Last Updated: 8 April 2026

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What is the Subclass 100 Partner Visa?

The Subclass 100 Partner visa is a permanent visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently.

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This visa is administered by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

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It is the second stage of the offshore partner visa pathway and is usually granted to applicants who hold a Subclass 309 Partner visa.

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For an overview of the full partner visa pathway, see our partner visa Australia guide.

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Key Facts About Subclass 100

This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely and may provide a pathway to Australian citizenship if eligibility requirements are met.

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Subclass 100 and Subclass 309 Relationship

The Subclass 100 visa is directly linked to the Subclass 309 visa.

• You apply for both visas together

• Subclass 309 is assessed first

• Subclass 100 is assessed at a later stage

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In most cases, the permanent stage is assessed approximately two years after the initial application.

Learn more about the Subclass 309 partner visa (temporary stage).

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Subclass 100 Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the Subclass 100 visa, you must:

• Hold a Subclass 309 visa (or Subclass 445 dependent visa)

• Continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship

• Meet health requirements

• Meet character requirements

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These requirements are assessed again at the permanent stage.

For more details, see our partner visa Australia requirements guide.

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How the Permanent Stage is Assessed

The Department reassesses your relationship at the permanent stage to confirm that it is genuine and continuing.

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You may be required to provide updated evidence, including:

• Financial arrangements

• Living arrangements

• Social recognition of the relationship

• Ongoing commitment

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The assessment focuses on whether your relationship has continued since the initial application.

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When is Subclass 100 Granted?

In most cases:

• You become eligible around 2 years after your initial application

• The Department will assess your eligibility for permanent residence

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In some cases, the permanent visa may be granted earlier if specific conditions are met.

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Subclass 100 Processing Time

The processing of the Subclass 100 visa does not start immediately.

• It begins once you become eligible (around 2 years after application)

• Processing time varies depending on individual circumstances

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Processing depends on:

• Updated relationship evidence

• Completeness of documents

• Health and character checks

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For more details, see our partner visa Australia processing time guide.

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Subclass 100 Visa Cost

There is no additional government fee for the Subclass 100 visa.

The cost is included in the original partner visa application fee paid at lodgement.

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Additional costs may include:

• Updated police certificates

• Health checks (if required)

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For a full breakdown, see our partner visa Australia cost guide.

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What You Can Do on Subclass 100

With this visa, you can:

• Live in Australia permanently

• Work and study without restrictions

• Access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)

• Sponsor eligible family members

• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible

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You can also travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date of grant.

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Why Subclass 100 Visas May Be Delayed or Refused

The permanent visa may not be granted if requirements are not met.

Common issues include:

• Relationship no longer ongoing

• Insufficient updated evidence

• Missing documents

• Health or character issues

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Applications are assessed based on updated circumstances at the time of decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply again for Subclass 100?

No. You apply for Subclass 100 at the same time as Subclass 309.

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When will I be assessed for permanent residence?

In most cases, around 2 years after your initial application.

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Can I lose eligibility for Subclass 100?

Yes. You must continue to meet relationship and visa requirements at the time of assessment.

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Do I pay again for Subclass 100?

No. The cost is included in the original partner visa application fee.

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