Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100)

Offshore Visa for Partners of Australians

If you're planning to join your partner and build a life together in Australia, the Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 Partner Visas may be the right pathway for you. Here's what you need to know about this two-stage offshore visa process.

Who Is the 309/100 Visa For?

This visa is for spouses and de factopartners of:

  • Australian citizens

  • Australian permanent residents

  • Eligible New Zealand citizens

You must be outside Australia when you lodge your application. However, you can be inside or outside Australia when the visa is decided.

How the Process Works

Stage 1: Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309)

You lodge one combined application for both the Subclass 309 (Temporary) and Subclass 100 (Permanent) Partner Visas.

If your temporary visa is granted, you can travel to Australia and live, work and study while waiting to be assessed for permanent residency.

Stage 2: Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100)

You are generally assessed for the permanent Subclass 100 visa approximately two years after lodging your combined application.

At this stage, you'll usually need to provide updated evidence showing that your relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

Can You Skip the Two-Stage Process?

Yes. Some long-term couples may be considered for the permanent Subclass 100 visa without waiting the usual two years.

This may apply if, at the time you lodged your application:

  • You had been in a long-term relationship for at least three years, or

  • You had been in a long-term relationship for at least two years and have a dependent child together.

We'll help determine whether you may be eligible for this faster pathway.

What Evidence Do You Need?

The Department of Home Affairs carefully assesses every Partner Visa application.

You'll generally need to provide evidence of your genuine and continuing relationship, including:

  • Joint financial records

  • Communication history

  • Photos together

  • Travel records

  • Evidence of living together

  • Statutory declarations from family and friends

Our Registered Migration Agents will guide you through every stage of the application and help ensure your evidence is presented effectively.

Including Children and Dependents

You may be able to include:

  • Dependent children

  • Stepchildren

  • Other eligible dependent family members where applicable

Dependent children aged 18 years or over may need to demonstrate that they continue to meet the dependency requirements.

Even family members who are not migrating may need to satisfy health requirements.

Health & Character Requirements

You—and any family members included in your application—must meet Australia's health and character requirements.

This generally includes:

  • Health examinations (including some non-migrating family members where required)

  • Police clearances for applicants aged 16 years or older

How Long Are These Visas Valid?

  • The Subclass 309 Temporary Partner Visa remains in effect until a decision is made on your permanent Subclass 100 Partner Visa

  • Once granted, the Subclass 100 Partner Visa gives you permanent residency, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely.

Sponsor Obligations

Your sponsoring partner must agree to sponsor you and meet the sponsorship obligations required under Australian migration law.

These obligations generally include assisting you to settle in Australia and providing financial support where required.

Why Choose Us?

We've helped thousands of couples navigate the Partner Visa process.

With ThinkOz Migration Centre, you'll receive:

  • Expert advice from Registered Migration Agents

  • Step-by-step assistance preparing your application

  • Ongoing support from your temporary visa through to permanent residency

  • A no visa, no fee guarantee on this visa type

Ready to Get Started?

Take our free visa assessment and find out how we can help you begin your life in Australia—together.

FAQs

Who Can Apply for a 309 Partner Visa?

You may be eligible for a Subclass 309 Partner Visa if:

  • You are married or in a genuine de facto relationship (generally for at least 12 months before applying, unless an exemption applies).

  • You can show:

    • Shared financial responsibilities

    • Living arrangements (particularly for de facto relationships)

    • Social recognition of your relationship

    • The nature of your commitment to each other

  • Both you and your partner are generally over 18 years of age.

  • Your partner is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

  • You meet Australia's health and character requirements.

  • You have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or satisfactory arrangements have been made to repay them.

Moving to Stage 2: The 100 Visa (Permanent Residency)

To progress to the Subclass 100 Permanent Partner Visa, you must:

  • Hold a valid Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) Visa

  • Continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner, unless special provisions apply (such as family violence, the death of your partner, or other specified circumstances).

  • Provide updated evidence of your continuing relationship when requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

  • Generally be assessed approximately two years after lodging your combined Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa application.