Contact us
Partner Visa (Offshore 309/100)
Looking for trusted immigration agents in Brisbane? Australian Visa Advice offers expert support and tailored visa solutions to help you achieve your migration goals.
Trusted VisaExperts
PersonalSupport
Focused onYour Goals
Confidential & Professional
What is the Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100)?
The Partner Visa (subclasses 309 and 100) is for individuals outside Australia who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It’s a two-stage visa that begins with the temporary 309 visa, followed by the permanent 100 visa.
You apply for both visas at the same time and pay one fee. If granted the 309 visa, you can enter and live in Australia while awaiting assessment for the 100 visa. If you’ve been in a long-term relationship before lodging your application, you may be eligible to receive the permanent visa sooner.
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa 309/100?
To be eligible for the offshore Partner Visa, you must:
- Be outside Australia when you lodge your application and when the 309 visa is granted
- Be married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing
- Meet health and character requirements
- Not have had a visa refusal or cancellation (some exceptions apply)
Benefits of a Partner Visa 309/100
The Partner Visa (309/100) allows you to:
- Enter and live in Australia with your partner
- Work and study while on the 309 visa
- Access Medicare after arriving in Australia
- Apply for permanent residency through the 100 visa
- Include eligible dependent children in your application
- Eventually apply for Australian citizenship (after meeting residency and eligibility criteria)
Document Checklist for the Partner Visa Application
Typical documents required for the 309/100 visa include:
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate or de facto evidence)
- Joint financial records (bank statements, shared bills)
- Evidence of living arrangements (leases, utility accounts)
- Social proof (photos, messages, joint travel, statements from friends/family)
- Health and police checks
- Personal statements from both partners outlining your relationship history
You’ll also need to submit updated evidence when it’s time to be assessed for the 100 visa.
How the Partner Visa 309/100 Works
- Apply Offshore – You must be outside Australia when you lodge your application and when the 309 visa is granted.
- Temporary Visa Granted (309) – Allows you to enter and live in Australia with your partner.
- Permanent Visa Assessment (100) – Around two years after lodging your application, you’ll be asked to provide updated evidence confirming your relationship.
- Permanent Visa Granted (100) – If all criteria are met, you’ll receive permanent residency in Australia.
The team at Australian Visa Advice is here to support you through every step—making the process clearer, faster, and less stressful.
Partner Visa FAQs
The 309 visa is a temporary partner visa that lets you live in Australia while you await the 100 permanent partner visa, which offers permanent residency.
Yes. You must be outside Australia when you apply for the 309 visa and when a decision is made on it.
You can apply for a visitor visa, but it does not guarantee entry or affect the outcome of your partner visa application. It’s best to seek professional advice before making travel plans.
Processing times vary, but you can generally expect to wait 12–24 months for both stages, depending on your situation and the Department’s workload.
No. You apply for both the 309 and 100 visas at the same time. The permanent visa (100) will be assessed approximately two years after your application is lodged.
