The Subclass 309 Visa (also referred to as visa subclass 309, 309 visa Australia, partner visa 309, or 309 spouse visa) is a temporary offshore partner visa that enables the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa 309 Australia is the first stage in a two-step process leading to permanent residency via the Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) Visa.
As of November 2025, the Subclass 309 Visa remains one of the most popular pathways for international couples seeking family reunification in Australia. You apply for both the provisional 309 visa Australia and permanent Subclass 100 at the same time, but the Department of Home Affairs assesses the temporary visa first. Once granted, you can enter Australia, work, study, access Medicare, and travel freely while awaiting the permanent stage.
A key update from late 2023 (still in effect in 2025): Unlike before, the 309 visa Australia can now be granted even if you are inside Australia at the time of decision – providing more flexibility for couples.
Why Choose the Subclass 309 Visa?
- Full work and study rights in Australia
- Medicare eligibility for healthcare
- Multiple entry travel facility
- Direct pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 100) after approximately 2 years
- Include dependent children on the application
In 2024-2025, Australia granted thousands of partner visas, with offshore applications like the visa subclass 309 making up a significant portion of successful family migration streams.
Eligibility Criteria for Visa Subclass 309
To succeed with your 309 spouse visa or partner visa 309, you must prove a genuine and ongoing relationship. Key requirements include:
- Relationship Type: Married (legal marriage recognized in Australia) or de facto (living together on a genuine domestic basis for at least 12 months prior to application, unless compelling circumstances or relationship registration applies).
- Sponsorship: Your partner must be an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, aged 18+, and pass character checks. Limited to sponsoring no more than two partners lifetime (with 5-year waiver between sponsorships).
- Location: Must apply from outside Australia. As of 2025, you can now be onshore or offshore when the 309 visa Australia is granted.
- Health & Character: Pass medical exams and provide police certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- No Debts or Prior Issues: No outstanding Australian government debts; no previous visa cancellations/refusals without waiver.
Evidence Required for 309 Visa Australia
Strong evidence is critical – weak relationship proof is the #1 reason for refusals. Categorize evidence across four areas:
- Financial Aspects: Joint bank accounts, shared bills, wills naming each other.
- Household: Joint leases, utility bills, shared address correspondence.
- Social: Photos, travel together, statutory declarations from family/friends.
- Commitment: Chat logs, future plans, ongoing communication.
Aim for 30-50 pieces of timed/dated evidence spanning the relationship.
Current 309 Visa Fee
The base 309 visa fee for the combined 309/100 application is AUD $9,095 for the main applicant (increased July 2025 with annual indexation). Additional costs:
Fees are non-refundable if refused. Pay online via ImmiAccount.
Visa 309 Processing Time in 2025
The 309 visa processing time varies significantly due to case complexity, evidence quality, and global volumes. As of late 2025, Department of Home Affairs global processing times for Partner (309/100) applications are:
Factors delaying visa 309 processing time:
- Incomplete evidence/request for more information (RFI)
- Complex health/character checks
- High-risk country applicants
- Relationship interviews
Tip: Front-load strong evidence to minimize delays.
Unsure where to start? Get a personalised, step-by-step walkthrough with our Registered Migration Agents.
Book a Migration Consultation
Step-by-Step Application Process for Partner Visa 309
- Gather documents (IDs, relationship evidence, Form 47SP & 40SP sponsorship).
- Create ImmiAccount on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
- Lodge online application & pay 309 visa fee.
- Submit biometrics & health exams when requested.
- Respond promptly to any RFIs.
- Await decision – enter Australia after grant to activate.
- After ~2 years, provide updated evidence for Subclass 100 permanent visa.
Rights and Conditions on Subclass 309 Visa
- Unlimited work & study
- Medicare access
- Travel in/out multiple times
- Must notify Home Affairs of changes (e.g., separation, address)
- If relationship ends: Possible retention in cases of family violence, death, or children
Transition to Permanent Subclass 100 Visa
Approximately 2 years after initial lodgement, you’ll be contacted for updated relationship evidence. If still genuine, Subclass 100 is granted – permanent residency with citizenship pathway after 4 years total residence.
Common Refusal Reasons & How to Avoid Them
- Insufficient genuine relationship proof (40%+ of refusals)
- Fake documents or bogus relationships
- Sponsor failing character test
- Health issues posing significant cost
Use a registered migration agent for complex cases.
In 2025, the Subclass 309 Visa continues to offer a reliable route for loving couples. With proper preparation, high success rates are achievable. Start gathering evidence early and check the official Home Affairs website for the latest updates.
FAQs
What is the current 309 visa fee in 2026?
The base fee for the main applicant is AUD $9,095 (combined 309/100 application).
How long is the visa 309 processing time right now?
50% processed in 14-18 months; 90% in 28-36 months (global times as of late 2025).
Can I apply for the 309 spouse visa while in Australia?
No, you must lodge offshore, but from Nov 2023 you can be onshore when granted.
Does the partner visa 309 allow work in Australia?
Yes – full unlimited work and study rights from day one.
What happens if our relationship ends after getting visa subclass 309?
Notify Home Affairs immediately. You may retain rights in cases of family violence or children.
Is the 309 visa Australia a permanent visa?
No – it’s provisional/temporary, leading to permanent Subclass 100 after ~2 years.
Can I include children on my 309 visa application?
Yes, dependent children can be added with additional fees.
