Partner Visa
AustraliaTM
Offshore Partner Visa: Subclass 309/100
If your partner is outside Australia and you are ready to bring them home permanently, the Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) is the pathway designed for your situation. We are a registered migration agent service helping both sponsors and applicants prepare, lodge, and manage their application from initial eligibility through to the permanent stage.
What Is the Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)?
The Offshore Partner Visa is a two-stage pathway for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of lodgement. It is available to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is willing to sponsor them.
Best suited for
Applicants who are outside Australia and whose Australian partner is ready to sponsor them
Stage 1: Subclass 309
Temporary stage: Once granted, allows the applicant to travel to Australia and live, work, and study here while the permanent stage is assessed
Stage 2: Subclass 100
Permanent stage: Assessed approximately two years after the original lodgement date
Key benefit
Unlike the onshore pathway, the Subclass 309 allows unrestricted travel in and out of Australia once granted. Medicare access is available from arrival in Australia
Both stages are applied for in a single combined application. The Department assesses the Subclass 309 first, then assesses the Subclass 100 separately — approximately two years after the original lodgement date. Unlike the onshore pathway, offshore applicants do not receive a bridging visa. The applicant remains outside Australia until the Subclass 309 is granted.
Eligibility
Both the applicant and the sponsor must meet separate requirements. A problem on either side can affect the outcome.
Applicant Requirements
Location
Must be outside Australia at the time of lodgement and at the time the Subclass 309 is granted
Relationship
Spouse or de facto partner of an eligible sponsor
Married relationship
Marriage must be legally recognised under Australian law
De facto relationship
Must have been in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months before lodgement, unless a registered relationship is held
Age
18 years or older
Health and character
Medical examination and police clearances required before the visa is granted
Debt to Australian Government
Must not have an outstanding debt to the Australian Government
Sponsor Requirements
Status
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Age
18 years or older
Sponsorship history
Most sponsors may only sponsor two partner visa applications in their lifetime. Further sponsorship generally requires Ministerial approval
Character
Must not have convictions for relevant offences involving violence or harm
Sponsorship approval
Must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs before or alongside the visa assessment
What the Department of Home Affairs Assesses
Proving Your Relationship to the Department Relationship evidence is assessed across four categories, and every category must be addressed at lodgement.
Financial aspects
Joint finances, shared assets, and financial interdependence
Nature of the household
Shared living arrangements and domestic responsibilities
Social aspects
Recognition of the relationship by family, friends, and the community
Nature of commitment
Mutual long-term commitment expressed through written statements and shared future plans
Identity, Health, and Character Documents
Identity, health, and character checks are mandatory for every applicant and must be completed before the visa is granted. Here’s what you should look out for when reviewing documents:
Offshore Partner Visa Application Costs
Knowing the full cost upfront lets you plan properly and move forward with confidence. Below is a complete breakdown of the Department of Home Affairs application charges.
Primary applicant
AUD $11,710
Secondary applicant — 18 or older
AUD $5,860
Secondary applicant — under 18
AUD $2,935
Subclass 300 holders
AUD $1,955
Beyond the government application charge, most applicants will need to budget for additional costs specific to their situation. These typically include health examinations, police clearances from relevant countries, and NAATI-accredited translations for documents not in English. The amounts vary depending on your circumstances and country of origin. Contact us to get a complete picture of the total costs involved in your application.
Please note: Government visa application charges are reviewed and typically adjusted by the Department of Home Affairs each July. The figures in this table reflect the 2026–27 financial year. If you are reading this page after 1 July 2027, some charges may have changed. We recommend confirming current fees at the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator or contacting us directly before you budget for your application.
Offshore Partner Visa Processing Timeframes
Stage 1: Subclass 309 — Temporary Partner Visa
| Percentile | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 14 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 24–26 months |
Stage 2: Subclass 100 — Permanent Partner Visa
| Percentile | Processing time from eligibility |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 10 months |
| Most applications | To be confirmed against current Department data |
The permanent stage becomes eligible approximately two years after the original lodgement date. The applicant must remain outside Australia until the Subclass 309 is granted. A decision-ready application with complete relationship evidence at lodgement is better positioned for timely processing. Contact us to discuss what a realistic timeline looks like for your specific situation.
Please note: Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs as percentile estimates and are updated monthly. The figures above reflect data available in early 2026. Actual processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, the completeness of evidence provided at lodgement, and application volumes at the time of decision. These figures are a guide only and are not a guarantee of when your application will be decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Getting your Offshore Partner Visa right from the start makes every stage of the process simpler and faster for both of you. Claim your consultation today.
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