Family · Subclass 309 / 100
Partner visa (outside Australia)
The partner pathway applied for from outside Australia.
Who it is for
The spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying from outside Australia. One application covers the provisional 309 and the permanent 100.
You do not have to stay in a relationship where you fear for your safety to keep your visa pathway. Family violence provisions may apply if the relationship ends because of family violence by the sponsor. In danger, call 000. Support: 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Interpreter: TIS National on 131 450.
Key eligibility
- The same relationship, sponsor, sponsor limit, sponsor character, health and character rules as the onshore partner visa.
- You must be outside Australia when you apply. The 309 can be granted in or outside Australia.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Outside Australia. No bridging visa. You may visit Australia on a visitor visa while waiting, if one is granted.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Strategy
Compare the 309, the Prospective Marriage visa and, if you are in Australia, the 820.
How a registered migration agent helps: compares cost and timing honestly.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence
As for the onshore partner visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: organises the evidence.
Lodgement
Lodge online; your partner lodges the sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helps: lodges a complete application.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helps: tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
309 grant
Travel to Australia, live, work and study.
How a registered migration agent helps: explains your conditions.
100 permanent stage
Assessed about two years after lodgement with updated evidence.
How a registered migration agent helps: prepares the second stage.
Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helps: plans the next steps.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (covers both stages) | A$11,710 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$5,860 |
| Family member under 18 | A$2,935 |
| Dependent Child (445) holder | Nil |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Check the current guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Relationship not shown to be genuine.
- Little time spent together.
- Sponsor limits or character.
- Inconsistent evidence.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
Applications made in Australia now have priority over offshore partner applications.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Partner visa (subclass 309)
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.