for priority if it applies: compassionate and compelling reasons need evidence.
• Lodge a complete application: it is the best way to avoid delays.