Subclass 309/100 Visa: Offshore Partner Visa
For partners applying from outside Australia: a temporary 309 visa to move to Australia, then the permanent 100.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: The offshore Partner visa (subclass 309/100) is for the married or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who applies from outside Australia. You must be outside Australia when the 309 is granted, then you can travel to and live in Australia while the permanent 100 is assessed.
Who this visa suits
- Couples living in different countries
- Partners overseas who want to move to Australia
- Married couples from arranged or cultural marriages
| Where you are | Outside Australia when you apply and when the 309 is granted |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Temporary 309: travel to, live, work and study in Australia |
| Stage 2 | Permanent 100, usually assessed about 2 years after applying |
| Long relationships | A long-term relationship may allow both visas to be granted together |
| Charge | One charge covers both stages |
Official information: Partner visa (offshore, 309/100). Part of our Partner visa services.
Requirements
The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.
Eligible sponsor
Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Genuine relationship
Genuine, continuing and exclusive.
Married or de facto
De facto usually 12 months together, or registered.
Outside Australia
At application and at the 309 decision.
Health & character
Health checks and police certificates.
Communication
Evidence of contact while you live apart.
Document checklist
Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.
- Passports and identity documents
- Marriage certificate or relationship registration
- Evidence of time spent together and visits
- Communication history while apart
- Financial support between you
- Statutory declarations (Form 888)
- Relationship statements from both partners
- Police certificates and health examinations
Costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partner offshore (309/100) | AUD 11,000–12,000* | One charge covers both stages. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Step by step
- Confirm eligibilityRelationship length and sponsor eligibility.
- Gather evidenceEspecially time together and contact while apart.
- Lodge in ImmiAccountFrom outside Australia; your partner completes sponsorship.
- Health, police and biometricsIn your country, when asked.
- 309 decisionBe outside Australia for the grant.
- Move and 100 stageLive in Australia; updated evidence later.
Common mistakes and refusal reasons
- Being in Australia when the 309 is due to be granted
- Little evidence of the relationship while living apart
- Statements that conflict on key dates
- Missing police certificates for countries lived in
Already in Australia? See the 820/801 onshore partner visa.
Recent changes
1 July 2026: Charge rose to AUD 11,000–12,000*.
Questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationCan I visit Australia while my 309 is processed?+
When can I move to Australia?+
What is the long-term relationship rule?+
Do we need to have lived together?+
Talk to us about your visa.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges