Partner Visa Subclass 309 And 100

The Partner Visa 309/100 is a two-stage offshore pathway usually lodged as one combined application. Subclass 309 (temporary) lets you live and work in Australia while your application is assessed – this typically takes 16–27 months. Subclass 100 (permanent) is granted afterward, generally around two years after the combined application is lodged, provided the relationship remains genuine. Combined cost is AUD 11,710.00. Keep learning more about how the partner visa subclass 309 and permanent partner visa work, who can apply, what documentation is required, and everything involved in the application process.

What Is the Partner Visa 309/100?

The Partner Visa 309/100 is a two-stage visa pathway for eligible partners applying from outside Australia. The applicants are assessed for temporary visas. Then they become eligible for permanent residency if they meet all immigration criteria.

What is Partner Visa Subclass 309?

The Visa Subclass 309 is the temporary stage of the offshore partner visa pathway. It allows eligible applicants to enter and remain in Australia while their permanent visa is being assessed.

With this visa, you can:

• Live, study and work in Australia while waiting for your permanent partner visa to be approved.
• Enjoy the freedom to travel to and from Australia throughout the duration of your visa validity.
• Attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program if you are eligible.
• Apply for the Australian public health system known as Medicare if you are eligible.

Many applicants compare the 309 Provisional visa with other partner visa options before deciding which pathway suits them.

What is Partner Visa Subclass 100?

The partner visa subclass 100 is the permanent visa in the offshore partner visa application process. It is generally assessed around two years after the combined temporary and permanent partner visa application is lodged, provided the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

With this visa, you can:

• Stay, work and study in Australia permanently.
• Sponsor eligible relatives to stay in Australia.
• Become an Australian citizen as long as you are eligible for citizenship.

Receiving the permanent partner visa 100 gives you the security of permanent residence in Australia.

Who Is Eligible for the Partner Visa Subclass 309 And 100?

Applicants must satisfy different partner visa 309 and 100 eligibility requirements at the temporary and permanent stages of the application process.

For Subclass 309

• Do not have any cancelled visa or refused application: Applicants should not have a visa cancellation or refusal that prevents them from lodging a valid application.
• Should be outside Australia: You must be outside Australia when applying for and when this visa is granted.
• Should have a sponsor: An eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen must sponsor your application. You must satisfy the partner visa sponsor requirement.
• At the right age: Both partners must meet the minimum legal age required under Australian law.
• Meet relationship requirements: You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing.
• Meet character and health requirements: Applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements.
• Should not have any debt with the Australian Government: Any outstanding debt must be repaid, or suitable repayment arrangements should be in place.

For Subclass 100

• Visa requirements: The permanent visa is generally assessed around two years after the combined application is lodged.
• Meet ongoing relationship requirements: You must continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner.
• Meet health requirements: Updated health examinations may be required if requested.
• Should not have any debt with the Australian Government: Applicants must clear any outstanding government debt or have approved repayment arrangements in place.

Difference Between Partner Visa Subclass 309 and Subclass 100

Feature	Subclass 309	Subclass 100
Visa type	Temporary	Permanent
Application stage	First stage	Second stage
Residence	Temporary stay	Permanent residence
Work rights	Yes	Yes
Study rights	Yes	Yes
Travel	Multiple entries	Multiple entries as a permanent resident
Citizenship	Not available	Eligible to apply if requirements are met
Family sponsorship	Limited	Can sponsor eligible family members

Documents Required for Partner Visa Subclass 309 and 100

The process of submitting accurate documents helps in the efficient assessment of your application by immigration officers. The evidence required for the temporary and permanent stages differs because the Department needs to confirm both your identity and your continuing relationship.

For Subclass 309 Visa

• Passport and identity documents
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence
• Joint financial records
• Shared residential proof
• Relationship photographs
• Police clearance certificates
• Health examination results, if requested
• Supporting statements from family or friends
• Birth certificates and passports of dependent children (if included as additional applicants)

For Subclass 100 Visa

• Updated evidence of your ongoing relationship
• Recent joint financial documents
• Current shared household records
• Additional photographs together
• Updated police certificates, if requested
• Updated health information, if required

How Much Does the Partner Visa 309 and 100 Cost?

The partner visa 309 cost is paid when you submit the application together for the temporary and permanent stages. The amount forms part of the partner visa application charge Australia, although applicants may also need to pay for health examinations, police certificates, biometrics and document translations.

Visa	Costs
Subclass 309	AUD 11,710.00
Subclass 100	Included in the cost of the Subclass 309 – no extra charge at this stage.

The partner visa 309/100 fee is reviewed regularly by the Australian Government. From 1st July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application.

How Long Does the Partner Visa 309 and 100 Process Take?

The partner visa 309 processing time depends on factors such as the completeness of your application, the supporting evidence provided and the number of applications under assessment. Processing may be delayed if more information is needed.

Visa	50% of Applications	90% of Applications
Subclass 309	16 months	27 months
Subclass 100	10 months	24 months

Most of the applicants ask “how long does partner visa 309 take”. But there is no fixed timeframe because every application is different. The partner visa 100 processing time generally begins after the required assessment period, usually around two years after the combined application is lodged. For the latest partner visa 309/100 processing time 2026, check the Department of Home Affairs website.

Steps to Apply for the Subclass 100 Visa and Visa 309

Applying for these visas involves several stages, so preparing your documents carefully can make the process smoother. Check out the following steps and learn how to apply for partner visa 309 before starting your application.

• Confirm that both you and your sponsor meet all eligibility requirements.
• Collect identity, relationship and supporting documents.
• Submit the online visa application with the required evidence.
• Pay the applicable visa charges.
• Complete health examinations and provide police clearances if requested.
• Respond promptly to any requests from the Department.
• The partner visa 309 application process continues until the temporary stage is assessed.

No separate application is required for Subclass 100 – it’s part of the same combined application. Around two years after lodgement, the Department requests updated relationship evidence and grants the visa if the relationship remains genuine.

Reasons Why a Partner Visa 309 and 100 May Be Refused

A partner visa application may be refused if the eligibility requirements are not met or the evidence provided is insufficient.

Common reasons include:

• Insufficient evidence that the relationship is genuine.
• False or inconsistent information in the application.
• Failure to meet health or character requirements.
• Missing or incomplete supporting documents.
• Sponsor does not satisfy sponsorship obligations.
• Failure to respond to departmental requests within the required time.
• Outstanding debt owed to the Australian Government.

Understanding common partner visa 309 refusal reasons can help applicants avoid preventable mistakes.

A partner visa 100 refused outcome may occur if the relationship no longer meets the permanent visa requirements.

Get Your Partner Visa 309/100 Approved: Talk to a MARA Agent

Preparing a partner visa application requires careful planning and accurate documentation. We can assess your circumstances, explain the visa requirements and help you prepare a strong application. If you need personalised guidance, our experienced immigration consultant in Perth can support you throughout the process and help you avoid common application errors.