Visa spouse Australia is one of the important visa categories for families who want to reunite in Australia. However, the backlog of applications is causing many couples to wait for a long time, while application costs are increasing.
Data from the Australian Department of Home Affairs shows that about half of family reunification visa applications are processed within 17 months, while about 90% of applications are processed within 30 months. This means some people may have to wait more than two years before knowing the results of their application.
This situation is creating a lot of pressure for families with spouses outside Australia. One case mentioned by SBS is Amir Bukhari, an Australian citizen who got married in Pakistan last November. After submitting the application for his wife, the family completed requirements such as biometrics and medical examination but then did not receive further information for a long time.
The number of new records is higher than the processing capacity
One of the reasons the backlog of applications continues to increase is that the number of spousal visa applications submitted each year is significantly higher than the number of applications processed. In 2024, more than 68,000 spousal visa applications were submitted, the highest level since 2012. Of those, about 40,500 applications were processed.
Former Deputy Minister of Immigration Abul Rizvi estimates the backlog of applications is currently about 125,000. According to his analysis, if each year there are about 65,000 new applications but only about 40,000 are processed, the backlog of applications will be very difficult to reduce and may even continue to increase. This helps explain why partner visa waiting times are becoming an increasing concern for those wanting to reunite their families in Australia.
Australian spouse visa fee increases to 11,710 AUD
Not only do they have to face long waiting times, spouse visa applicants also have to prepare a significant amount of expenses. According to information posted by SBS, the application fee is currently at 11,710 AUD, an increase of about 25% over the year. before. The Australian Government believes the fee increase is necessary to help fund reforms in the immigration system.
It is worth noting that an increase in visa fees does not mean that applications will be processed faster. Applicants still have to wait according to the processing process and priority order applied to family visa applications. Therefore, when planning finance for the application, applicants should not only calculate the visa fee but also need to estimate related costs during the preparation process and waiting for approval.
Spouse visa is not limited in number but may still have to wait a long time
One point that is easily misunderstood is that the spouse visa is not applied according to the quantity limit mechanism like some other visa programs. However, this does not mean that every application will be processed immediately after meeting the conditions. Professor Mary Crock believes that in reality, costs and waiting times can become factors that affect the number of records in the system. When the number of new applications exceeds the processing capacity, the waiting time will lengthen.
It can be simply understood that no limit on the number of visas does not mean there is no queue. When the number of pending applications is large, applicants still have to wait their turn according to the procedures of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Spouse records of applicants residing outside Australia should be noted
Another issue of concern is a change in the way certain family visa applications are prioritized. According to information released by SBS, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has updated guidance on priority levels for some family visa applications, including spouse visas, in cases where the main applicant is outside Australia at the time of application. This does not mean that people outside Australia cannot be granted a visa or that their application will definitely be delayed for a fixed period of time. The issue lies in processing priority, which can affect when applications are reviewed.
For Vietnamese – Australian couples, this is a factor that needs to be considered when developing a family reunion plan, especially if two people are living apart while waiting for a visa.
Long waiting times directly affect family life
Behind the numbers about backlogs and processing times are very real stories of families who are living apart. The case of Amir Bukhari mentioned by SBS shows that the problem is not just in the visa waiting time. After getting married, he wants to start a life with his wife and build a family plan in Australia. However, when the file still has no results, the two people’s life plans must continue to wait.
This is also the reason why spouse visa processing time should not be viewed simply as a number in the system. For those who are living apart from their spouse, each month of waiting can affect family plans, work, housing and finances.
What should a person preparing for an Australian spouse visa do?
In the context of a large backlog of documents and long processing times, preparing documents from the beginning becomes even more important. A fully and consistently prepared dossier will help limit the need to supplement information multiple times during the review process. Especially for a spouse visa, the applicant needs to develop evidence that demonstrates the relationship clearly, continuously and in accordance with the actual circumstances of the two people.
However, it is also important to understand that a complete application does not mean it will be processed quickly. Approval time also depends on the number of documents in the system, priority order, inspection process and specific factors of each case. Therefore, if you are preparing for an Australian spouse visa, you should plan based on the possibility of a long wait rather than just the expected processing time.
Should I apply for an Australian spouse visa at this stage?
This is a question that needs to be considered based on each family’s circumstances. Just because the waiting period is long does not mean eligible people should delay indefinitely. On the contrary, if the plan to reunite in Australia has been clearly determined, preparing the application early can help the applicant start the review process instead of continuing to delay.
However, before submitting, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the visa conditions, evidence of relationship, sponsor’s status, immigration history and location of the applicant. In particular, with the current fee 11,710 AUD, this is not an application that should be submitted in a hurry just because you are worried about the waiting time.
What is more important is the right preparation from the beginning.
Australian spouse visa is facing a not simple problem: the number of new applications is high, the backlog is about 125,000, while the published processing time shows that about 50% of applications are resolved in 17 months and 90% within 30 months. At the same time, the application fee has increased to AUD 11,710.
For couples planning to reunite in Australia, this is a stage that requires more realistic preparation in terms of finances, time and document quality. Applying should not be based solely on the desire to reunite, but should have a clear plan to be proactive throughout the waiting process.
If you are preparing for an Australian spouse visa, carefully check the conditions, proof of relationship and processing priority before deciding to apply. Policies and processing times may change from time to time.
Reference source: SBS
