How Many Partner Visas Does Australia Grant Each Year?

Where does the government publish partner visa numbers?

The government publishes partner visa numbers through the Department of Home Affairs, which sets out planning levels for the Migration Program before each financial year and reports outcomes after the year ends. The reports show the partner category within the Family stream, alongside the other family and skilled categories. Applicants who want the current figure should read the Department's latest report directly, because the numbers change each year. Our article on partner visa changes tracks policy developments that affect the partner program.

Is there a cap on the number of partner visas?

There is no fixed cap on partner visas in the current program, because the partner category is managed on a demand-driven basis. The planning figure is an estimate of how many places will be needed, and an eligible applicant is not refused because a number has been reached. This matters for couples, because the decision on their application turns on the law and the evidence, not on a quota. Our guide to partner visa eligibility explains what the Department actually assesses.

Do the annual numbers affect how long my partner visa takes?

The annual numbers can affect how long a partner visa takes indirectly, because the Department allocates its processing resources across the whole program. A large number of applications on hand can mean longer published processing times. Individual timing still depends mostly on the completeness of the application and whether the case raises issues that need checking. Our article on partner visa processing times explains how timing works in practice.

Do the numbers mean some partner visas are refused to keep within a limit?

The numbers do not mean that partner visas are refused to keep within a limit. A partner visa is refused only where the applicant does not meet a legal criterion, such as a genuine and continuing relationship, the health and character requirements or a Schedule 3 criterion for an onshore applicant without a substantive visa. Our article on why partner visas get refused explains the real reasons, and our page on partner visa refusals explains the review options.

Which matters more for my application than the national figures?

The quality of the application matters far more for an individual partner visa than the national figures. A complete application with clear evidence across the financial aspects, the nature of the household, the social aspects and the nature of the commitment is the best way to avoid requests and delay. Our article on the partner visa four pillars of evidence explains each aspect, and our partner visa checklist lists the documents usually needed.

How does My Migration Lawyers help couples focus on what decides their partner visa?

My Migration Lawyers focuses each couple on the criteria and evidence that decide their own application, rather than on program statistics they cannot control. The firm assesses eligibility, identifies the issues the Department is likely to examine and prepares the relationship evidence so the case is complete when lodged. Couples who want their application assessed can speak with our partner visa lawyers about their circumstances.