Partner Visa (Temporary)
Offshore — 309
The Subclass 309 is the first stage of the offshore partner visa pathway, allowing partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to enter and live in Australia. All details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
📋 Key Facts
- Pathway
- 309 → 100
- Stage
- Temporary (Stage 1 of 2-stage process)
- Apply From
- Outside Australia (offshore) — must be outside Australia at grant
- Processing Time
- 75% within 13 months · 90% within 26 months
- Cost (2025–26)
- AUD 9,095 base application charge
✨ At a Glance
- ✓ Apply from any country outside Australia
- ✓ Full work and study rights upon entering Australia
- ✓ Access to Medicare once in Australia
- ✓ Long relationships (3+ years) may get double grant (309+100)
- ✓ Leads to permanent residency (Subclass 100) after 2 years
Key Features of the Subclass 309 Visa
Offshore application: You apply from outside Australia and must be outside Australia when the visa is granted. This is the primary difference from the onshore Subclass 820. You can apply from any country — there's no restriction on your current location.
Full rights upon entry: Once the 309 is granted, you can enter Australia with full work and study rights immediately. You are also eligible to enrol in Medicare. Your travel facility allows multiple entries during the visa period.
No bridging visa: Unlike the onshore 820, you do not receive a bridging visa while waiting. You remain offshore until the visa is granted. Plan your timelines accordingly — you cannot enter Australia on a visitor visa and switch to a 309.
Potential double grant: If your relationship has existed for 3+ years (or 2+ years with a dependent child), the Department may grant both the 309 and the permanent 100 at the same time — known as a double grant. This fast-tracks you to permanent residency immediately.
Partner must be eligible sponsor: Your sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must pass character checks and may be subject to sponsorship limitations (such as the 5-year rule).
Relationship Evidence Required
The Department assesses offshore partner visa applications against the same four pillars as onshore applications. Providing comprehensive evidence from an offshore position requires extra care and documentation.
💰 Financial Aspects
- Joint bank accounts or evidence of shared finances
- Money transfers between you and your partner
- Shared financial commitments (loans, investments)
- Evidence of financial support or pooling of resources
- Joint purchase agreements or co-signed contracts
🏠 Nature of Household
- Evidence of periods of cohabitation (visits, shared rentals)
- Description of household arrangements during visits
- Communication records about household decisions
- Plans for living arrangements in Australia
- Photos of time spent together in each other's homes
👥 Social Aspects
- Statutory declarations from friends and family (Form 888)
- Photos together at social events, trips, and family gatherings
- Evidence of joint travel itineraries and bookings
- Communication records (messages, calls, video chats)
- Social media interactions demonstrating your relationship
💕 Nature of Commitment
- Detailed relationship statement covering your history together
- Evidence of long-distance relationship maintenance
- Future plans for life together in Australia
- Knowledge of each other's personal circumstances
- Evidence of emotional support during separation periods
Processing Pathway & Timeline
Step 1: Prepare & Lodge Application (Offshore)
Gather evidence across all four pillars, complete the required forms, pay the AUD 9,095 base charge, and lodge via ImmiAccount from outside Australia. Your partner in Australia should also prepare their sponsorship form and evidence.
Step 2: Health & Character Checks
The Department will request health examinations at an approved panel physician in your country, plus police certificates from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Complete these promptly to avoid delays.
Step 3: Application Assessment (13–26 months)
A case officer assesses your evidence. They may request additional information. 75% of 309 applications are processed within 13 months; 90% within 26 months. During this period you remain offshore — you cannot enter Australia on a visitor visa expecting to wait.
Step 4: Subclass 309 Grant — Enter Australia
Your temporary partner visa is granted. You must enter Australia within the initial entry date specified on your grant letter. Upon arrival, you have full work rights, study rights, and Medicare access. The 2-year countdown to permanent 100 assessment begins from your 309 application date.
Step 5: Transition to Subclass 100
After 2 years from your 309 application date, the Department assesses you for the permanent Subclass 100. You provide updated evidence of your ongoing relationship. See our Subclass 100 guide for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Australia while my 309 is being processed? +
Yes, you can apply for a visitor visa to visit Australia while your 309 is being processed. However, you must be offshore when the 309 is granted. If you are in Australia when the decision is ready, the Department will notify you to leave Australia before they can grant the visa. Be transparent about your 309 application when applying for any visitor visa.
What is a "double grant" and how do I qualify? +
A double grant means you receive both the 309 (temporary) and 100 (permanent) at the same time, skipping the 2-year wait. You qualify if, at the time of assessment, your relationship has existed for at least 3 years, or at least 2 years if you have a dependent child of the relationship. The Department determines this; you should provide clear timeline evidence in your application.
Can my children be included in the 309 application? +
Yes, dependent children can be included in your 309/100 application. Each dependent must meet health and character requirements, and children over 18 must demonstrate they are still dependent on you. Additional visa application charges apply for each dependent — check the current Visa Pricing Table on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
How is this different from the onshore 820 visa? +
The key difference is location. The Subclass 820 is for applicants already in Australia, while the 309 is for those offshore. The 820 provides a Bridging Visa A to stay lawfully during processing; the 309 does not. Both cost the same (AUD 9,095) and both lead to permanent residency after 2 years. Your choice depends entirely on where you are at the time of application.
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.
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General information only. Consult a registered MARA agent for case-specific advice.