Partner visa (outside Australia) 309 / 100
The partner pathway applied for from outside Australia.
In force
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.
Main requirements
- 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 you apply from
Outside Australia. No bridging visa. You may visit Australia on a visitor visa while waiting, if one is granted.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent 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 helpsA registered migration agent 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 helpsA registered migration agent 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 helpsA registered migration agent organises the evidence. - Lodgement
Lodge online; your partner lodges the sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges a complete application. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - 309 grant
Travel to Australia, live, work and study.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains your conditions. - 100 permanent stage
Assessed about two years after lodgement with updated evidence.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the second stage. - Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans the next steps.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| 309 provisional stage | 50% in 21 months, 90% in 32 months |
|---|---|
| 100 permanent stage | 50% in 9 months, 90% in 21 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Relationship not shown to be genuine.
- Little time spent together.
- Sponsor limits or character.
- Inconsistent evidence.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Identity
- Relationship
- Character
Recent and upcoming changes
- 25 July 2026
Applications made in Australia now have priority over offshore partner applications.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.