Offshore Partner Visa Australia
(Subclass 309 & 100)
Last Updated: 1 April 2026
Overview
The offshore partner visa Australia allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
This pathway applies if you are outside Australia at the time of application and typically follows a two-stage process:
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Subclass 309 (temporary visa)
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Subclass 100 (permanent visa)
You apply for both stages together, but they are assessed separately. To understand how this pathway compares with onshore applications, see our complete guide to partner visa Australia.
If your relationship continues to meet the requirements, the visa leads to permanent residence.
Who Should Apply for an Offshore Partner Visa?
You may consider applying offshore if:
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You are currently living outside Australia
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You are in a long-distance relationship
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You cannot apply onshore due to visa conditions
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You plan to apply before entering Australia
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You want to start the partner visa process from overseas
Your situation determines whether offshore or onshore is more suitable. Choosing the correct pathway can affect processing time, travel flexibility, and your overall migration strategy.
How the Offshore Partner Visa Works
The offshore partner visa follows a two-stage process:
Stage 1: Subclass 309 (Temporary)
This visa allows you to:
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Live, work, and study in Australia
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Travel in and out of Australia
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Access Medicare (if eligible)
You must be outside Australia when you apply.
Stage 2: Subclass 100 (Permanent)
After meeting eligibility requirements, your permanent visa is assessed.
This stage allows you to:
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Live in Australia permanently
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Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
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Sponsor eligible family members
The permanent stage is usually assessed around 2 years after application.
Key Requirements (Summary)
To apply for an offshore partner visa, you must:
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Be in a genuine and continuing relationship
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Have an eligible sponsor
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Meet health requirements
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Meet character requirements
The Department assesses your relationship based on financial, household, social, and commitment factors.
For a full breakdown of evidence and eligibility, refer to the partner visa requirements guide.
Processing Time (2026)
Typical offshore partner visa processing time:
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Subclass 309 (temporary): 12 to 20 months
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Subclass 100 (permanent): assessed around 2 years after application
For more detailed timelines, see the partner visa processing time Australia guide.
Processing time depends on:
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Completeness of your application
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Strength of relationship evidence
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Health and character checks
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Response time to requests
Applications that are decision-ready at lodgement generally process faster.
Cost of Offshore Partner Visa
The partner visa Australia cost starts from:
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AUD 9,365 (government fee)
This fee:
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Covers both Subclass 309 and Subclass 100
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Is paid once at the time of application
For a full breakdown of fees and additional expenses, see the partner visa cost guide.
Additional costs may include:
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Health examinations
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Police certificates
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Document translation
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Biometrics (if required)
Most applicants spend more than the base visa fee depending on their situation.
Offshore vs Onshore Partner Visa
Offshore applications are often chosen by applicants living overseas, while onshore applications may offer more flexibility during processing.
To compare both pathways in detail, see the onshore partner visa Australia guide.
Can You Travel While Waiting?
Yes, but your situation matters.
With an offshore partner visa:
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You can travel to Australia on another visa (if eligible)
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You must maintain lawful status at all times
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You do not receive a bridging visa automatically
Travel planning should consider your current visa status and conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may face delays or refusal due to:
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Weak or inconsistent relationship evidence
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Missing or incomplete documents
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Applying offshore when onshore may be more suitable
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Not understanding the two-stage process
Clear and consistent documentation is critical for a strong application.
Does the Offshore Partner Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?
Yes.
The offshore partner visa pathway leads to permanent residence through Subclass 100, provided your relationship continues to meet requirements.
Permanent residence allows you to:
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Live in Australia indefinitely
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Access Medicare
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Apply for citizenship (if eligible)
Need assistance with a Partner Visa Offshore application?
RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your eligibility, explain the appropriate partner visa pathway, and assist with preparing an application that meets Australian Government requirements.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
Why RACC?
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20+ years of experience
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Prepare for your application to the Immigration
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Preparation of Police Check
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Arrange for new Insurance
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Advice on Medical Checkup
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Don't let small careless mistake resulting in a Visa rejection
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You can also apply from outside Australia
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4.8 out of 5 customer satisfaction
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Our Team speak multiple languages
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English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bahasa, Sinhalese, Malay, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi etc...
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Registered Migration Agents (MARN1572962, MARN1172003, MARN2518802
