Love knows no borders—and Australia recognises the importance of keeping families together. If you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Partner Visa (Subclasses 309 and 100) lets you build a future together in Australia.
At Migra
tion Guru, we help couples navigate this emotionally important and legally complex journey with expertise, empathy, and precision.
✅ What Are Subclass 309 and 100 Partner Visas?
The Partner Visa pathway for offshore applicants consists of two stages:
- Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) Visa
A temporary visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible Australian to live in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa. - Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) Visa
A permanent visa that lets you stay in Australia indefinitely after meeting the eligibility requirements.
You apply for both visas together in a combined application—but the process is two-stage.
👫 Who Is This Visa For?
You may be eligible if you are:
• The spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Outside Australia when applying
• In a genuine and continuing relationship
• Able to provide sufficient evidence of your shared life, commitment, and mutual support
📋 Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
• Be outside Australia when applying for Subclass 309
• Be legally married or in a de facto relationship of at least 12 months, unless you have registered the relationship
• Prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing
• Meet health and character requirements
• Provide documentation showing shared finances, living arrangements, social connection, and commitment
🛂 About the Subclass 309 Partner Visa
This is the first step in the offshore partner visa process. If granted, it allows you to:
• Enter and stay in Australia while your permanent visa is processed
• Work and study in Australia
• Travel freely in and out of Australia
• Access Medicare once eligible
Your stay on this visa is temporary but leads directly to the Subclass 100 visa, assuming your relationship continues and you meet eligibility requirements.
🏠 About the Subclass 100 Partner Visa
This is the permanent stage of the visa process. It is usually granted 2 years after you applied for the combined Subclass 309/100 visa.
With this visa, you can:
• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study freely
• Access Medicare and social services
• Sponsor eligible family members
• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
📅 Timeline and Processing Notes
- You apply for both visas at the same time
• Subclass 309 is granted first (if approved), then Subclass 100 can be granted after 2 years
• Processing times vary, especially depending on relationship documentation and individual circumstances
• The Department may prioritise compassionate and compelling cases, including those involving children, medical hardship, or aged sponsors
💡 Why Apply from Overseas?
The 309/100 pathway is designed for applicants who are outside Australia and want to join their partner permanently. Applying offshore allows:
• Eligible partners to enter Australia once the temporary visa is granted
• Onshore progression to the permanent visa
• Flexibility for those not currently holding another Australian visa
👨💼 Why Choose Migration Guru?
Partner visa applications require substantial evidence, emotional sensitivity, and strategic planning. At Migration Guru, we understand the legal, emotional, and procedural complexity of partner migration.
We provide:
✔️ Tailored relationship assessment and eligibility checks
✔️ Guidance on required documentation
✔️ Preparation of personal statements, relationship evidence, and legal forms
✔️ End-to-end support through both visa stages
✔️ Expert handling of complex or culturally unique relationships
Our MARA-registered agents are here to guide you and your partner every step of the way.
📞 Contact Migration Guru Today
- Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
- Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
- Website: migrationguru.com.au
- Facebook: Migration Guru
Book your FREE consultation and begin your journey to building a life in Australia with the one you love.
