MARA Registered Migration Agent
Subclass 309/100 Offshore Partner Visa
Two-stage offshore partner visa for those outside Australia with an Australian citizen or permanent resident spouse.
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The Subclass 309/100 Offshore Partner Visa is designed for those outside Australia in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa operates in two stages: first obtaining the Subclass 309 provisional partner visa, then applying for the Subclass 100 permanent visa two years after the initial application date.
Applicants must demonstrate they have met in person, maintain an exclusive relationship, and do not live apart on a permanent basis. De facto relationships require 12 months of evidence or registration with a relevant state or territory. Once the provisional visa is granted, you can immediately travel to Australia as a temporary resident.
Visa Streams
Subclass 309 (Provisional)
Offshore provisional partner visa granting temporary residency to travel to Australia
Subclass 100 (Permanent)
Permanent residency available two years after provisional visa application date
Eligibility Requirements
For Applicants
- Must apply while outside Australia
- Must be married or in de facto relationship (12+ months evidence required)
- Must have met partner in person and relationship must be genuine
- Relationship must be exclusive and not permanently separated
- Must meet health and character requirements
For Sponsor
- Must be Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Must not have sponsored more than one partner previously
- Must not have sponsored a partner within the last five years
- Must not have relevant criminal convictions
Application Process
1
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Collect evidence of genuine relationship, meet in person requirements, health and character documents including police certificates and medical examinations.
2
Step 2: Sponsor Assessment
Ensure your sponsor meets eligibility criteria including citizenship status and sponsorship history requirements.
3
Step 3: Lodge Subclass 309 Application
Submit provisional partner visa application with all required documentation while outside Australia.
4
Step 4: Travel to Australia
Once provisional visa is granted, travel to Australia immediately as a temporary resident.
5
Step 5: Apply for Subclass 100
Two years after Subclass 309 application date, lodge permanent partner visa application and apply for Medicare.
6
Step 6: Obtain Permanent Residency
Once Subclass 100 is processed and granted, achieve permanent resident status in Australia.
Costs & Processing Time
Fee Item Amount (AUD)
Visa application charge AUD $8,000 (increases 1 July annually)
Health and medical examinations approximately AUD $550 each
Police certificates approximately AUD $50 each
Biometrics (if required) AUD $100+
Processing Time
Processing times not specified. Once permanent application is lodged, generally no further health checks or police certificates required.
About the Subclass 309/100 Offshore Partner Visa
Two-stage offshore partner visa for those outside Australia with an Australian citizen or permanent resident spouse.
Sponsor must not have sponsored more than one partner in last five years
Health and character requirements must be met by applicant
Medicare access available once permanent application is lodged
Explore by Your Situation
12 articles · 114 questions
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- What documents do you need for an Australian partner visa if you were in a de facto relationship before marriage?The document checklist for couples with a pre-marriage de facto phase includes:
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- How many RFIs are common during an onshore partner visa application in Australia?The number of RFIs is not predetermined. It depends on how well-evidenced your i…
- How long after lodging an 820 partner visa is it common to receive an RFI?There is no fixed schedule for when a case officer will begin active assessment …
- How long after completing RFI requirements does it take to get a partner visa decision?Once you have submitted your RFI response, the case officer reviews all the mate…
- Should I complete the health exam immediately after generating the referral letter for an 820 partner visa?Once a case officer is ready to finalise your application, they will arrange for…
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- What evidence do I need for partner visa?The Department assesses partner visa applications against four categories — comm…
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- What family photos are required for a Pakistani nikah ceremony for subclass 309 partner visa?A nikah is a valid marriage ceremony under Australian migration law, and the nik…
- Do Australian partner visa officers require wedding ritual videos or just photos for Indian applicants?There is no regulation or policy direction from DOHA mandating the submission of…
- How long does the processing time for subclass 309 partner visa for UK applicants?DOHA does not publish nationality-specific processing times for the subclass 309…
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Subclass 309 and 100?
Subclass 309 is the offshore provisional partner visa allowing temporary residency. Subclass 100 is the permanent partner visa available two years after the Subclass 309 application date.
When can I apply for the permanent visa?
You are entitled to apply for Subclass 100 two years from the date of application for the Subclass 309 visa.
Can I access Medicare while on the provisional visa?
No, but once your Subclass 100 application is lodged, you may apply for Medicare access.
What if I don't have enough evidence yet?
An alternative is the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) for those not quite ready with sufficient relationship evidence.
Ready to start your Subclass 309/100 Offshore Partner Visa application?
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