Partner visa (offshore)

Overview

The offshore Partner visa mirrors the onshore pathway but is for partners who are outside Australia when they apply. You first receive the provisional subclass 309, which lets you enter and live in Australia while your relationship is assessed, and later the permanent subclass 100. You must be outside Australia when you lodge, and usually when the 309 is decided.

How the pathway works

The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.

What this visa lets you do

• Enter and live in Australia on the provisional 309
• Work and study in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare
• Include dependent children
• Move to permanent residence through the subclass 100
• Apply for citizenship later once eligible

Who can apply

To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.

A genuine, continuing relationship

You must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. De facto partners generally need at least twelve months together, unless an exception applies.

Sponsorship

Your partner must sponsor you, subject to the usual sponsorship limits.

Outside Australia

You must be outside Australia when you lodge, and usually when the provisional 309 is decided.

Evidence of the relationship

You provide evidence across the financial, social, household and commitment aspects of your relationship.

Health and character

You and any dependents must meet health and character requirements.

How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm your eligibility and your partner's ability to sponsor you.
2. Gather relationship evidence across the four key aspects assessors look at.
3. Lodge the combined 309/100 application from outside Australia.
4. Complete health and police checks as requested.
5. Enter Australia on the 309 once it is granted.
6. Be assessed for the permanent 100 after the qualifying period.

Costs and processing

A single visa application charge covers both stages, with separate costs for health examinations and police certificates. Government charges and processing times change and depend on your circumstances, so we confirm the current figures for your case during your consultation.

When you have the visa

Once the 309 is granted you can live, work and study in Australia. Keep your relationship evidence current, notify the Department of significant changes, and be ready to provide further evidence for the permanent 100.