Partner/Spouse Visa (Provisional)
Subclass 309 Visa
Begin your Australian journey with your partner – even as your permanent visa application moves forward.
At Ezy Immigration, we know couples need to be together — when countries keep them apart. The Partner/Spouse Visa (Provisional) Subclass 309 serves as the initial step for people outside Australia who have a real relationship with an Australian citizen/ permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen. This visa lets you come to Australia and stay for a while as officials review your Subclass 100 permanent visa application.
This visa has an influence on couples who are either married or in a de facto relationship and want to start their life together in Australia.
Visas for New Zeland
We can assist you with all popular temporary or residence visa applications for Australia. We will not take on an application if we believe it will be unsuccessful, saving you time and money. We provide timely updates and keep you informed throughout the whole process.
We provide professional visa consultation services for the following visa categories :
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Licensed Immigration Adviser (NZ) # 201300919
Registered MARA Agent (AU) # 2117455
What is the Subclass 309 Visa (Offshore Partner Visa)?
The Partner (Provisional) Subclass 309 visa is an offshore visa that enables the partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia for a limited time. It’s the first stage of the two-stage partner migration process, with the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) being the second.
You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
After approval, you can:
- Live in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) goes through processing
- Have a job and take classes in Australia
- Get Medicare (Australia’s public health care system)
- Go in and out of Australia
- Take free English classes (if you qualify)
Who can apply for the Subclass 309 Visa?
This visa suits:
- Married pairs where one spouse has Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- De facto pairs (including same-sex partners) who have lived together for at least 12 months, or have signed up with a state relationship registry
- New husbands and wives or couples about to marry (if you plan to wed before the visa decision comes through)
If you’re starting a new life together growing your family, or thinking about your future in Australia, you need to get a Subclass 309 visa first.
What Sets the Subclass 309 Visa Apart?
The Subclass 309 differs from onshore partner visas (like Subclass 820) because it’s for people applying from outside Australia. It lets you come to Australia and stay while you wait to hear about your permanent residency (Subclass 100). This visa can take months to process, but once you get it, you’ll have most of the same rights as residents while you wait for your long-term visa.
3. Specialist Skills Pathway
This pathway targets jobs that pay a lot and need special skills (over $135,000 AUD ). There’s no list of specific jobs—you qualify based on how much you earn and what you can do. It moves and aims to fill crucial workforce gaps.
Need help picking the right option? Get in touch with us to assess your 482 Visa options.
Partner Visa Process: Subclass 309 → Subclass 100
- Apply from overseas: You submit your application while you’re outside Australia.
- Get your 309 visa: If approved, you can enter and live in Australia.
- Wait two years: After about 24 months, they evaluate the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100).
- Become a permanent resident: Once granted, you get all the perks of being a permanent Australian resident.
You need to turn in one application for both the Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 visas. The Department will check if you qualify for the 100 visa two years after you first applied.
How to Make Your Subclass 309 Visa Application Stronger
You must show that your relationship is real and ongoing. The Department will look at:
- How you share money
- How others see your relationship
- How you run your home (shared duties living setup)
- Your promise to a life together
Ezy Immigration helps you put together strong supporting papers – from shared bank accounts and lease agreements to sworn statements and pictures.
Why Pick Ezy Immigration?
Getting partner visas is known to be tricky, and you need tons of paperwork. Our group of Migration Agents who are registered has helped lots of couples get their Subclass 309 visa and start living in Australia.
At Ezy Immigration, we:
- Put together and send in your whole application
- Help you gather strong proof of your relationship
- Talk to the Department of Home Affairs for you
- Take care of your path to the Subclass 100 permanent visa
Fill out our quick and easy Free Preliminary Evaluation to see if you can move to another country.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NZ Licensed Immigration Adviser and AU Registered Migration Agents
Start Your Subclass 309 Visa Journey with Ezy Immigration
Want to begin your life with your partner in Australia? Let Ezy Immigration help you with the tricky paperwork and always-changing rules. Our team handles everything, so you can think about your future together.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re engaged but not married yet, look into the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300). After you get married, you can switch to a partner visa.
Yes. You need to be outside Australia when you apply and when you get the Subclass 309 visa.
The processing time varies, but current estimates range from 13 to 24 months. The strength of your application has an impact on the processing time.
No. The visa accepts de facto relationships (opposite or same sex) lasting at least 12 months, unless you’re in a registered relationship.
The authorities assess the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) about 2 years after you submit the initial application.
You might qualify to get both Subclass 309 and 100 visas at once if you’ve been in a relationship for a long time or have kids together.
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