Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100)
The Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100) is designed for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa process involves two stages:
Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa: This is a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia while your permanent visa application is processed.
Subclass 100 – Partner (Migrant) Visa: This is a permanent visa that lets you live in Australia indefinitely.
📝 Subclass 309 – Partner (Provisional) Visa
This visa lets de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily. Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner visa (subclass 100).
With this visa you can
- live, work and study in Australia indefinitely.
- access Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare.
- sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
- if eligible, attend free English language classes.
Key Features:
Temporary Residency: Live in Australia until a decision is made on your permanent visa application.
Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia.
Travel: Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want.
Healthcare: Access Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Eligibility:
Relationship: Must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Location: You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
- attend free English language classes
Travel
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while you hold this visa.
If you are outside Australia at the time of visa grant, you must enter Australia before the first entry arrival date (initial arrival date) specified in your grant letter.
Visa label
We will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
Application Process:
Apply online through ImmiAccount.
Submit all required documents, including proof of relationship, health examinations, and character assessments.
📝 Subclass 100 – Partner (Migrant) Visa
This visa lets de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, live in Australia permanently. It is usually granted to people who hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309).
Key Features:
Permanent Residency: Live in Australia indefinitely.
Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia.
Healthcare: Access Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Family Sponsorship: Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Eligibility:
Temporary Visa Holder: Generally, you must hold a Subclass 309 visa.
Relationship: Continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsor.
Processing Time:
The Subclass 100 visa is usually processed approximately two years after the initial application for the combined Subclass 309/100 visas.
💰 Costs
Visa Application Charge: The combined application fee for the Subclass 309 and 100 visas starts from AUD 8,850 for the main applicant.
Additional Charges: There may be extra costs for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics.
Visa Pricing Estimator: Use the Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate the total cost based on your circumstances.
👨👩👧 Including Family Members
You can include dependent children or stepchildren in your application.
Family members must meet health and character requirements.
🔄 Transition from Subclass 309 to Subclass 100
Approximately two years after lodging your combined application, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your eligibility for the Subclass 100 visa.
You will need to provide updated information and documents to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official Partner visa (apply overseas) (subclass 309 and 100) page on the Department of Home Affairs website.