Partner Visa (309 / 100) — Apply Offshore, Settle in Australia
The Partner Visa (309/100) is Australia’s main offshore partner pathway for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It’s a two-stage process—you apply for the temporary (309) and permanent (100) visas together in one combined application.
This pathway is best for couples who want a clear plan from application → temporary residence → permanent residence, while managing relationship evidence, timelines, and travel carefully. If you’re already in Australia, the onshore Partner Visa (820/801) may be more suitable depending on your visa status and circumstances.
Visa Information Overview
The offshore Partner Visa pathway includes:
- Subclass 309 (temporary) — the first stage that lets you live in Australia while your permanent stage is assessed.
- Subclass 100 (permanent) — the second stage, generally assessed later once eligibility is met and the relationship remains genuine and continuing.
You will typically apply through the offshore stream, and the Department assesses your relationship across multiple evidence categories. The strongest applications are built with a clear evidence strategy from day one—so your documents tell one consistent story.
If you’re currently in Australia, we can help you compare offshore (309/100) vs onshore (820/801) pathways based on location, timing, and lawful status.
Key Benefits of the Partner Visa (Subclasses 309 & 100)
- Apply for 309 + 100 together in one combined application
- Clear pathway from temporary → permanent residence
- Live in Australia once the 309 is granted
- Include eligible dependent children in the application (where applicable)
- Build a strong, structured case with evidence that matches what decision-makers assess
- Suitable for couples planning a long-term life in Australia
Partner Visa (309 / 100) Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible, applicants generally must:
- Be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship (not entered for migration purposes)
- Have an eligible sponsor (your partner) who meets sponsorship requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
- Provide complete information and documents, and respond to any Department requests on time
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government (or have arranged repayment)
How Relationship Evidence Is Assessed
The Department typically looks for evidence across four main areas:
- Financial aspects — shared expenses, bank records, joint commitments
- Nature of the household — living arrangements, shared responsibilities
- Social aspects — recognition by family/friends, social history, statements
- Commitment — future plans, communication history, long-term intention
Statutory declarations from friends and family (commonly known as Form 888) can support the “social aspects” of your relationship when used correctly and consistently with the rest of your evidence.
Our Partner Visa (309 / 100) Application Process
Step 1 — Eligibility + Pathway Strategy
We confirm the right pathway (309/100 vs alternatives), check relationship eligibility, assess sponsor requirements, and identify risks early—before you spend months collecting the wrong evidence.
Step 2 — Evidence Plan + Document Build
We create a structured evidence plan aligned to how relationship cases are assessed. You’ll know exactly what to provide, what to prioritise, and how to present it consistently.
Step 3 — Lodge + Manage Department Requests
We help prepare and lodge your application, then manage the process through requests for further information (RFIs), health checks, and any updates required.
Step 4 — Outcome + Permanent Stage Planning (Subclass 100)
We guide you through next steps after the temporary stage and help you stay prepared for the permanent stage assessment—keeping your evidence and circumstances clean, current, and consistent.
Other Partner Pathways You May Need
Choose the right stream based on where you are now.
Onshore Partner Visa (820 / 801)
If you are currently in Australia, the onshore partner pathway may be suitable depending on your visa status and lawful stay. We can help you compare options and avoid accidental compliance issues.
Prospective Marriage Visa (300)
For engaged couples who plan to marry in Australia. This pathway can be appropriate where you’re not yet married or de facto but intend to marry and proceed to a partner visa afterwards.
Partner Visa (309 / 100) FAQs
Do I apply for the 309 and 100 together?
Yes. The offshore partner pathway is a combined application for the temporary (309) and permanent (100) stages. The permanent stage is generally assessed later, as long as you remain eligible.
Can we apply if we are de facto and not married?
Yes, if you meet the de facto requirements and can provide strong evidence of a genuine, continuing relationship. Evidence quality and consistency matter more than volume.
Can I include my children in the application?
In many cases, eligible dependent children can be included. The right approach depends on custody arrangements, dependency, and each child’s circumstances.
Do we need Form 888 declarations?
Often, yes—especially to support the “social aspects” of the relationship. They work best when they match your other evidence and clearly describe how the person knows your relationship is genuine.
What if our circumstances change after we apply?
You may need to notify the Department depending on the change (address, passport, relationship status, children, etc.). Handling changes properly can protect your application from delays or refusal.
Should we apply offshore or onshore?
It depends on where you are, your current visa status, travel plans, and timing. A short consult can prevent months of wasted effort by choosing the right pathway from the start.
Information is general in nature and not legal advice. Always check current requirements before applying. Services are provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518775) and conducted in accordance with the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
Ready to Start Your Partner Visa (309 / 100) Strategy?
Partner visas are evidence-heavy and timing-sensitive. If you want a clear plan that matches the way decision-makers assess relationship cases—book a consultation and we’ll map the strongest pathway forward.
Migration services provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 2518775).