Partner Visa (apply overseas)

The partner visa subclass 309 is the first step towards a permanent partner visa. This provisional partner visa allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily.

Once this visa is obtained, the partner may live, work or study in Australia, while the migrant partner visa – subclass 100 is being processed. In the meantime, the partner applicant may travel in and out of Australia as many times as needed.

If eligible and needed, the partner applicant may also attend free English language classes offered by the Adult Migrant English Program.

Eligibility criteria 

• You must be 18 years or older while applying for this visa.
• You must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Your marriage must be valid as per the Australian law.
• During application, you must have a sponsor who should be the same person to sponsor you for two years after the provision visa subclass 309 is granted.
• This visa must be applied while outside Australia.

This visa cost starts from $7,850 for more applicants that covers both the provisional (temporary) and migrant visa (permanent).

The processing time may take between 5 to 29 months depending on the number of applications received.