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Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
The Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100) holds a significant place in uniting couples and letting them settle in Australia. As this visa application is categorised in two subclasses, being aware of its eligibility criteria, required documents, and processing time can help you prepare better for your Partner Visa application.
In this regard, we’ll explore what the Partner Visa (subclass 309 and 100) is, its eligibility criteria, how both visas work, visa processing time and related costs.
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 and 100 is a two-stage offshore visa pathway. It allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. Here is a brief look at both Partner Visa subclasses:
The Subclass 309 Partner Visa is a temporary Partner Visa for applicants applying from outside Australia. It allows you to stay in Australia until your permanent Partner Visa 100 application is finalised or you withdraw your application.
Some of the key characteristics of subclass 309 Partner Visa include:
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The Partner Visa subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the Partner Visa pathway. This visa application is usually assessed after 2 years of the subclass 309 Partner Visa application. Once granted, visa holders can:
Post five years, you will need a Resident Return (RRV) visa subclass 155 or 157 to enter Australia as a permanent resident.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has set certain conditions to be met for the application of the partner subclass 100 and 309 visa. Some of the main eligibility requirements of this Partner Visa include:
The most common Subclass 100 and 309 visa Australia requirements are mainly categorised in three areas: Personal Identity Documents, Character Documents, and Evidence of Relationship.
Let’s have a quick look at each of them:
Personal Identification Documents
Character Documents
Evidence of Relationship
In addition to the above requirements, applicants are generally required to complete health examinations arranged through medical professionals.
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The Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100) is processed in two stages. You apply for both subclass 309 & subclass 100 visas together. The following is a brief look at how each stage works:
The first stage includes applying for the subclass 309 temporary Partner Visa from outside Australia. During this stage, you must provide the required documents to confirm your identity checks and demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship.
Once the Partner Visa 309 is granted, you can move to Australia and live there with your partner while waiting for the permanent visa stage. During this period, you can usually work, study, and travel without restrictions.
The second stage is the assessment of the permanent Partner Visa. This visa application usually takes place around two years after the original application was lodged.
During this stage, the application has to provide updated evidence showing that the relationship is ongoing and respond to any other requirements from the Australian immigration authorities. Once the subclass 100 Partner Visa is granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia and continue building your future with your partner.
The cost of the Partner Visa (subclass 309 & 100) mainly includes the governmental visa charges for the main applicant, eligible family members and dependent child. Here’s a quick look at the typical cost of the subclass 309 & 100 Partner Visa:
| Applicant Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Main applicant | Around AUD 9,365 |
| Additional applicant aged 18 or above | Around AUD 4,685 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | Around AUD 2,345 |
*The visa cost can change over time based on updates from the Department of Home Affairs. The current pricing is updated till May 2026.
Along with estimating government charges for the Partner Visa subclass 309 and 100, you should also keep a financial buffer for the following aspects:
The Department of Home Affairs periodically updates the recently approved visa application timeline through its visa processing time guide. The most recent subclass 100 and 309 processing times are as follows:
| Partner Visa Type | 50% of the Application | 90% of the Application |
| Partner Provisional visa (subclass 309) | About 14 Months | About 25 Months |
| Partner Visa (subclass 100) | About 10 Months | About 18 Months |
*The visa processing time can be updated as per the recent application, and the current visa processing timeline is updated till May 2026.
The application of the Partner Visa (subclass 309 and 100) includes several stages, detailed documentation and relationship evidence requirements. This is where regional immigration experts, like a registered migration agent in Perth, can help you understand the visa requirements and lodge your application with higher accuracy.
The Partner Visa (subclass 309 and 100) is a welcoming Australian immigration pathway for couples whose spouse or de facto partner is outside the nation. With this visa, applicants can live, study and work in Australia while building a future with their partner in Australia. For a detailed assessment for sponsorship and application, you can also take assistance from a migration expert. They can help you with lodging your application with higher accuracy.
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Yes, dependent children can generally be included in your Partner Visa application if they meet the eligibility requirements.
The accepted English tests for Partner Visas may include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English.
Yes, documents submitted in languages other than English generally need certified translations.
Applicants can continue updating documents, maintaining records of their relationship, and fulfilling any health or character requirements.
Living in Australia allows couples to participate in local communities, social groups, and cultural activities. This helps build social networks and strengthens a sense of belonging in a new nation.
