Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) - Offshore Guide

The Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) is Australia’s offshore pathway for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to obtain permanent residency through a two-stage process while living overseas.

Two-Stage Process

This visa operates as a combined application where you apply for both temporary (309) and permanent (100) visas together from outside Australia, paying one fee that covers both stages. The Department first grants the temporary visa, then automatically reviews for permanent residency approximately 2 years later.

Who Should Apply

• Married couples living overseas
• De facto couples in long-distance relationships
• Partners planning to migrate to Australia
• Couples separated by visa circumstances
• Fiancés after marriage (from subclass 300)
• Families with children relocating to Australia

Current Reality (August 2025)

Processing Advantages:

• Stage 1 (309): 9-13 months (faster than onshore)
• Stage 2 (100): 12-51 months after 2-year mark
• Total journey: Typically 3-5 years to permanent residency
• Can be granted whether inside or outside Australia at decision

Fast-Track Eligibility

Simultaneous 309 and 100 grant possible if:

• Married 3+ years at application time
• De facto relationship 2+ years with shared children
• Compelling and compassionate circumstances

Core Requirements

Mandatory Criteria:

1. Location: Be outside Australia when applying
2. Sponsor: Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
3. Relationship: Genuine and continuing (married or de facto)
4. Health: Pass medical examinations
5. Character: Provide police clearances
6. Meeting: Must have met in person

Relationship Requirements

Four Aspects of Relationship Evidence

1. Financial Aspects

• Money transfers and support
• Joint accounts (if applicable)
• Travel expenses for visits
• Future financial planning

2. Household Nature

• Evidence when living together
• Visit accommodation proof
• Future living arrangements
• Shared possessions

3. Social Aspects

• Recognition by both families
• Photos from visits
• Social media evidence
• Statutory declarations (2-4)

4. Commitment Nature

• Communication records
• Visit planning evidence
• Future plans in Australia
• Mutual support documentation

Offshore-Specific Considerations

Long-Distance Evidence:

• Regular communication (daily/weekly)
• Visit documentation (minimum 2-3 visits)
• Financial support during separation
• Plans to live together permanently

Meeting Requirement:

• Must have met in person
• Online relationships need physical meetings
• Photos and travel evidence required
• Witness statements helpful

Sponsor Eligibility

Your sponsor must:

• Be 18+ years old
• Be Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
• Not have sponsored 2+ partners previously
• Meet 5-year gap since last sponsorship
• Pass character requirements

Tips for Success

Strong Offshore Evidence:

1. Document every visit comprehensively with photos, receipts, itineraries
2. Maintain daily communication across multiple platforms
3. Show financial commitment through support and visit expenses
4. Involve both families in relationship recognition
5. Create future plans with concrete evidence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient visit evidence (aim for 3+ visits)
• Poor quality communication records
• Weak financial integration for distance
• Generic statutory declarations
• Missing passport stamps/travel evidence
• Unclear future settlement plans
• Not explaining separation circumstances

Offshore Advantages

Faster Processing:

• Currently 9-13 months vs 18-36 months onshore
• Less complex than onshore applications
• Clear separation evidence easier to document
• Can continue normal life while waiting

Strategic Benefits:

• Complete process before major life change
• Maintain employment in home country
• Organize migration systematically
• Enter Australia as permanent resident (after 100)

Visit Strategies

Quality Over Quantity:

• Longer visits (2-4 weeks) better than many short ones
• Document activities comprehensively
• Meet family and friends
• Take date-stamped photos
• Keep all receipts and bookings

Communication Evidence

Best Practices:

• Screenshots showing regular contact
• Mix of platforms (calls, messages, video)
• Show emotional support and intimacy
• Document special occasions
• Time zone considerations

Special Situations

Online Relationships:

• Explain how you met online
• Document progression to in-person
• Multiple visits essential
• Strong communication evidence
• Future commitment proof

Cultural/Religious Marriages:

• Explain cultural context
• Provide ceremony evidence
• Family involvement documentation
• Translation of documents
• Cultural expert statements if needed

Application Timing

When to Apply:

• After 2-3 substantial visits minimum
• Strong communication history (12+ months)
• Clear future plans established
• All documents current (within 12 months)
• Financial capacity demonstrated