Overview of the Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309)
The Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) is the first step toward permanent residency for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are applying from outside Australia. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent visa is being processed.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the subclass 309 visa, you must:
- Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsor.
- Be married or in a de facto relationship (usually for at least 12 months).
- Be outside Australia at the time of application.
- Meet specific health and character requirements.
- Have a valid sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The Two-Stage Process: Subclass 309 to Subclass 100
Applying for an offshore partner visa involves a combined application for both the provisional (309) and permanent (100) visas.
- Subclass 309 (Provisional): This is a temporary visa granted while the Department of Home Affairs assesses your eligibility for the permanent stage.
- Subclass 100 (Migrant): Usually assessed two years after you first applied for the subclass 309 visa, this grant provides permanent residency.
2026 Application Costs and Fees
As of April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has updated the Base Application Charge. The following fees apply to most standard applications:
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant | $9,365 |
| Additional Applicant (Over 18) | $4,685 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $2,345 |
Note: These fees cover both the temporary 309 and permanent 100 stages. Additional costs may apply for medical examinations, police certificates, and biometrics.
Current Processing Times (2026 Benchmarks)
Processing times are subject to change based on application volume and the complexity of the evidence provided. According to the latest 2026 Department of Home Affairs data, the current benchmarks are:
Subclass 309 (Provisional Stage)
- 50% of applications: Processed within 14 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 26 months.
Subclass 100 (Permanent Stage)
- 50% of applications: Processed within 9 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 20 months.
To ensure faster processing, applicants should ensure their files are "decision-ready" with all medicals and police checks front-loaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to Australia while my 309 visa is processing?
Yes, you may apply for a separate Visitor visa to enter Australia while waiting. However, you must be outside Australia for the subclass 309 visa to be granted. Ensure your Mobile number and contact details are updated in ImmiAccount so you can be reached regarding your grant status.
Do I need to pay a second fee for the Subclass 100 visa?
No. The initial payment of $9,365 (for the main applicant) covers both the provisional 309 and the permanent 100 visa stages.
What happens if my relationship ends before the permanent visa is granted?
In some cases, such as those involving family violence or if you have a child of the relationship, you may still be eligible for the permanent visa. It is critical to seek professional advice immediately if your circumstances change.
