26/08/2026
The Government's own documents reveal how serious the partner visa backlog really is.
131,000+ partner visa applications are currently waiting.
Only 40,500 places are allocated per year.
That's years of waiting for most couples.
The good news: Ministerial Direction 117 (effective July 2026) now gives onshore applicants higher priority than those offshore. If you're already in Australia, you move up the queue.
But priority processing isn't automatic — you need to show BOTH compassionate AND compelling grounds.
✅ What CAN qualify for priority:
→ Long-term relationship (3+ yrs, or 2+ with children) at lodgement
→ Sponsor's serious or terminal illness / disability
→ LGBTQI+ couple in a country not recognising same-sex relationships
→ Family violence claims
→ Pregnancy complications threatening health of mother or baby
→ Medical examinations about to expire
→ Safety at risk due to conflict or natural disaster
→ Country subject to international emergency or evacuation
→ Dependent child approaching the 23-year age cut-off
→ Processing beyond the 90th percentile globally
❌ What does NOT qualify on its own:
→ Financial hardship
→ Pain and suffering of separation
→ Pregnancy (without medical complications)
→ Intending to start a family
→ Employment or travel reasons
→ Pre-arranged wedding plans or passport expiry
If your situation matches the qualifying list, get in touch. We can assess whether your circumstances are strong enough for a priority request.
📞 0430 586 030
🌐 ovec.com.au
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Source: FOI release FA 26/04/00575 (Home Affairs, 31 March 2026). General information only — not legal advice.
