Subclass 309 — Temporary
Subclass 100 — Permanent

Partner Visa (309 & 100)

Application fee

$9,365

Covers both 309 + 100

Processing time

~2 years

309 temp granted first

For spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are outside Australia at the time of application. The 309 is granted first; the 100 permanent visa follows approximately two years later.

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(309 visa & subclass 100 visa) Partner Visa

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How the visa works

Stage 1

Subclass 309

Temporary visa — granted offshore. Allows you to enter and remain in Australia while the permanent visa processes.

Stage 2

Subclass 100

Permanent visa — typically granted ~2 years after 309 lodgement. No additional charge.

Can I apply?

Relationship status

Must be married to or in a de facto relationship (usually 12+ months) with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen. Same-sex couples are eligible.

Location at application

Must be outside Australia at the time of application.

Age

Must be 18 years or older to apply.

Health & character

Standard health and character requirements apply. Exceptions may still allow grant.

Government debts

Any debts to the Australian government must be repaid or subject to a repayment agreement.

Sponsor limitations

Sponsors cannot sponsor if they have sponsored another partner within 5 years or sponsored twice previously, except in compassionate circumstances.

Children and dependants

Minor children and dependants typically qualify for inclusion in the application. Children who turn 18 during processing may still be eligible if certain criteria are met.

Subclass 445 permits adding children after the application is lodged but before the permanent visa is granted.

Related visa

Subclass 445

Add children after initial lodgement who were not included in the original 309 application.

Protections built into the visa

Family violence provisions

If your relationship broke down due to family violence after entry on the 309 visa, you may still be granted the 100 permanent visa if other requirements are met, without waiting out the standard two-year period.

Death of the Australian sponsor

Partner visa approval remains possible following sponsor death if you entered on the 309 and the relationship would have continued.

Relationship breakdown

Applicants may retain permanent residency eligibility despite post-lodgement relationship dissolution. Seek legal advice immediately.