Applications made in Australia now have priority over offshore partner applications.
Visa file / Partner and family visas
Partner visa (outside Australia) 309 / 100
The partner pathway applied for from outside Australia.
In force
File: 309 / 100
Main chargeA$11,710
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
The spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying from outside Australia. One application covers the provisional 309 and the permanent 100.
Published eligibility
- The same relationship, sponsor, sponsor limit, sponsor character, health and character rules as the onshore partner visa.
- You must be outside Australia when you apply. The 309 can be granted in or outside Australia.
Where you apply from
Outside Australia. No bridging visa. You may visit Australia on a visitor visa while waiting, if one is granted.
Your safety comes first. The Department publishes information for visa holders and applicants affected by family violence.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Strategy
Compare the 309, the Prospective Marriage visa and, if you are in Australia, the 820.
Where a registered migration agent can helpCompares cost and timing honestly.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence
As for the onshore partner visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpOrganises the evidence.
- 05
Lodgement
Lodge online; your partner lodges the sponsorship.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges a complete application.
- 06
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 07
309 grant
Travel to Australia, live, work and study.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains your conditions.
- 08
100 permanent stage
Assessed about two years after lodgement with updated evidence.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the second stage.
- 09
Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans the next steps.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (covers both stages) | A$11,710 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$5,860 |
| Family member under 18 | A$2,935 |
| Dependent Child (445) holder | Nil |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| 309 provisional stage | 21 months | 32 months |
| 100 permanent stage | 9 months | 21 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Relationship not shown to be genuine.
- Little time spent together.
- Sponsor limits or character.
- Inconsistent evidence.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Identity
Relationship
Character
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.