Reunite with Your Partner in Australia
The Subclass 309 (Temporary) and 100 (Permanent) Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live together in Australia. This is a two-stage process:
✔ Subclass 309 – Temporary visa granted first (allows entry and stay in Australia)
✔ Subclass 100 – Permanent residency granted later (usually after 2 years)
Key Benefits
✅ Live together in Australia while waiting for permanent residency
✅ Work and study without restrictions
✅ Access Medicare (Australia’s healthcare system)
✅ Pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements
✅ Include dependent children in the application
Eligibility Requirements
For the Applicant (Partner Being Sponsored)
✔ Must be married or in a genuine de facto relationship (at least 12 months)
✔ Must be outside Australia when applying (offshore visa)
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
For the Sponsor (Australian Partner)
✔ Must be an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible NZ citizen
✔ Can only sponsor two partners in a lifetime (with a 5-year waiting period between sponsorships)
✔ Must not have a violent criminal history (restrictions apply)
Relationship Evidence Required
To prove a genuine and continuing relationship, you must provide:
📌 Financial aspects – Joint bank accounts, shared bills, property ownership
📌 Household details – Lease agreements, utility bills in both names
📌 Social recognition – Photos together, statements from friends/family
📌 Commitment evidence – Communication history, future plans together
Application Process & Timeline
Cost: from AUD 11,710 (from 1 July 2026). Stage 1: Subclass 309 (Temporary Visa)
- Lodge application offshore (while outside Australia)
- Processing times vary and change regularly – check the Home Affairs visa processing time guide or ask us for a current assessment
- Visa grant: Allows entry and stay in Australia
Stage 2: Subclass 100 (Permanent Visa)
- Assessed after ~2 years
- Additional relationship evidence may be required
- Permanent residency granted if the relationship is still genuine
Why Choose Immigrad for Your Partner Visa?
✅ Free eligibility assessment – Check if you qualify
✅ Strong application preparation – Avoid common refusal reasons
✅ Relationship evidence guidance – Make your case compelling
✅ Ongoing support – From temporary to permanent visa stages
Start Your Partner Visa Journey Today
Book a Free Consultation
Official Resources:
Home Affairs – Partner Visa (309/100)
Relationship Evidence Guide
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
FAQs
Q: Can I work in Australia on the Subclass 309 visa?
A: Yes, you have full work rights.
Q: What if my relationship breaks down before PR?
A: You may still qualify if there are compelling reasons (e.g., domestic violence, children involved).
Q: Can I apply onshore instead?
A: If you’re already in Australia, consider the Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa).Need personalized advice? Contact us today.
Subclass 309/100 costs, location and timing
How much does the subclass 309/100 partner visa cost?
The visa application charge is AUD 11,710 for the main applicant, with AUD 5,860 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over. The single charge covers both the subclass 309 temporary stage and the subclass 100 permanent stage. Charges verified with the Department of Home Affairs on 6 September 2026, and are reviewed each year.
Do I have to be outside Australia when the subclass 309 visa is granted?
Yes. The subclass 309 partner visa is an offshore visa: you must be outside Australia both when you apply and when the visa is granted. Many applicants wait offshore or travel out briefly for the grant. If you are already in Australia and intend to remain, the onshore subclass 820/801 partner visa is usually the more suitable pathway.
How long does a subclass 309 partner visa take?
Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs for each subclass and are updated regularly, so no agent can promise a timeframe. Applications lodged with complete relationship evidence, health examinations and police certificates generally progress more predictably than those that attract requests for further information.
Related pages
- All partner visas
- Onshore partner visa (subclass 820/801)
- Prospective marriage visa (subclass 300)
- Speak to a registered migration agent
This page is general information only and does not take your circumstances into account. Complex cases need personal advice from a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd; Gaurav Duggal, MARN 1805710. Contact Immigrad.