Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa – Offshore Partner Visa for Australia

Reunite with Your Partner and Build a Life Together in Australia

Are you in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen — and currently living outside Australia?

The Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa is designed for couples separated by borders. It allows the non-Australian partnerto live in Australia temporarily (309) and eventually transition to permanent residency (100) while being with their loved one.

Why Apply for the Subclass 309/100 Visa?

This two-stage visa enables you to join your partner in Australia, with a clear and direct pathway to permanent residency.

• Subclass 309: Temporary partner visa granted while offshore
• Subclass 100: Permanent partner visa granted after 2 years (if relationship is ongoing and genuine)

Applying together means you only need to lodge one application for both stages, saving time and effort.

Key Benefits of Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa

• Live, work, and study in Australia
• Access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
• Travel in and out of Australia freely
• Apply for permanent residency (Subclass 100) after 2 years
• Include dependent children in your application
• Pathway to Australian citizenship

Who Can Apply for the 309/100 Partner Visa?

You may be eligible if:

• You are outside Australia when you apply
• You are in a married or de facto relationship with:
  • An Australian citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident, or
  • An eligible New Zealand citizen
• Your relationship is genuine and continuing
• You and your partner are both over 18 years old
• You meet health and character requirements

Note: Same-sex couples are also eligible.

Subclass 309 – Temporary Partner Visa

This is the first stage of the offshore partner visa process.

Once granted, it allows you to:

• Enter and stay in Australia
• Work and study without restrictions
• Access Medicare
• Apply for Subclass 100 visa (after eligibility period)

Subclass 100 – Permanent Partner Visa

The second stage is processed approximately 2 years after lodging the initial 309/100 application.

To qualify for the Subclass 100 visa, you must:

• Still be in a genuine relationship with your sponsoring partner
• Provide evidence of continuing commitment
• Have met visa conditions under Subclass 309

In certain cases (e.g., long-term relationships or children involved), you may be eligible for direct grant of Subclass 100without the standard wait time.

Acceptable Relationships Under This Visa

You must be in one of the following:

• Married relationship: Legally married under Australian or overseas law
• De facto relationship: Living together for at least 12 months or have registered the relationship under state law

Evidence required includes shared finances, living arrangements, communication history, and social recognition.

Including Family Members in Your Application

You may include:

• Dependent children or stepchildren
• They must also meet health and character requirements
• They will receive the same visa status as the primary applicant

Documents & Evidence Required

• Identity documents and passports
• Proof of relationship (photos, statements, joint assets)
• Marriage certificate or evidence of de facto relationship
• Sponsor’s proof of Australian citizenship or PR
• Police clearances and health assessments
• Statutory declarations from friends/family (Form 888)

BFES Global will help you prepare and compile all required documentation.

How BFES Global Supports Your Partner Visa Application

Navigating relationship-based visas can be complex. Our experienced team will:

• Assess your relationship eligibility
• Help your partner register as a sponsor
• Guide you on required evidence and documentation
• Lodge the combined 309/100 visa application
• Track your application progress and prepare for Stage 2 processing (Subclass 100)
• Support your family’s inclusion

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa

Can I apply if we’re not married yet?
Yes, de facto relationships are accepted with proper proof of cohabitation or registered relationship.

What’s the difference between Subclass 309 and Subclass 100?
Subclass 309 is temporary, allowing you to enter Australia. Subclass 100 is permanent residency granted after 2 years.

Can I work and study in Australia with a 309 visa?
Yes, you have full work and study rights.

How long does the visa process take?
Processing time varies, but 9 to 15 months is common for Subclass 309. Subclass 100 is assessed 2 years after application.

Do I need to be outside Australia when applying?
Yes. Subclass 309 must be applied for and granted while offshore.

Can I apply for Australian citizenship after getting the Subclass 100 visa?
Yes, once you meet the residency and other eligibility requirements, you may apply for citizenship.

Subclass 309/100 Visa Summary

Visa Type: Partner Visa (Offshore)
Stage 1: Subclass 309 (Temporary)
Stage 2: Subclass 100 (Permanent)
Eligibility: Married or de facto partners of Australian citizens/PRs
Includes Family: Yes (dependent children)
Work & Study Rights: Yes
PR Pathway: Yes
Citizenship Pathway: Yes

Start Your Partner Visa Journey with BFES Global

Reuniting with your partner in Australia is possible. BFES Global ensures your relationship is presented clearly, genuinely, and in compliance with all immigration requirements—so your application is strong and stress-free.