Partner visa (subclasses 309 and 100)

How the two stages work

• Subclass 309 (temporary): you must be outside Australia when you apply. You can stay until the permanent visa application is finalised or you withdraw it. You can live, work and study, travel in and out as often as you like, attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program if eligible and apply for Medicare access.
• Subclass 100 (permanent): granted to people who hold a 309. You paid for it when you lodged the combined application. The processing time for the permanent stage starts from the date of eligibility, which is two years after you applied for both visas.

Who can apply?

You must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner, have them sponsor you, and be outside Australia when you apply. You can be in or outside Australia when the temporary visa is decided. You can include family members when you lodge, and add a dependent child before the 309 is decided. Family members who apply with you must be outside Australia and meet health and character requirements.

Cost

From A$11,710 for the combined application. A lower charge applies from 1 July 2026 to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. See fees.

How long does it take?

Processing times for partner visas vary and can be longer than expected. Applications are prioritised under a Ministerial Direction on family visa processing. See processing times.

Which one applies to me?

309/100 if you are outside Australia when you apply, 820/801 if you are inside. See the 820/801 page for the relationship and sponsor rules.