How to Apply for an Australian Offshore Partner Visa: Step-by-Step Process

Are you in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and planning to reunite in Australia? The Australian Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) allows partners of Australian residents to live in Australia permanently. Applying for this visa from outside Australia may seem complex, but with the right guidance, it becomes manageable.

In this guide, we walk you through a step-by-step process to apply for an Australian Offshore Partner Visa, ensuring you understand the requirements, documents, and key milestones.

What is the Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100)?

The Offshore Partner Visa consists of two stages:

• Subclass 309 (Temporary Visa): Allows the applicant to live in Australia while their permanent visa is processed.
• Subclass 100 (Permanent Visa): Granted after the relationship is deemed genuine and ongoing, typically two years after the 309 visa.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Offshore Partner Visa

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria:

• You must be outside Australia when lodging the application and when the 309 visa is granted.
• You must be in a genuine and continuing relationship (married or de facto) with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
• Your relationship must be at least 12 months old if de facto (exceptions apply for registered relationships).
• Both you and your sponsor must meet character and health requirements.

Step 2: Gather Relationship Evidence

Evidence is critical to proving the authenticity of your relationship. This includes:

• Relationship timeline: When and how you met, how your relationship developed.
• Joint documents: Shared bank accounts, utility bills, lease agreements.
• Social evidence: Photos together, social media posts, travel history.
• Statutory declarations: From family/friends confirming your relationship.
• Written statements: From both partners describing the relationship history.

Step 3: Sponsor Prepares Required Documents

The Australian partner (sponsor) must provide:

• Proof of citizenship or permanent residence (passport, birth certificate, PR visa).
• Character documents, including police clearances.
• Form 40SP – Sponsor Statutory Declaration.
• Evidence of financial stability to support the partner.

Step 4: Complete Health and Police Checks

You will need:

• Medical examination by an approved panel physician.
• Police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.

Start this early to avoid delays.

Step 5: Lodge the Visa Application Online

You can lodge your application through the ImmiAccount portal:

• Select Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309).
• Fill out the application form carefully.
• Attach all required documents, including relationship evidence.
• Pay the visa application fee (as of 2025: AUD 8,850 for most applicants).
• Note: The sponsor must submit their sponsorship application after the visa is lodged.

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Step 6: Sponsor Submits Sponsorship Application

After your visa application is lodged:

• The sponsor should complete and submit the sponsorship form (Form 40SP).
• Upload all supporting documents to ImmiAccount.
• Pay any applicable sponsorship fees if requested.

Step 7: Wait for Application Processing

Processing time (as of 2025):

• Subclass 309: Around 12 to 18 months.
• Subclass 100: Can be granted 2 years after the initial application. In some cases, both 309 and 100 are granted together.

During processing, you may be contacted for interviews or to provide additional documents.

Step 8: Visa Outcome & Next Steps

• If approved, you’ll receive the Subclass 309 visa, allowing you to enter and stay in Australia.
• After around two years, if the relationship is still ongoing, you’ll be eligible for the Subclass 100 (Permanent Partner Visa).
• Immigration will notify you when it’s time to submit updated documents for the permanent stage.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Be honest and thorough: Incomplete or inconsistent information may lead to refusal.
• Keep communication records: Emails, calls, chats showing ongoing communication.
• Organize evidence chronologically to show the development of the relationship.
• Use a migration agent if you’re unsure about documentation or your situation is complex.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without sufficient relationship evidence.
• Not translating non-English documents.
• Forgetting to include required police checks or medicals.
• Lodging sponsor documents before the main visa application.

Final Words:

The Australian Offshore Partner Visa opens the door to building a future together in Australia. Although the process requires patience and detailed documentation, being well-prepared can significantly improve your chances of success. Whether you’re newly married or in a long-term de facto relationship, this step-by-step guide can help you navigate the journey confidently.