Partner Visa (Permanent)
Offshore — 100
The Subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the offshore partner visa pathway, granted after holding the Subclass 309 for a qualifying period. All details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
📋 Key Facts
- Pathway
- 309 → 100
- Stage
- Permanent (Stage 2 of 2-stage process)
- Qualifying Period
- 2 years from original 309 application date
- Processing Time
- Assessed at 2-year mark; most processed within 12–18 months
- Cost (2025–26)
- No additional base charge (included in combined 309/100 fee)
✨ At a Glance
- ✓ Permanent residency — stay in Australia indefinitely
- ✓ May be in or outside Australia at time of grant
- ✓ Pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to residence requirements)
- ✓ Long relationships (3+ years) may receive 309+100 double grant
- ✓ Can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
Key Features of the Subclass 100 Visa
Permanent residency: The Subclass 100 grants you permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live, work, and study indefinitely without restriction. Unlike the temporary 309, your status is permanent from the date of grant.
Flexible grant location: Unlike the 309 (which requires you to be offshore at grant), the Subclass 100 can be granted whether you are in Australia or overseas at the time of decision. This offers significant flexibility during the assessment period.
Pathway to citizenship: As a permanent resident, you become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the general residence requirement — typically 4 years lawful residence with at least 12 months as a permanent resident. Your time on the 309 counts toward this total.
Double grant possibility: If you had a long-term relationship (3+ years, or 2+ years with a dependent child) at the time of initial assessment, the Department may have granted both 309 and 100 simultaneously. In that case, you became a permanent resident immediately upon entering Australia.
No additional cost: The Subclass 100 assessment is included in the initial combined 309/100 application fee of AUD 9,095. There is no additional base charge when you are assessed for permanency.
Updated Evidence Required for 100 Assessment
When the Department assesses you for the 100 (around the 2-year mark), you must provide fresh evidence showing your relationship has continued and remains genuine since the 309 was granted.
💰 Financial Aspects
- Updated joint bank statements (last 12–24 months)
- Ongoing shared household expenses in Australia
- Joint lease or mortgage statements at shared address
- Recent tax returns showing spousal details
- Joint insurance policies or superannuation beneficiaries
🏠 Nature of Household
- Evidence of cohabitation since entering Australia
- Recent utility bills at shared Australian address
- Correspondence addressed to both at same residence
- Description of household routines and responsibilities
- Photos of your shared home in Australia
👥 Social Aspects
- Updated statutory declarations (Form 888) from Australian contacts
- Photos at social events and gatherings in Australia
- Joint travel since moving to Australia
- Social memberships and group affiliations as a couple
- Invitations and correspondence addressed to you both
💕 Nature of Commitment
- Updated relationship statement covering period since 309 grant
- Evidence of shared future plans and goals in Australia
- Major milestones since entering Australia together
- Updated wills or estate planning
- Any children born or adopted during this period
Processing Pathway & Timeline
Step 1: Receive 2-Year Notification
Approximately 2 years after your 309 application date, the Department of Home Affairs will contact you to begin the 100 assessment. If you received a double grant (309+100 simultaneously), this step does not apply — you are already a permanent resident.
Step 2: Submit Updated Evidence
Provide comprehensive evidence of your ongoing relationship since the 309 was granted, covering all four pillars. Focus on your life together in Australia — shared home, finances, social integration, and continued commitment.
Step 3: Assessment (12–18 months)
A case officer reviews your updated evidence. While processing varies, most 100 assessments are completed within 12–18 months from the 2-year eligibility mark. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Step 4: Subclass 100 Grant — Permanent Residency
Your permanent partner visa is granted. You can live in Australia indefinitely, work without restriction, and begin your path to citizenship. You may be in or outside Australia when the visa is granted. Your permanent residency travel facility is valid for 5 years from grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 100 be granted if I'm overseas? +
Yes. Unlike the 309, the Subclass 100 can be granted whether you are in Australia or outside Australia at the time of decision. This is one of the key differences between the Stage 1 (309) and Stage 2 (100) offshore visas.
I got a double grant — do I need to do anything else? +
No. If you received both 309 and 100 at the same time (double grant), you are already a permanent resident. There is no further assessment at the 2-year mark. Simply continue living in Australia as a permanent resident, and when eligible, you can apply for citizenship.
How soon can I apply for citizenship after the 100? +
You can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the general residence requirement: 4 years of lawful residence, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. Your time on the 309 temporary visa counts toward the 4-year total. You must also pass the citizenship test and meet character and English language requirements.
What if my relationship has ended since the 309 was granted? +
You may still be eligible for the 100 in limited circumstances: family violence by your sponsor, death of your sponsor, or where there is a child of the relationship and you have custody or access rights. This is a legally complex area — seek immediate advice from a registered MARA agent.
ℹ️ Disclaimer: General information only. Not migration or legal advice. All visa details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. For personalised advice about your situation, consult a registered MARA agent.
Ready for Your 100 Assessment?
Our AI assistant can help you understand what updated evidence the Department expects and how to prepare a strong case for permanent residency.
General information only. Consult a registered MARA agent for case-specific advice.