You are here: / / Visiting Australia While Your Partner or Parent Visa Is Being Processe...

  • Visiting while another visa is processed

    Visiting Australia while a partner or parent visa is processed

Visiting Australia While Your Partner or Parent Visa Is Being Processed

13 November 2026

Waiting for a partner or parent visa can take a long time. Many applicants want to visit family in Australia while they wait. That is often possible on a visitor visa, but you still have to meet the visitor visa rules, and conditions on the visitor visa can affect your main application. This guide explains what to check.

Key points

  • You can apply for a visitor visa while another visa application is being processed, but you must still show a genuine temporary stay.
  • A Subclass 309 partner visa can now be granted whether you are in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance.
  • Most parent visas lodged from outside Australia, such as the 103 and 143, must generally be granted while you are outside Australia.
  • A visitor visa with condition 8503 may stop another substantive visa being granted while you are in Australia.
  • Plan your trip around the decision, and keep the Department updated with your contact details.

Getting the visitor visa

A pending application is not a reason to refuse a visitor visa, but the decision maker will still ask whether you intend to stay temporarily. Be open about your pending application, explain the purpose and length of the visit, and show your ties to your home country. See reasons for visitor visa refusal and documents for a tourist visa.

Where you must be at grant

Visa being processed Where you must be when it is granted
Partner (309, offshore) In or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance
Parent (103) Generally outside Australia
Contributory Parent (143) Generally outside Australia, with some exceptions

Check the grant location before you book. If your visa must be granted while you are outside Australia, you may need to leave before the decision can be made. See offshore partner visas and parent visas.

Condition 8503

Visitor visas granted to people with a pending partner or parent application may be given condition 8503 (no further stay). While you remain in Australia, it stops you being granted another substantive visa unless it is waived. That can matter for a 309 granted in Australia, and it stops you switching to an onshore visa such as the 820. Check your visitor visa grant letter. See condition 8503 and partner visas and condition 8503.

Practical tips

  • keep your contact details up to date with the Department;
  • respond quickly to any request for information, even while travelling;
  • keep within your visitor visa conditions, including no work;
  • do not plan to stay in Australia until a long application is decided.

What you should do now

  • Check where your main visa must be granted: before travelling.
  • Apply for the visitor visa honestly: and disclose the pending application.
  • Read your visitor visa conditions: especially condition 8503.
  • Keep in touch with the Department: while you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Usually you can apply for a visitor visa. You must still show you intend to stay temporarily.

Not any more. A 309 can be granted in or outside Australia, but not while you are in immigration clearance.

Most offshore parent visas, such as the 103 and 143, must generally be granted while you are outside Australia.

It may. Check your grant letter, as condition 8503 is commonly imposed on visitor visas.

Only if your visitor visa does not have condition 8503 or it has been waived, and you meet the 820 rules.

Related guides

Planning a visit while your visa is processed? Book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice for your situation.

Recent News