Subclass 309-100
Offshore Partner Visa
Relevant Visas
820-801 Onshore Partner Visa
300 Prospective Marriage Visa
Important
Description
The Subclass 309 (Provisional) and Subclass 100 (Permanent) Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. This visa is granted in two stages:
- Subclass 309 (Provisional Partner Visa) – This is a temporary visa that allows the applicant to live in Australia while awaiting the permanent visa decision.
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa) – This is the final stage, granting the applicant permanent residency in Australia.
Partner
TR/PR
Offshore
Requirements
The next step in applying for your subclass 309-100 Offshore Partner Visa is fulfilling all of the eligibility requirements. There are quite a few and you are going to have to be diligent and organised when going through the application process. The entry requirements for the subclass 309-100 Offshore Partner Visa are:
- be outside Australia when applying for the Subclass 309 visa
- be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- the relationship must be spousal (married) or de facto (living together for at least 12 months before applying, unless exempt)
- the sponsor (partner) must meet sponsorship eligibility requirements, including financial and character checks
- provide evidence of a genuine and committed relationship, including joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and social recognition of the relationship
- if granted the temporary visa (Subclass 309), the applicant can apply for the permanent visa (Subclass 100) after 2 years
- meet health and character requirements (medical examination and police clearance)
- allows to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa
Process/Steps
Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your Australian partner.
You must be outside Australia when applying for Subclass 309.
Meet age requirements and other eligibility criteria.
If you are married, the marriage must be legally recognized under Australian law.
If in a de facto relationship, you must have lived together for at least 12 months before applying.
Your partner must be eligible to sponsor you and meet sponsorship obligations.
English Test
While not mandatory for this visa, a good understanding of English can help in settling in Australia.
If required, undertake an English test like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Expression of Interest (EOI) submission is not applicable for this visa category.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
This step is not required for the Partner Visa. You can directly apply if eligible.
Gather Your Documents
Provide identity documents such as passport, birth certificate, and national ID.
Relationship evidence including joint bank statements, photographs, and social proof.
Proof of living arrangements, joint commitments, and financial dependency.
Sponsorship documents from your Australian partner.
Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Statutory declarations from friends or family members supporting your relationship claim.
Evidence of communication between you and your partner, such as emails, call logs, or travel history together.
If applicable, proof of dependent children or prior marriages.
Health and Character Checks
Complete health examinations as per Australian immigration requirements.
Provide police clearance certificates for character assessment.
Ensure all dependents included in the application also meet health and character requirements.
Await Visa Processing
Processing times vary based on application volume and document verification.
You may be asked for additional information or an interview.
While waiting, ensure your documents are up to date and respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
Temporary visa Subclass 309 is granted first, allowing you to live in Australia while your permanent visa application is processed.
If your relationship ends before the Subclass 100 visa is granted, you may still be eligible under specific circumstances, such as domestic violence or having an Australian child together.
Visa Grant
If approved, you will first receive the temporary Subclass 309 visa, allowing you to live in Australia.
After two years, if your relationship is still ongoing, you can be granted the permanent Subclass 100 visa.
In some cases, fast-tracking to permanent residency is possible if you have been in a long-term relationship before applying.
Once granted the permanent visa, you will have access to additional benefits such as social security and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
