Partner Visa
Subclass 309 & 100
The offshore Partner Visa lets the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live with their partner in Australia. The process starts with the temporary 309 visa and progresses to the permanent 100 visa.
Subclass 309 · Temporary
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What Is the Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100)?
The 309 and 100 are offshore partner visas: the applicant is usually outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant for the temporary stage. It is one of the most common PR pathways for couples wanting to build a future together in Australia.
The 309 Visa
Stage 1 · usually the first step toward permanent residency
Subclass 309 · Temporary
The 309 visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to temporarily move to and stay in Australia while waiting for permanent residency through the 100 visa.
Live, work and study in Australia temporarily
Access to Medicare
Travel in and out of Australia while the permanent stage is processed
The 100 Visa
Stage 2 · generally assessed around two years after lodging
Subclass 100 · Permanent
The 100 visa is the permanent stage of the offshore Partner Visa pathway. For many couples, it represents long term security and stability after a lengthy migration journey.
Remain in Australia permanently
Work and study without restrictions
Sponsor eligible family members
Potentially apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
Your offshore Partner Visa pathway, step by step
Lodge 309/100 offshore
Combined application submitted while the applicant is usually outside Australia.
309 Granted
Move to Australia. Live, work, study, access Medicare, and travel freely.
Provide Evidence
Around two years after lodging, the permanent stage is assessed on updated evidence.
100 Granted
Permanent residency: unrestricted work and study, sponsor family, citizenship pathway.
Not sure if you qualify for a Partner Visa in Australia?
Many couples find the process stressful because of the relationship evidence required. We can explain your options clearly.
What Are the Requirements for a Partner Visa 309/100?
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and continuing relationship with their sponsor. Immigration carefully assesses relationship evidence across four major areas.
Outside Australia when applying
Applicants generally apply while outside Australia.
An eligible sponsor
An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Genuine relationship
A genuine and continuing relationship, evidenced across four key areas.
Health & character
Health examinations and police checks form part of the process.
Immigration assesses four key areas of your relationship
Financial Aspects
Evidence may include shared bank accounts, financial support, joint expenses, or shared assets.
- Shared bank accounts
- Financial support
- Joint expenses
- Shared assets
01
Nature of the Household
Evidence of living together, shared responsibilities, and household arrangements.
- Living together
- Shared responsibilities
- Household arrangements
02
Social Aspects
Travel records, photos together, messages, invitations, and evidence that family and friends recognise the relationship.
- Travel records
- Photos together
- Messages
- Invitations
03
Commitment to Each Other
Future plans, long term intentions, and evidence showing an ongoing relationship.
- Future plans
- Long term intentions
- Ongoing relationship
04
How long do you need to be together?
Married couples
Spouse relationship
De facto couples
Unregistered relationship
Unless the relationship is officially registered in certain Australian states or territories.
What evidence is important for a Partner Visa?
Strongest Evidence
Strong relationship evidence usually includes:
- Shared finances
- Living arrangements
- Travel history
- Communication records
- Photos together
- Statements from friends & family
How Much Does a Partner Visa Cost and How Long Does It Take?
The two questions offshore couples ask first, answered side by side.
How long does the
309/100 process take?
Processing times for the 309 visa vary depending on the complexity of the case, application quality, and Department processing times. The 100 visa stage is usually assessed around two years after the initial application date.
Processing Time
Keeping relationship evidence organised and updated throughout the process can help avoid unnecessary delays. Delays can happen if updated evidence or required documents are missing.
How much does a Partner Visa cost?
Starting fee for most applicants from 1 July 2026, covering both the 309 and 100 stages. Set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Cost · Combined 309/100
AUD$
11,710
Migration rules and fees change regularly. Always confirm the latest information before lodging your application.
Additional expenses to budget for
Health examinations
Standard immigration medicals for each applicant
Translations
Certified translations of documents not in English
Police checks
Clearances from countries you have lived in
Document preparation
Statements, declarations and evidence organisation
Working on a 309 Visa, and What Happens If Things Change
The two scenarios most applicants want clarity on before they apply.
Can You Work on a 309 Visa?
Yes. Once the 309 visa is granted, applicants have full work rights in Australia. You can work for any employer and in any industry while waiting for the permanent 100 visa stage.
Work rights
Subclass 309 · FULL RIGHTS
Any employer, any industry, while you wait for the 100.
Subclass 100 · UNRESTRICTED
Continued work rights plus the long term security of permanent residency.
What Happens If You Break Up During the Process?
A relationship breakdown can affect your application, especially if you are still on the temporary 309 stage and permanent residency has not yet been granted. Depending on the circumstances, some applicants may still have options available.
Relationship breakdown
Australia's family violence provisions may allow certain applicants to continue their visa pathway.
Cases involving children may also allow certain applicants to continue.
Unsure how a relationship change affects your visa?
Because every case is different, getting professional advice early is extremely important.
How Pathway to Aus Can Help with Your 309/100 Visa
The Australian Partner Visa process can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with relationship evidence, migration requirements, and long processing times. Getting the right support early can make your migration journey much smoother and clearer.
How Pathway to Aus Helps
Understand your visa options
Talk through your situation and see which Partner Visa pathway fits you best.
Prepare your documents
A clear evidence plan built around the four areas immigration assesses.
Understand your visa options
Talk through your situation and see which Partner Visa pathway fits you best.
Guidance through every stage
From the offshore 309 lodgement to the 100 grant, we walk it with you.
Find Your Migration Agent
Get matched with the perfect expert for your journey
Partner Visa 309/100: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common offshore Partner Visa questions. Still unsure? Book a consultation and we will walk through your situation.
FAQ
Is the 309 visa a permanent visa?
No, the 309 visa is a temporary offshore Partner Visa. It allows applicants to stay in Australia temporarily while waiting for the permanent 100 visa stage.
How long does it take to get the 100 visa after the 309 visa?
The 100 visa is generally assessed around two years after lodging the combined 309/100 application. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application and supporting evidence.
Can you work on a 309 visa?
Yes, holders of the 309 visa have full work rights in Australia. They can work for any employer and study while waiting for permanent residency.
Can I apply for a 309 visa while overseas?
Yes, the 309 visa is specifically designed for offshore applicants. In most cases, applicants must be outside Australia when applying and when the temporary visa is granted.
Do de facto couples qualify for a 309 visa?
Yes, de facto couples can apply for the 309 visa if they can show they are in a genuine and continuing relationship. In most cases, de facto couples need at least 12 months of evidence unless the relationship is officially registered.
What evidence is important for a Partner Visa?
Strong relationship evidence usually includes shared finances, living arrangements, travel history, communication records, photos together, and statements from friends or family supporting the relationship.
GET IN TOUCH
In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
Contact details
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