How to Apply for an Australian Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

If your partner lives in Australia and you want to build a life together, the Australian Offshore Partner Visa may be an option worth exploring.

The Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) is for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. You apply for both visa stages together, starting with the temporary subclass 309 visa and potentially progressing to permanent residency through subclass 100.

Here’s how the process works, what documents you may need and what to know before applying.

What Is the Australian Offshore Partner Visa?

The visa has two stages:

• Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) visa: Allows eligible applicants to live, work and study in Australia temporarily while their permanent partner visa application is being assessed.
• Subclass 100 – Partner (Migrant) visa: A permanent visa that may be granted when the applicant meets the relevant requirements.

You submit one combined application for both stages and pay the applicable visa application charge at the beginning. The permanent stage is generally assessed when you become eligible, usually two years after submitting the combined application. Some applicants may qualify for earlier consideration.

Official source: Australian Department of Home Affairs – Partner visas

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you meet the main requirements.

1. You must be outside Australia when you apply for subclass 309.
2. Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
3. You must be married to your partner or meet the requirements for a de facto relationship.
4. Your Australian partner must be approved as your sponsor.
5. You must meet the relevant health and character requirements.

Important: If you are engaged but not yet married, the subclass 309/100 visa may not be the appropriate pathway. The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is a separate option for eligible applicants who intend to marry their Australian partner.

What If You Are in a De Facto Relationship?

In most cases, de facto partners must show that their relationship existed for at least 12 months immediately before applying. Exceptions may apply, including where the relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory authority or other specified circumstances apply.

You should check the official rules for your situation before lodging an application.

Step 2: Collect Your Documents

Your documents should establish your identity, your partner’s eligibility to sponsor you and the genuine nature of your relationship.

Common evidence includes:

• Identity documents: Passport, birth certificate and documents explaining any name changes.
• Relationship evidence: Marriage certificate, photographs together, travel records, communication history and evidence of time spent together.
• Financial evidence: Joint bank accounts, shared expenses or other evidence of financial commitments.
• Household evidence: Documents showing shared living arrangements or responsibilities, where applicable.
• Social evidence: Invitations, shared activities and evidence that friends or family recognise your relationship.
• Sponsor documents: Evidence of your partner’s Australian citizenship, permanent residency or eligible New Zealand citizenship.

You may also need police certificates, health examinations and other supporting documents. Form 888 or other statutory declarations may help support your relationship evidence where applicable.

There is no single document that proves every relationship is genuine. Provide evidence that accurately reflects your circumstances and covers the relevant aspects of your relationship.

Step 3: Apply Online Through ImmiAccount

Applications are lodged online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system.

The usual process is:

1. Create or sign in to your ImmiAccount.
2. Select the Partner visa application for subclasses 309/100.
3. Complete the application with accurate personal, relationship and sponsorship details.
4. Upload the supporting documents requested.
5. Pay the applicable visa application charge.
6. Submit the application and save your application reference.

Your partner must also complete the relevant sponsorship process. Follow the instructions in ImmiAccount and provide any additional information requested by the Department.

Remember: Offshore applicants should not assume that lodging this application gives them a Bridging Visa. The subclass 309 application must be lodged while the applicant is outside Australia.

Step 4: Complete Health, Character and Biometric Requirements

After lodging your application, the Department may request additional checks.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to:

• Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician.
• Provide police certificates from relevant countries.
• Attend a biometric collection appointment if instructed.

Submit further documents or answer questions about your relationship.

Follow the instructions and deadlines provided by the Department. Arrange health examinations when appropriate for your application, as the timing of medical checks can affect how long their results remain valid.

Step 5: Wait for the Subclass 309 Decision

Processing times vary according to individual circumstances, application completeness and the Department’s workload.

There is no guaranteed processing time for every applicant. Rather than relying on a fixed estimate, check the official visa processing time guide for the latest information.

During processing, monitor your ImmiAccount and respond promptly if the Department requests further evidence. You can also provide relevant updates to your relationship evidence when appropriate.

Official source: Partner visa processing information

Step 6: Progress to the Permanent Subclass 100 Visa

You do not normally submit a completely new partner visa application or pay a second standard application charge for the subclass 100 stage.

Generally, you become eligible for consideration two years after lodging the combined subclass 309/100 application. The Department may request updated documents to confirm that your relationship continues to meet the requirements.

If you meet the criteria, the subclass 100 visa may be granted, giving you permanent residency. The final decision depends on your circumstances and the applicable immigration rules.

How Much Does an Australian Offshore Partner Visa Cost?

The Department of Home Affairs lists the standard combined subclass 309/100 visa application charge from AUD 11,710, subject to applicable concessions and fee changes.

Additional expenses may include:

• Medical examinations
• Police certificates
• Biometrics, where required
• Document translation and certification
• Professional immigration assistance, if used

Check the official Visa Pricing Estimator before applying, as the total cost depends on your circumstances and any additional applicants.

Final Thoughts

The Australian Offshore Partner Visa can help eligible couples reunite and plan their future together. A strong application starts with understanding the correct visa pathway, preparing clear relationship evidence and meeting all sponsorship, health and character requirements.

Every relationship and application is different, so check the official rules before lodging your application. LEAMSS is a private migration consultancy, not a government authority, and no consultant can guarantee a visa outcome.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Visa requirements, charges and processing times may change. Always refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs for current information.