Partner Visa Offshore
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Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100)
The Partner Visa (subclasses 309 and 100) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
This visa is processed in two stages. Initially, a temporary Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) is granted, allowing you to stay in Australia while your permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) is being assessed.
Basic Requirements
To apply for this visa, you must:
- Be married to or in a genuine de facto relationship with:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- Ensure your marriage is legally recognised under Australian law
- Have at least 12 months of relationship evidence if applying as a de facto partner
Visa Duration
- Subclass 309 (Temporary): Stay in Australia until a decision is made on your permanent visa
- Subclass 100 (Permanent): Allows you to live in Australia indefinitely
Application Cost
Visa fees start from approximately AUD 9,365 and may vary based on government updates.
Application Process
This is a two-step visa process:
- You apply for both temporary (309) and permanent (100) visas together with a single fee.
- If granted the subclass 309 visa, you can later be assessed for the subclass 100 visa, usually after two years.
- Additional documents may be required during the permanent stage assessment.
If you are already in a long-term relationship at the time of application, the permanent visa may be granted shortly after the temporary visa.
Processing Time (Approximate)
| Visa Type | 50% of Applications | 90% of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 309 | 17 months | 25 months |
| Subclass 100 | 10 months | 18 months |
Eligibility Criteria
Age
- Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old.
Relationship
- Must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship
- In some cases, eligibility may continue even if the relationship ends after application
Sponsor
- You must be sponsored by your partner
Health & Character
- Must meet Australian health and character requirements
Financial Obligations
- Any debts to the Australian Government must be cleared or arranged for repayment
Permanent Visa (Subclass 100) Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a subclass 309 visa
- Still be in a genuine relationship (unless special circumstances apply)
- Follow Australian laws during your stay
What This Visa Allows You To Do
With a temporary partner visa (309), you can:
- Live in Australia while waiting for your permanent visa decision
With a permanent partner visa (100), you can:
- Stay in Australia permanently
Family Members
You can include dependent children in your application. Additional fees may apply.
Additional Costs
You may need to pay for:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Biometrics
Location Requirements
- You must be outside Australia when applying for the subclass 309 visa
- You may be inside or outside Australia when the subclass 100 visa is decided
Visa Validity
- Subclass 309: Valid until a decision is made on the permanent visa
- Subclass 100: Permanent visa with no expiry
Responsibilities
Visa holders must:
- Follow Australian laws
- Comply with visa conditions
Sponsorship Information
Who Can Sponsor?
- Usually your spouse or de facto partner
Sponsorship Duration
- Sponsorship generally lasts for 2 years from the date the applicant enters Australia on the temporary visa
Cost
- Sponsorship itself does not have a fee
Special Situations
If the Sponsor Passes Away
- The application may still proceed if the relationship was genuine. A death certificate will be required as evidence.
Family Violence Cases
- Applicants may still qualify for the permanent visa if they can provide evidence of family violence during the relationship.
Adding Family Members
- Only dependent children can be added after submitting the application
- Other family members cannot be added later
Important Note
- Recent visa policy updates may affect how applications are processed. It is recommended to seek professional advice before applying.
Get Professional Advice
- Book a consultation with a registered migration agent to understand your eligibility and visa options in detail.