At the National Press Club on 17 September 2026, a journalist asked the Minister for Home Affairs a personal question. He said he had waited more than three years before he could move back to Australia with his family. He then asked whether the delay was a choice.
The Minister’s answer is worth reading closely. It is the clearest recent explanation of why partner visas take so long. For the rest of the speech, see our guide to the 17 September migration overhaul.
The planning level
The Minister said the Department works within a planning level. That level is a Budget decision made each year. It sets how many permanent visas the Government expects to grant.
Importantly, he said the planning level covers the whole permanent program. Partner visas share it with skilled visas and other family visas. Therefore, more places for partners would mean fewer places somewhere else, or a bigger program overall.
Demand has grown
The Minister then turned to demand. In his words, more Australians fall in love with people overseas than they used to. As a result, demand for partner visas is higher than it used to be.
When demand rises and places stay level, the queue grows. That is the simple reason behind the wait.
How stretched the family program is
The Minister acknowledged that long waits put tremendous pressure on families. He then made two further points.
First, he said family migration is pretty much at the limit in terms of delays. Second, he gave the non contributory parent visa as a comparison. He put that wait at 30 years. Our parent visa pathfinder compares the parent options.
He also rejected calls to be harder on family migration. In his view, the delays already show how tight the program is.
What he offered couples
The Minister did not announce more partner visa places. He did not announce faster processing either.
However, he pointed to the visitor visa change as relief. Future visitor visas will carry a no further stay condition. Because a visit can no longer become an onshore application, he expects partners to spend extended time in Australia together while they wait. We explain that change in our article on visitor visas and the no further stay condition.
What couples can control
Nobody can shorten the queue. However, a couple can avoid making the wait longer.
Lodge a complete application
A request for more information adds time. In addition, a gap in the evidence can lead to refusal. Our article on decision ready applications explains how to avoid both.
Set realistic expectations
Planning around an optimistic timeframe causes real harm. For example, couples sign leases and resign from jobs too early. Our article on realistic partner visa processing times helps with planning.
Choose the pathway early
Finally, the choice between onshore and offshore now carries more weight. The visitor visa change will narrow the onshore route for many couples. Therefore, the decision should come before any travel is booked.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Minister announce more partner visa places?
No. He explained that partner visas sit within a planning level set in the Budget, and he did not announce any increase.
Why is the partner visa wait so long?
The Minister said demand is higher than it used to be, while the planning level has to cover the whole permanent program.
Does a strong application get processed faster?
A complete application does not jump the queue. However, it avoids the extra delay caused by requests for information, and it lowers the risk of refusal.
Can my partner visit Australia while we wait?
The Minister said he expects partners to be able to visit regularly once visitor visas carry a no further stay condition.
Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.
Sources: the Minister for Home Affairs’ National Press Club question and answer session, 17 September 2026.
Plan the wait properly
We can help you choose a pathway and prepare an application that does not add to the delay. Call 03 8108 8748 or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice. Please seek advice about your own circumstances before you act.
