Partner visa - offshore (subclass 309/100)
The offshore equivalent of the partner route: a provisional 309 first, then the permanent 100.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Partners or spouses of Australians who are outside Australia at the time of application (and usually at grant of the provisional visa).
Eligibility requirements
- Married or de facto (generally 12+ months cohabitation unless registered/compelling circumstances) with an eligible Australian sponsor.
- Applicant outside Australia when the 309 (provisional) visa is lodged and granted.
- Provide evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship.
- Approved sponsor (Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen).
- Meet health and character requirements.
- The permanent 100 is generally assessed about 2 years after the 309 application.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Holders of a Prospective Marriage (300) visa who then apply for a partner visa pay a reduced second charge. Once granted the 309, the applicant can enter Australia and work.
Other Australia routes
Partner visa - onshore (subclass 820/801)
PathwayTwo-stage onshore route for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian, leading to permanent residence.
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
TemporaryThe 'fiance(e)' visa: enter Australia to marry your intended Australian partner, then apply for a partner visa.
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
PermanentThe faster (but very expensive) permanent parent visa for parents of Australians willing to pay a large contribution.
Parent visa (subclass 103, non-contributory)
PermanentThe low-cost permanent parent visa - cheap to apply for, but with an extraordinarily long queue.