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If you apply for a Visa Subclass 309, you can fulfill your dream of living in Australia with your partner. The partner visa subclass 309 is a critical step for couples who want to live together in Australia. While waiting for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100), this visa enables the spouse or partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen to temporarily stay in Australia. Couples wanting to begin their life together in Australia must first grasp the 309 visa processing time.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide related to the processing times, application process, requirements, and how to avoid delays.
An offshore spouse visa is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or qualified New Zealanders to migrate to Australia. Applicants must be outside Australia during the application and visa grant. The process includes the combination (subclass 309 100) of a temporary visa leading to a permanent visa.
Also Read: Common Reasons For Partner Visa Refusal In Australia (2025 Guide)
The Permanent Partner visa Subclass 100 allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. It is typically granted after the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309) and permits indefinite living, working, and studying in Australia.
The Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309) allows individuals outside Australia, in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen, to study, live, and work in Australia while applying for permanent residency.
| Features | Subclass 309 |
Subclass 100
|
| Visa type | The partner provisional visa is a temporary visa. |
The partner migrant visa is permanent.
|
| Purpose | It allows applicants to live in Australia for 2 years while their application is being processed. |
It grants applicants permanent residency in Australia.
|
| Application Stage | It is the first stage of the two-stage process. |
It is the second stage, usually given after the visa subclass 309.
|
| Location | The applicants must apply outside Australia. |
The applicants can apply for it from outside and inside Australia.
|
| Duration | It is valid up to two years. |
The applicants may live permanently in Australia with the help of this visa.
|
The 309 visa processing time depends on several factors, like the volume of applications and the completion of the documentation. Regularly check the Department of Home Affairs for regular updates and information.
As per the latest updates, the processing times of the Visa Subclass 309 are as follows:
1] Genuine & committed relationships: The applicants should be in a real and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
2] Meets health & character requirements: The applicants must meet some specific character and health requirements.
3] Sponsorship: This means that your partner must have to submit a separate sponsorship to become your approved sponsor; after that, your visa will be approved.
Strong evidence for the applicant includes relationship history, financial history showing shared finances, and social history reflecting participation in events and interactions with family and friends.
Also Read: How To Get PR In Australia And Citizenship
The application process includes several steps while applying for a visa subclass 309:
For couples wishing to create a life together in Australia, they can find an Immigration Agent Near Me who offers a crucial route. Here, consulting a Best Migration Agent Adelaide ensures them a smooth and stress-free experience that helps them navigate the complexities.
Apply for the Partner Visa 309 right away to make your reunion a reality and fulfill your cherished goal of being together in Australia!
After the visa subclass 309 is granted, it’s time to travel to Australia and start the process of becoming eligible for the visa subclass 100.
If you hold a temporary partner visa, you can typically become eligible for the permanent partner visa after holding the temporary visa for two years.
If my relationship ends during the application process for the visa subclass 309, it could impact the process. If it happens, notify the department immediately.
If the applicant has completed all documentation and a health checkup, the visa may be granted quickly; however, failure to submit joint financial commitments could delay processing by 5 months or more.
As per the latest updates, the current processing time for visa subclass 309 is as follows: 25% in 5 months, 50% in 9 months, 75% in 15 months, and 90% in 22 months.