Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100): Your Complete 2025 Guide

The Offshore Partner Visa allows the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.

It’s called “offshore” because the visa applicant must be outside Australia when lodging the application. After lodgement, you can travel to Australia to reunite with your partner.

This pathway is perfect for couples where the applicant:

• Is currently overseas and wants to reunite with their partner in Australia
• Cannot get any other visa to apply onshore
• Is affected by Schedule 3, making onshore options tricky
• Holds a visa with a No Further Stay (8503) condition that cannot be waived

If any of these sound like you, the offshore pathway may be the most realistic, safest and cleanest option.

To apply for the Subclass 309/100 visa, you’ll need to show that:

• You are in a genuine, ongoing relationship (married or de facto)
• Your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
• You meet health and character requirements
• If applying de facto, you’ve usually lived together for 12 months, unless your relationship is registered or you have compelling reasons

The offshore partner visa comes in two parts:

Stage 1 — Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner Visa)

This allows you to:

• Enter and live in Australia
• Work and study
• Access Medicare

Stage 2 — Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa)

Usually assessed around 2 years after you lodge your original application. You’ll need to show the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.

Once granted, you become a permanent resident.

Here’s the whole process in simple steps:

1. Create an Immi Account

This is where all forms, uploads, and updates happen.

2. Complete the Application

Answer carefully and honestly.

3. Upload your Document

This includes:

• Passport and ID
• Evidence of your relationship: photos, messages, joint bills, leases, travel, financial commitments

Tip from me: focus on quality and variety, not just dumping screenshots.

4. Pay and Submit

You’ll receive a TRN (Transaction Reference Number).

5. Lodge your Sponsorship Application

Your partner logs in with your TRN to complete their sponsorship application and upload documents.

6. Update your Application

Because this is an offshore visa, there is no bridging visa.

Processing can take 2–4 years or longer, depending on circumstances. Keep uploading fresh evidence while you wait, ongoing updates matter.

These are straight from experience and will genuinely help your case:

1. You can be in Australia when they grant the visa

Previously, you had to be offshore at the grant. That rule is no longer in place (but always subject to change).

2. You may skip the 2-year wait for PR

If you’ve been together:

• 3+ years, or
• 2 years with a child,

The Department may grant a permanent (Subclass 100) visa at the same time as a temporary visa.

3. You can apply for a visitor visa to stay together

Applying offshore doesn’t mean staying apart. Many couples reunite on a visitor visa while waiting.

4. Relationship registration can help

If you haven’t lived together for 12 months, you may still meet the de facto requirements by registering your relationship in states like VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS, SA, and QLD.

5. Keep updating your application

Fresh evidence every 2–3 months shows the relationship continues to grow — and makes your case stronger.

Processing is usually 2 to 4 years, but can be longer depending on:

• Your documents
• Country of passport
• Case complexity
• Department workload
• Always check the latest processing times on the Department’s website.

The Offshore Partner Visa is one of the most emotional visa journeys because it’s about closing the distance between two people who want to build a life together.

And while the process is absolutely doable, the small details genuinely matter.

If you want peace of mind before you submit, I now offer a pre-lodgement application check, a full look-over of your application without the hefty price tag. It’s a great way to make sure you haven’t missed anything important.

And of course, if you want clarity on your options…

👉 Book a free 15-minute consultation with me.
https://aivs.com.au/contact-us/

You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here with you every step of the way. 💛