Subclass 309 Visa
Subclass 309 Visa Or Offshore Partner Visa: An Overview
The 309 Partner Visa is a temporary visa that allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.It is the first stage of the Australian Partner Visa pathway and leads to the permanent 100 Partner Visa. This visa is for couples who are married or in a de-facto relationship and want to build their life together in Australia.
With the 309 Visa, individuals have the ability to reside, work, study, and travel without restrictions in Australia during the period their permanent visa is under processing.Additionally, it provides eligibility for Medicare after the temporary visa is approved.The visa application process needs strong evidence of a real and ongoing relationship, identification papers, health assessments and character assessment.
Processing times can be differ, so submitting complete and accurate documents is important to reduce the delay in your processing. Many visa applicants choose expert support to avoid delays or refusals.
GIEC Global Australia offers detailed step-by-step help for the 309 Partner Visa, including support with documents, preparing proof of the relationship, submitting the application, and keeping you updated throughout the process. Our team makes sure your case is clearly explained and follows all the rules for immigration. With expert support, you can take steps toward being reunited with your partner and building a safe future in Australia.
Benefits of Partner Visa Subclass 309
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 provides many benefits for couples who want to start their life together in Australia. Some of the key benefits are as follows:
- Live in Australia Temporarily- This visa 309 allows you to live in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) is processed. You can stay close to your partner without long separation.
- Full Work Rights- You can work in any job field, whether it is full-time or part-time. This help you in achieving financial security and helps you settle more quickly in Australia.
- Study in Australia- You can study any course you want. Although government funding may not apply, you still have full access to education and training opportunities.
- Travel Flexibility- You can travel in and out of Australia freely. This makes it easier to visit family or manage personal commitments overseas.
- Access to Medicare- Once your 309 visa is granted, you can enrol in Medicare, giving you access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency- The 309 Visa is the first step toward the permanent Partner Visa 100, which later allows you to live in Australia permanently.
These benefits make the Partner Visa 309 a strong pathway for couples planning a stable future in Australia.
How Long You Can Stay With Having 309 Partner Visa?
You are permitted to remain in Australia until your permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) application is approved or you withdraw your application. The subclass 309 visa normally permits the bearer to stay in Australia for up to two years on a temporary basis. This term is designed to allow the applicant to live with their Australian partner and build their relationship in Australia. After a set duration of holding the subclass 309 visa, the candidate is eligible to apply for the permanent Partner visa, subclass 100. Once granted, the subclass 100 visa allows the person to remain in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
How To Be Eligible For 309 Partner Visa?
There are some key points to be eligible for 309 Partner Visa:
- Not be outside Australia at the time of application
- Have a sponsor
- Have the correct age
- Fulfill relationship requirements
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Not have any debts to the Australian Government.
Requirements for Partner Visa Australia Subclass 309
To apply for the Partner Visa Subclass 309, individuals need to meet few important requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These requirements help prove the genuineness and strength of the relationship. Key requirements include:
- Sponsorship Requirements- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is willing to sponsor you for the visa 309.
- Genuine and Ongoing Relationship- You will have to show strong evidence that your relationship is real and long-term. This includes photos, chat records, shared bills, joint accounts and statements from friends or family.
- Marriage or De-Facto Status- You must be legally married or in a de-facto relationship for at least 12 months (unless exempt). Proof of living together is an important proof.
- Age Requirement- Both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Health Requirements- You are required to complete health assessments to show that you have fulfilled Australia’s medical requirements.
- Character Requirements- Police clearances from all countries where you lived for 12 months or more are mandatory to prove good character.
- Financial and Social Evidence- You must show shared financial responsibilities, household arrangements, and social recognition as a couple.
Meeting these requirements properly increases your chances of a smooth visa approval. GIEC Global Australia can help prepare strong evidence and guide you through each step of partner visa Australia.
Step By Step Process of Visa 309 Australia
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 process involves several important stages. Following each step carefully helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth application journey. Here is the complete process explained simply:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure that you fulfill every necessary condition, including being in an genuine relationship and having a partner who is legally able to support your sponsorship.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect identity proofs, relationship evidence, financial records, photos, chat history, joint documents, and police clearances. Your sponsor must also prepare their documents.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount
You must apply online through the ImmiAccount portal. This is where you will submit your application and upload documents.
Step 4: Lodge the Visa Application
Complete the online form with accurate details and pay the visa application fee. Once lodged, you will receive an acknowledgement letter.
Step 5: Submit Sponsor Application
Your partner must also submit a separate sponsor application.Both applications must match and support each other.
Step 6: Undergo Health and Character Checks
Attend medical examinations and upload police clearance certificates as requested.
Step 7: Wait for Assessment
The Department reviews your documents, relationship evidence, and eligibility. They may request extra information.
Step 8: Receive Visa 309 Grant
If approved, you receive the temporary 309 visa, allowing you to live, work, and stay in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa 100 is processed.
This step-by-step approach makes the process smooth and stress-free for applicants. GIEC Global Australia can guide you through all stages professionally.
Subclass 309 Visa Conditions
Once the Partner Visa Subclass 309 is granted, applicants must follow certain visa conditions set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These conditions ensure that you maintain your eligibility while living in Australia. Key conditions include:
Maintain a Genuine Relationship- You must continue your genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner. If the relationship ends, you must inform the department immediately.
Obey Australian Laws- You must follow all Australian federal and state laws during your stay. Any serious legal issues may affect your visa or future applications.
Inform About Changes- If your address, email, passport, or relationship status changes, you must update the department through your ImmiAccount without delay.
Stay Offshore at Grant Time- The Subclass 309 visa is an offshore visa, so you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Meet Character Obligations- You must maintain good character throughout the visa period. Any criminal charges or offences must be reported.
Prepare for Subclass 100 Visa Stage- You will later be assessed for the permanent Partner Visa 100. Continue collecting evidence to show your relationship is still genuine.
Following these conditions keeps your visa valid and helps ensure a smooth transition to permanent residency.
What Is The Cost Of 309 Partner Visa?
These fees* apply to both the Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 100) and 309 Partner Visa.
- The main applicant will pay AUD 8,850.00
*. - Each family member who applies for the visa with you must pay a fee as well.
- If you don’t pay the proper visa application fee, we won’t be able to process your application.
- For health examinations, police records, and biometrics, you can also be required to pay additional fees.
- Use the Visa pricing estimator to determine how much your visa might cost.
- The expenditures for medical examinations, police records, and biometrics are not taken into consideration by the estimate. These fees apply to both the Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 100) and the Permanent Partner Visa.
- Additionally, each family member who applies must pay a fee.
Avoid becoming overwhelmed with the offshore partner visa 309 process’s complexity. You can rely on GIEC Global Australia to give you the knowledge and assistance you require. We are the expert Australian Immigration Law Firm, pleased clientele can vouch for the excellence of our services since we have a track record of success.
Difference Between Visa 309 and Visa 100
Visa 309
Temporary Partner Visa
Visa 309 is the **first stage** of the offshore partner visa pathway. You must APPLY from outside Australia.
- Temporary visa (not permanent)
- Allows you to travel to Australia
- You can work and study
- Must be offshore when visa is granted
- You later become eligible for Visa 100
Visa 100
Permanent Partner Visa
Visa 100 is the **second stage** and grants permanent residency once the relationship assessment is complete.
- Permanent residency (PR)
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Access to Medicare & government benefits
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Can sponsor family members
Key Differences at a Glance
- 309 is temporary — 100 is permanent.
- 309 is granted first; 100 is granted later after relationship proof.
- You must be outside Australia for 309 grant. No such rule for 100.
- 100 provides full PR benefits like Medicare, citizenship pathway, and unlimited stay.
- 309 is your entry visa; 100 is your long-term residency visa.
309 Visa Processing Time After Medical
After your medical exam is submitted, you should allow at least 12 to 18 months and possibly up to 24-26 months or more for a decision—especially if your application is complex or there are any requests for further evidence.
One of the key requirements of the Subclass 309 application is meeting the health (and character) requirements. This means that you (and any included family members) must undergo a medical examination with a panel doctor approved by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Once the DHA receives your medical results (via the doctor), they will include that in your application assessment.
What happens after the medical exam
Once you’ve done the medical exam and the results are sent, the remaining steps include:
- The DHA checking the medical clearance and any further health issues.
- The DHA assessing your overall partner-visa application (relationship evidence, sponsorship eligibility, character checks, etc.).
- The DHA handling any requests for additional information or clarifications.
- Finally, a decision on your Subclass 309 visa.
To Improve your chance After medical Wait
- Do your medical exam promptly after lodging the visa application (or soon afterwards) so that the health clearance enters the queue early.
- Ensure all required documents (relationship evidence, identity, sponsorship, character checks) are submitted in a “decision-ready” state.
- Track the validity of your medical clearance—if your medical result expires (often a 12-month validity), it might mean you need to redo the exam or DHA may delay.
- Respond promptly to any RFI: if the DHA asks for additional documents after the medical, submit them immediately. Delays in your response add to the overall wait.
- Stay engaged in your relationship evidence: as the assessment continues after the medical, the DHA will still review your ongoing relationship—continue to gather stamps, statements, joint bills, travel records. The “after-medical” phase is not purely health clearance—it still involves full assessment.
- Consider your travel and stay plans with realistic timing: since the decision might take 12+ months, plan accordingly for how and when you will move to Australia (once the visa is granted) or keep contact with your partner if you are offshore.
- Use professional advice if unsure: If you feel your case has complexities , consulting a Mara registered agent may help you lodge in best shape and reduce “after-medical” delays.
Can I Apply for a Bridging Visa While Waiting for a 309 Visa?
No you can’t apply for bridging visa as 309 is Offshoring visa. That means you must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted. Because it is an offshore visa, you are not eligible for any bridging visa linked to this application. However, you can remain on a valid temporary visa while waiting. You can apply for visitor visa (Subclass 600 / 601 / 651). You can visit Australia while waiting, but you must leave before the 309 is granted.
If you want to get a bridging visa, you would need to apply for the onshore partner visa (Subclass 820). For this, you must be inside Australia at the time of application. Once you lodge the 820 visa onshore, you automatically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which becomes active when your current visa expires.
309 Partner Visa and Offshore Partner Visa agents in Melbourne
Avoid becoming overwhelmed with the offshore partner visa 309 process’s complexity. You can rely on GIEC Global to give you the knowledge and assistance you require. Our pleased clientele can vouch for the excellence of our services since we have a track record of success.
GIEC Global can help you with your 309 Partner Visa application in the following ways:
- Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable immigration agents in Melbourne will give you individualized guidance and advice to help you understand the qualifications, documentation needs, and procedures required for a successful application.
- Application Preparation: GIEC Global will help you put together the required paperwork to bolster your application. Your documents will be thoroughly examined by our experts to make sure they adhere to the standards established by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Review of Documents: We will carefully examine your supporting documents, such as proof of your ongoing and sincere relationship, to make sure they are solid and persuasive. Our objective is to make a thorough and convincing case to the immigration authorities.
- Assistance with Lodgment: GIEC Global will walk you through the process of submitting your visa application, making sure that all paperwork is accurate and delivered before the deadline.
- Continuous Support: Our team will keep you updated on any updates or requests from the Department of Home Affairs during the processing period. Any inquiries or worries you may have during this period will be swiftly addressed.
- When the necessary time has passed, GIEC Global will assist you in submitting an application for the 309 Partner Visa (Subclass 100)’s second stage. We will give you all the assistance you need to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
By contacting GIEC Global, you can take advantage of our in-depth expertise, specialized care, and dedication to providing top-notch services. We work to minimize your worry and make the procedure as easy as possible so that you can reunite with your Australian partner and increase your chances of a happy outcome. To start the process of acquiring a 309 Partner Visa, get in touch with GIEC Global right now. Allow us to help you through the procedure and offer the knowledge and assistance you need to accomplish your immigration goals.
Why Choose GIEC Global Australia for Offshore Partner Visa?
Choosing the right migration agency is important for a smooth and successful Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309) application. GIEC Global Australia provides expert guidance and personalised support throughout the entire process. Here’s why we are the right choice:
- Registered MARA Lawyers-
We are the most trusted and leading Immigration Lawyers in Australia which will help to boost your case with accurate and personalised guidance. - Highly Experienced Migration Team
Our team understands the complex partner visa rules and provides accurate advice based on Australian immigration laws. - Step-by-Step Guidance
We guide you through each stage—document collection, relationship evidence, online application, sponsor requirements, and post-lodgement support. - Strong Document Preparation
We help you prepare high-quality evidence to prove your genuine relationship. This includes financial, social, and household documentation. - Reduced Chances of Mistakes
Many visa refusals happen due to small errors. Our experts ensure your application is complete, correct, and professionally presented. - Regular Updates & Follow-ups
We track your application progress and update you immediately about any requests from the immigration department. - Personalised Support
Every relationship is unique. We provide a customised strategy to strengthen your case and address any gaps in your evidence. - High Success Rate
GIEC Global Australia has assisted many couples successfully reunite in Australia through the Partner Visa pathway.
With professional support from GIEC Global Australia, your offshore partner visa journey becomes easier, faster, and stress-free.
