Partner Visa (Offshore)

Join your Australian partner - applied from outside Australia

Best for: People outside Australia in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen

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Points test

This visa is not points-tested. Eligibility depends on the specific requirements for the subclass rather than a points score.

Key facts at a glance

Visa type

Provisional

Validity

Temporary (309) then Permanent (100)

Work rights

Full work rights once 309 is granted and you enter Australia

Pathway to PR

309 (temporary) granted offshore, then 100 (permanent) after 2 years

Application fee

AUD $9,365 (as of February 2026)

Processing time

12-24 months (Stage 1) / 3-4 years total for PR

Age limit

No age limit

Occupation lists

No occupation restriction

Employer sponsorship

Not required

State nomination

Not required

Strengths

No points test, no employer, no occupation restrictions
No age limit - open to all ages
Leads to permanent residency via the 100
Can include dependent children

Things to weigh up

Must wait outside Australia until 309 is granted
Most expensive visa - AUD $9,365 application fee
Very long processing - 3-4 years for full PR
Must prove genuine relationship with substantial evidence

Explore further

Compare visas side by side

General information only, not personal migration advice. Fees, points settings, occupation lists and eligibility are set by the Australian Government and change regularly; always confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs. Afrovo is QEAC-certified and coordinates formal visa lodgement with MARA-partnered registered migration agents.