Subclass 309 Partner Visa Explained: Cost, Evidence & Processing Times (2026)

How the subclass 309 offshore partner visa actually works: who has to apply from overseas, the four evidence categories Home Affairs checks, the combined 309/100 cost, and Home Affairs' own processing-time percentiles. Figures as at September 2026.

Read the full guide, with official sources →

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Chapters

  1. 0:00 Subclass 309: Australia's offshore partner visa
  2. 0:16 Outside Australia → 309/100
  3. 0:28 Apply from outside Australia.
  4. 0:39 De facto? 12 months minimum,
  5. 0:51 4 evidence categories
  6. 1:10 The combined visa cost
  7. 1:27 How long the 309 actually takes
  8. 1:43 Full work and study rights on the 309.
  9. 1:56 The 100 is assessed 2 years after you apply
  10. 2:08 Where to read more

Transcript

Applying for an Australian partner visa from overseas? That's the subclass 309 — lodged together with the permanent subclass 100, for $11,710.

If you're outside Australia, you apply for the subclass 309 and 100 together. If you're already in Australia, that's the subclass 820 and 801 instead.

You have to be outside Australia when you apply for the subclass 309. But once it's being decided, you can be inside or outside Australia — that part surprises people.

If you're not married, you need a de facto relationship of at least 12 months before you apply — unless you're in a registered relationship, or Home Affairs accepts compelling and compassionate circumstances.

Home Affairs checks your relationship across 4 categories: financial, social, household and commitment.

For the social category, you can use Form 888 statements — from friends or family who know you as a couple. You're allowed up to 3 separate statements.

The combined 309 and 100 application costs $11,710 for the main applicant. It's $5,860 for each extra adult, and $2,935 for each child, current from 1 July 2026.

For applications decided by 30 June 2026, the fastest 25% took 13 months. Half took 17 months. 75% took 24 months. And 90% took 30 months.

Once granted, the 309 gives you full work and study rights. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to access Medicare while you wait for the subclass 100 decision.

The subclass 100 isn't assessed until 2 years have passed since you applied — unless you were already in a long-term relationship, which can mean an earlier grant. Keep gathering evidence the whole time.

The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description. And if you'd like to talk it through, you can compare registered migration agents there, and see their fees before you book anything.

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