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What Is the Partner Visa 309 and Who Is It For?
For many couples, deciding to apply for a partner visa is not just an immigration decision. It is often part of a much bigger plan involving relocation, employment, housing, and life together in Australia.
If you and your partner are currently living in different countries, the Partner Visa 309 may be the pathway worth exploring first. This visa is designed for people who are outside Australia and in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The visa allows eligible applicants to join their partner in Australia while their permanent visa application is being assessed. It forms the first stage of the offshore partner visa pathway and can eventually lead to permanent residence through the Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100).
You may also see this visa referred to as:
- Partner Visa Subclass 309
- 309 Partner Visa
- Partner 309 Visa
- Temporary Partner Visa 309
- Provisional Partner Visa
- Offshore Partner Visa Australia
These terms generally refer to the same visa pathway.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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How the Partner Visa 309 Process Works
The offshore partner visa pathway consists of two stages.
The first stage is the Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309). The second stage is the Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100), which provides permanent residence.
Applicants do not submit separate applications for each stage. Instead, both visa stages are included in the same application from the outset.
Once the Subclass 309 visa is granted, the visa holder can generally:
- Live in Australia
- Work in Australia
- Study in Australia
- Travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid
- Access Medicare if eligible
The permanent Subclass 100 stage is generally considered later in the process if the relationship continues to satisfy the visa requirements.
Many applicants assume that once the Subclass 309 visa has been granted, permanent residence is simply a formality. In practice, the Department of Home Affairs continues assessing whether the relationship remains genuine and ongoing before deciding the permanent visa stage.
Who Can Apply for a Partner Visa 309?
The Subclass 309 visa is available to people who are outside Australia and are either:
- Married to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen; or
- In a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Applicants must also satisfy sponsorship requirements, health requirements, character requirements, and all other relevant visa criteria.
For married couples, the Department of Home Affairs generally expects evidence that the marriage is legally recognised and that the relationship is genuine and continuing.
For de facto couples, the Department of Home Affairs generally requires the relationship to have existed for at least 12 months immediately before the visa application is lodged, unless an exemption applies. One example is where the relationship has been formally registered under an Australian state or territory relationship register.
How Does the Department of Home Affairs Assess Your Relationship?
Many couples assume that proving a relationship is genuine simply means providing photographs together or a marriage certificate.
In reality, the Department of Home Affairs typically looks much deeper than that.
Case officers generally assess how the relationship operates in everyday life and whether the evidence supports a genuine and continuing partnership.
This usually involves considering the following factors.
Financial Aspects
Examples may include:
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared expenses
- Financial support between partners
- Joint liabilities
Household Arrangements
Examples may include:
- Living together
- Joint leases
- Property ownership
- Shared household responsibilities
Social Recognition
Examples may include:
- Travel history together
- Photographs
- Invitations
- Evidence from family and friends
Commitment to a Shared Future
Examples may include:
- Long-term plans
- Ongoing communication
- Evidence of future commitments
- Statements explaining the development of the relationship
The Department of Home Affairs normally assesses the overall picture rather than relying on any single document.
A couple does not need to fit a particular mould to satisfy the requirements. Relationships can look very different depending on cultural backgrounds, employment arrangements, family circumstances, and where each partner has been living.
What matters most is whether the evidence tells a consistent and credible story.
How Much Does a Partner Visa 309 Cost in 2026?
The partner visa 309 cost remains one of the biggest considerations for many couples.
Based on published 2026–27 visa pricing information, the government application charge starts from AUD 11,710 for the primary applicant.
Additional government charges apply for family members included in the application:
- Additional applicants aged 18 years or over: AUD 5,860
- Additional applicant under 18 years: AUD 2,935
These figures are effective from 1 July 2026.
One important advantage of the partner visa 309/100 pathway is that the government application charge generally covers both the temporary and permanent stages. Most applicants do not pay a second visa application charge when the Subclass 100 visa is later assessed.
Applicants should also budget for additional costs that may arise during the process, including:
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Certified translations
- Biometrics where required
The amount payable for these services depends on individual circumstances and the country in which the applicant is located.
As government charges can change, it is always worth checking the latest pricing information before lodging an application.
What Is the Partner Visa 309 Processing Time in 2026?
Processing time is one of the most common questions couples ask.
The reality is that there is no fixed timeframe for a Partner Visa 309 application. The Department of Home Affairs does not publish a single processing time that applies to every application and instead provides current estimates through its processing time resources.
Processing times can vary depending on factors such as:
- Application volumes
- Health assessments
- Character checks
- Requests for additional information
- The complexity of the application
- The quality and completeness of the evidence provided
Because every application is different, it is important not to rely solely on timelines shared through online forums or social media groups.
A processing timeframe experienced by another couple may have very little relevance to your own circumstances.
Common Reasons Partner Visa Applications Are Delayed
A common misconception is that delays occur only when the Department of Home Affairs has concerns about a relationship.
In practice, many delays occur because important information is missing or because further clarification is required.
Some common issues include:
- Incomplete application forms
- Inconsistent information across documents
- Insufficient relationship evidence
- Delays obtaining police clearances
- Outstanding health requirements
- Requests for additional documents
Preparing a thorough application from the beginning can help reduce unnecessary delays and make the assessment process smoother.
Need Help with a Partner Visa 309 Application?
An offshore partner visa application often involves considerably more work than many applicants expect.
Beyond proving that a relationship exists, applicants must demonstrate that it is genuine and continuing while also meeting sponsorship, health, character, and procedural requirements.
Australian Migration Agents can assist with:
- Assessing eligibility
- Explaining visa requirements
- Preparing supporting documentation
- Lodging applications
- Corresponding with the Department of Home Affairs throughout the process
Every relationship is different, and the most relevant evidence will depend on the circumstances of each couple.
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Thinking About Applying for a Partner Visa 309?
For many couples, the Partner Visa Subclass 309 is the first step towards building a future together in Australia.
While the process can appear straightforward on paper, preparing a well-supported application often requires careful planning and a clear understanding of what the Department of Home Affairs is looking for.
From relationship evidence and sponsorship obligations to health and character requirements, each part of the application contributes to the overall assessment.
Understanding the process before you apply can help you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and prepare a stronger application from the outset.
If you are considering an offshore partner visa and would like guidance tailored to your circumstances, speaking with a registered migration agent can help you better understand the requirements, the evidence that may be relevant to your situation, and the options available to you. Book a consultation today!
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