Location requirements
- Must be outside Australia when lodging the application
- Can be in or outside Australia when the 309 is granted
Australian Partner Migration
Offshore Partner Visa 309/100For Partners Applying Outside Australia
Subclass 309 (provisional) · Subclass 100 (permanent)
The core pathway for applicants outside Australia who are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. A two-stage application leading to permanent residency, with full work rights and Medicare once the 309 is granted.
How it works
A two-stage application to permanent residency
01
Subclass 309 · Provisional
Travel to Australia, then live, work and study with full Medicare access until the permanent visa decision is made.
02
Subclass 100 · Permanent
Granted after a minimum two-year waiting period, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely.
03
One application fee
A single visa application charge covers both the provisional (309) and permanent (100) stages.
Long-term relationship shortcut: if you have been married or in a de facto relationship for 3 years or more at the time of application (or 2 years with a child together), you may be granted the permanent Subclass 100 immediately after the 309 is approved — skipping the two-year wait.
Eligibility
Key requirements for the 309/100
Relationship requirements
- Genuine and continuing relationship, exclusive of all others
- Legally married under Australian law, OR
- 12 months cohabitation (may be waived if your relationship is registered)
Sponsor requirements
- Australian citizen, OR
- Australian permanent resident, OR
- Eligible New Zealand citizen
Health & character
- Meet Australian health requirements
- Meet character requirements (police checks)
- All included family members must also meet requirements
Evidence
The four pillars of relationship proof
You must demonstrate evidence across all four categories.
Financial aspects
- Joint bank account statements
- Joint mortgage/lease documents
- Utility bills in both names
- Joint loan documents
Nature of the household
- Joint lease or mortgage agreements
- Shared mail/correspondence to same address
- Evidence of shared household responsibilities
- Care of children together
Social aspects
- Evidence you are publicly known as a couple
- Joint invitations to events
- Photos with friends/family at social events
- Evidence of shared travel/holidays
Nature of commitment
- Relationship statements from both partners
- History and future plans together
- Evidence of communication during time apart
- Joint wills or life insurance policies
Supporting evidence typically includes Form 888 statutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents who know you as a couple. We confirm exactly what your case needs in your consultation.
Costs & processing
Government fees and expected wait times
| Applicant | Charge (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (309/100 combined) | $11,710 |
| Additional applicant 18 and over | $5,860 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | $2,935 |
This single charge covers both the 309 (temporary) and 100 (permanent) stages — there is no second Department charge when the permanent visa is decided. A 1.4% surcharge applies to card payments. Additional costs apply for health checks, police clearances and translations. Confirm the current figure on the Department's official 309/100 page or the Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
Subclass 309 (Provisional)
50% processed in
13 – 15 months
90% processed in
24 – 26 months
06 mo12 mo18 mo24 mo30 mo
Subclass 100 (Permanent)
50% processed in
10 – 12 months*
90% processed in
19 – 21 months*
06 mo12 mo18 mo24 mo30 mo
*Note: The Subclass 100 assessment starts two years after the 309 application date. Submitting a comprehensive, decision-ready application is the best way to avoid delays.
Our packages
Professional migration services
Expert guidance through your visa journey — choose the level of support that fits you.
Full Service
Subclass 309/100 Application
AUD $4,200
Fixed fee · 6 milestone instalments
- At agreement
- 3, 6 & 9 months after signing
- At RFI
- At grant
- Full visa strategy
- Evidence preparation
- Statement drafting
- Application management
Subclass 100
Permanent Visa Stage
AUD $1,500
For existing Stage 1 clients
After the two-year waiting period, we'll guide you through the permanent visa assessment.
- Updated evidence review
- Relationship update statements
- Ongoing Department liaison
- Support through to decision
DIY Package
Self-Lodge with Expert Review
AUD $999
One-time payment
- Complete review of your application & forms
- Comprehensive relationship statement
- Complete audit of required documents
- Up to 2 RFI responses
Fees are fixed and agreed in writing before any work begins. Book a consultation to confirm the right package for your circumstances.
Premium Partner Visa Checklist
A full interactive checklist tailored to your exact pathway — step-by-step ImmiAccount guide, comprehensive form guides, a sample relationship statement, and progress tracking on every item.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel to Australia while the 309 is processing?
Yes. You can travel to Australia on another visa, such as a Visitor visa, while you wait. Since 2023, the Subclass 309 can even be granted while you are inside Australia, so you no longer need to be offshore at the time of grant.
Do I get work rights while the 309 is being processed?
The application itself does not grant work rights. Once the Subclass 309 is granted, you have full work and study rights in Australia, Medicare access, and unlimited travel in and out of the country.
What is a "long-term relationship" and why does it matter?
If you have been in a de facto or married relationship for 3 years or more at the time of application (or 2 years if you have a child together), you may be granted the permanent Subclass 100 visa immediately after the provisional Subclass 309 is approved, skipping the standard two-year waiting period.
Should I apply for the offshore 309/100 or the onshore 820/801?
If you are living outside Australia, the 309/100 is the correct pathway. If you are already in Australia on a substantive visa, the onshore 820/801 may suit you better because it provides a bridging visa with work rights. Start with a free assessment and we'll confirm the right option for your situation.
About your migration agent
Sam Lotfollahi · Registered Migration Agent
Sam is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0901704) specialising in partner visas. Since 2009 he has guided couples through complex applications, evidence preparation, and Department submissions — with clear communication, precise strategy, and support through to decision.
Ready to lodge a decision-ready application?
The offshore partner visa requires extensive documentation. Start with a free assessment and we'll map out exactly what your case needs — through to decision.