Offshore Partner Visa
Subclass 309 & 100
The Subclass 309 / 100 (offshore partner visa) is designed for applicants who are outside Australia and are in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
You may be eligible if all of the following apply:
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You are outside Australia when lodging the application
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Your partner (spouse or de facto partner) is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
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You are in a genuine and ongoing relationship, and in most cases have lived together or are not permanently separated
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You intend to build a life together in Australia
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, the complexity of the application, and the completeness of supporting documents.As each application is assessed individually, some cases may be shorter or longer.
Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309)
Most applicants are assessed within 14-24 months
Permanent Partner Visa
(Subclass 100)
Assessment generally begins two years after the date you lodged your combined 309/100 application, and the final decision may take 10-21 months depending on the case.
Main Requirements
The 309 visa allows you to travel to and live in Australia while awaiting the 100 permanent visa decision
It is a two-stage visa application，you apply for both Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) at the same time
You may work and study in Australia once the 309 visa is granted
You may access Medicare once your 309 visa is in effect (if eligible)
Once the Subclass 100 visa is granted, you will become a permanent resident, can sponsor eligible family members, and may later become eligible for Australian citizenship
You can include dependent family members in your application
Costs & Fees
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Main applicant
AUD 9,365
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Additional applicant (18+ years)
AUD 4,685
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Additional applicant (under 18)
AUD 2,345
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. We are just dating and haven’t lived together ,can we apply?
Not yet. The partner visa requires a genuine relationship and substantial evidence of shared life (finances, social aspects, living together, commitment). You typically need to have lived together for some months and be able to gather strong evidence.
02. What if we have lived together less than 6 months?
It’s still possible to apply. You will need to register your relationship with your local state authority to strengthen your case. (Exception: Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not offer relationship registration if you have lived together for less than 12 months.)
Links for relationship registration:
03. What kinds of evidence are needed to prove the relationship?
You should prepare documents covering four perspectives:
1. Financial, example:
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Joint bank account statements
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Joint loans/mortgages or leases
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Shared bills or expenses
2. Household / Living arrangements, example:
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Utility bills or mail in both names
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Statements about shared household responsibilities
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Evidence of shared address
3. Social, example:
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Photos together with family/friends
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Invitations or mail addressed jointly
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Joint travel or social activities
4. Commitment, example:
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Declarations/statements from yourselves and third parties
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Future plans together (e.g. wills, insurances)
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Evidence of children (if any) or shared responsibilities
Even if you are married or have children, you still need to prepare evidence across these aspects. A long-term relationship generally gives you more supporting documents, which strengthen your case.
04. What happens if the relationship ends after lodgement?
You must inform the Department of Home Affairs of the change in status. The visa application may be refused if the genuine relationship requirement is no longer satisfied. If you later establish a new partner relationship, you may be able to reapply with a new sponsor In special circumstances (e.g. family violence, sponsor death), there are protections so you may still be able to get a grant. You will need strong supporting evidence.
05. Can I travel to Australia after I lodge my 309 application?
Yes, but you must be outside Australia at the time the 309 visa is granted. If you travel to Australia, you must leave the country before the visa can be finalised.
