Subclass 309 and 100 partner visa, offshore.
The partner visa for couples applying from outside Australia. It is a two-stage visa lodged as one application: the 309 provisional comes first and lets you move to Australia, then the 100 permanent follows once the relationship is established.
The offshore partner visa, in two stages.
The Subclass 309 and 100 partner visa is for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is outside Australia when they apply. It mirrors the onshore 820/801, but for couples applying from overseas. The 309 is the provisional (temporary) stage that lets you come to Australia; the 100 is the permanent stage that follows.
This is the route for couples who are already married or in an established de facto relationship. If you are engaged but not yet married, the prospective marriage visa 300 is the fiance route instead; if you are both already in Australia, the onshore 820/801 applies.
One application, paid once, decided in two steps.
You apply for the 309 and the 100 together, in a single application, and pay one charge. The provisional 309 is generally decided first, and once granted you can live in Australia. The permanent 100 is generally considered around two years after you first applied, provided the relationship is genuine and continuing. Some applicants, for example those in a long-established relationship, may be considered for the permanent stage sooner. To qualify you generally need a genuine and continuing relationship, an eligible sponsor, and to meet health and character requirements.
You must be offshore at key points. You generally need to be outside Australia when you lodge and when the 309 is decided. After the 309 is granted you can be in Australia for the rest of the process. There is one government application charge covering both stages; it is set by the government and changes, so confirm the current amount at homeaffairs.gov.au. We quote our own professional fee in writing before any work.
Which partner route fits you?
Subclass 309/100 - offshore partner
You are married or de facto, and the applicant is outside Australia. Two stages, one application. This page.
Onshore, or not yet married?
If you are both in Australia, the 820/801 is the onshore equivalent. If you are engaged but not yet married, the prospective marriage visa 300 is the fiance route.
Offshore partner visa questions.
The partner visa pathways.
Department of Home Affairs - Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa and Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) visa; Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth). Current as at June 2026 and verified live at publish. Confirm timing and charges at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Written and reviewed by Brian Chan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2217857)
Visa Store Australia, Perth · Last reviewed June 2026 · Verify on the MARA register · General information only, not personal migration advice.
Applying for a partner visa from overseas?
We can confirm whether the 309/100 fits, build the relationship case, and keep your evidence current through to the permanent stage.