Offshore Partner Visa (309/100)
Your journey to join your partner in Australia.
Overview
The Offshore Partner Visa (subclasses 309 and 100) is designed for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are outside Australia. This visa allows you to travel to and live in Australia with your partner, first on a temporary basis and then permanently. My role is to build a robust application that leaves no doubt about the authenticity of your relationship, navigating the complexities of an offshore application to reunite you with your loved one as smoothly as possible.
Similar to its onshore counterpart, the offshore partner visa is a two-stage process. You apply for the temporary (309) and permanent (100) visas at the same time. If granted, the Subclass 309 visa allows you to enter Australia and live with your partner. Around two years after the application was lodged, you become eligible for the permanent Subclass 100 visa, provided your relationship is still genuine and continuing. I manage this entire process, ensuring all deadlines and requirements are met for both stages.
A key challenge for offshore applicants is demonstrating a genuine relationship while living apart. The Department scrutinises these applications closely. I help you gather evidence of your ongoing connection, such as communication logs, joint travel, financial support, and future plans. It's about painting a clear picture of your shared life, even across a distance. For prospective marriage visa holders who have since married, I can seamlessly transition your application to the 309/100 pathway.
Processing times for offshore applications can be substantial (verify on Home Affairs website), which can be emotionally taxing for couples. My goal is to minimise this waiting period by submitting a 'decision-ready' application that is clear, concise, and comprehensively evidenced. This reduces the likelihood of requests for further information from the overseas post processing your application, which can add months to the timeline. I ensure every detail is correct, from local police clearances to relationship evidence.
Key Facts
How I Work — Step by Step
Comprehensive Assessment
I assess your eligibility, focusing on the nature of your relationship and the evidence available to support your application from offshore.
Evidence Strategy
We develop a clear plan for documenting your relationship, including communication, finances, and future plans, to meet the Department's strict criteria.
Application Lodgement
I prepare and lodge your combined 309/100 application with the relevant overseas Australian diplomatic post, ensuring it is complete and decision-ready.
Processing and Communication
I manage all correspondence with the Department, responding to any queries and providing updates on your application's progress.
Permanent Visa Assessment
Two years from your application date, I will contact you to prepare and submit the evidence for the final Subclass 100 permanent visa grant.
What I Do
- Determine your eligibility for the Offshore Partner Visa (309/100).
- Provide a tailored strategy for gathering evidence while living apart.
- Prepare and lodge the combined 309/100 visa application through the correct overseas post.
- Advise on health and character requirements for you and any migrating dependents.
- Liaise with the overseas processing centre and handle any requests for information.
- Guide you through the process of obtaining your first visa grant and making your first entry to Australia.
- Prepare and lodge the second-stage permanent (100) visa evidence.
Who Is This For?
- ›Partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are currently living outside Australia.
- ›Couples who are married or have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months.
- ›Fiancés who have applied for or hold a Prospective Marriage Visa and have since married their sponsor.
- ›Applicants who wish to have the security of a visa before moving to Australia.
Common questions about
Can I visit my partner in Australia while the offshore visa is processing?+
What if we get married after lodging the application?+
Do I need to have met my partner in person?+
Is there an interview for the offshore partner visa?+
Free Guide: Preparing a Strong Partner Visa Application
This guide walks you through the evidence the Department actually looks at, the most common reasons partner visas get refused, and how to avoid a genuinely concerning relationship finding. Written from 27 years of experience.
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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Thoughts only — not legal advice.