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309/100 — Partner visas (apply overseas) - Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) and Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100)

Updated 22 July 2026

This is general information, not migration advice. Visa rules, fees and eligibility change often — always confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website, and speak to a registered migration agent about your own situation.

Overview

This pathway allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is a two-stage process with a single combined application: you apply for the temporary and the permanent Partner visas together, and you must be outside Australia when you apply. The temporary Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) is granted first and lets you live, work and study in Australia while the permanent stage is assessed; the permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) is a separate later grant, and its processing time starts from the date of eligibility, which is 2 years after you applied for the temporary and permanent Partner visas. How long you can stay: Subclass 309 (temporary): "Temporarily until your permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) application is finalised or you withdraw your application." Subclass 100 (permanent): "Permanently."

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Step 1 - Before you apply: check the requirements and, if you want help, appoint a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.

  2. Step 2: Step 2 - Gather and prepare your documents: identity documents, evidence that your relationship is genuine, sponsorship evidence, and documents for any dependants who apply with you.

  3. Step 3: Step 3 - Apply for the visa online in ImmiAccount: select 'New application', then 'Family', then 'Stage 1 - Partner or Prospective Marriage Visa'; complete it, pay the visa application charge, submit it and attach your supporting documents. You and any family who apply with you must be outside Australia when you apply.

  4. Step 4: Step 4 - After you apply: your spouse or de facto partner lodges the sponsorship form, organise health examinations and character documents, provide biometrics if asked, and tell us if your details or circumstances change.

  5. Step 5: Step 5 - Visa outcome for the temporary Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309): we notify you in writing; if granted you can travel to Australia and live, work and study there.

  6. Step 6: Stage 2 - Permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100): you become eligible for consideration 2 years after you applied. Provide the additional documents we ask for showing your relationship is genuine and ongoing; no further visa application charge is payable.

Eligibility & requirements

  • You must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Your spouse or de facto partner must sponsor you.
  • You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa, along with any family who apply with you; you can be in or outside Australia when we decide your temporary visa application.
  • You must be the right age (generally 18 or older).
  • You must not have had a visa cancelled or an application refused in a way that prevents this application.
  • You, and family members who apply with you, must meet our health requirement and character requirement.
  • You must have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government, or an approved repayment arrangement, and if you are 18 or older you must sign the Australian Values Statement.
  • For the permanent stage (subclass 100) you must hold a temporary Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) or a Dependent Child visa (subclass 445), and in most cases continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsor.

Costs

ItemIndicative cost
Application charge (covers both the temporary subclass 309 and permanent subclass 100 stages)From AUD11,710.00. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
Permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) charge"You paid for this visa when you made your applications for the temporary and permanent Partner visas." (no separate charge at the permanent stage)
Additional applicants and other costsCurrent fee is published on the Home Affairs page for this visa — see Key links.

Key links

Contacts

Registered migration agent (MARA)
For advice about your own circumstances, use a registered migration agent or a legal service. This page is general information only.