Subclass 309 — Partner visa (offshore, provisional)

Is the subclass 309 pathway a fit? A general snapshot

In general terms, the subclass 309 is the offshore, provisional stage of the partner migration pathway. It is typically applied for from outside Australia by a person who is in a genuine and continuing relationship — married or de facto — with an eligible sponsor, usually an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The 309 and the permanent subclass 100 are generally lodged together as one combined application and assessed in two stages: the provisional 309 is normally decided first, and the permanent 100 is typically considered later once a further period has passed and the relationship is shown to be ongoing. Applicants are commonly expected to demonstrate the genuineness of the relationship across its different aspects (such as the financial, social, household, and commitment dimensions that decision-makers look at), to be sponsored by an approved sponsor, and to meet health and character requirements. The exact relationship registration rules, de facto timing considerations, sponsorship limits, and any concession arrangements change over time and turn heavily on individual facts. This is general information only and is identical for every reader — it is not immigration assistance or legal advice. Check the official Home Affairs page for the current requirements, and remember that what YOUR particular situation needs, including whether you qualify at all, is a question for a registered migration practitioner who can advise on your circumstances.

What it typically costs

The main government cost is the Visa Application Charge (VAC). For the combined subclass 309/100 partner application, the base VAC is $9,365 (from 1 July 2025). This is a single charge covering both the provisional and permanent stages of the combined application. In general terms there are usually additional costs to budget for beyond the base VAC: - Additional applicant charges, where family members are included in the same application (these are charged at separate rates set by the government). - Health examinations, which are typically required for the applicant and any dependants. - Police or character certificates from relevant countries. - Certified translations of any documents not in English. - An English language requirement may apply to some applicants or sponsors, and where relevant a fee for an approved English test may be incurred (a skills assessment is generally not part of the partner pathway, but other evidence-gathering costs can arise). The figures for these ancillary items vary by provider and country and change over time, so check the official page for current requirements. Important: the VAC is a government charge payable to the Department of Home Affairs and is entirely separate from any platform fee or practitioner consultation fee. Platform and practitioner fees are never part of, and are always shown separately from, the government VAC. A registered practitioner can advise on the full cost picture for your circumstances.

Common questions about the offshore partner pathway