Offshore Partner Visa 309 Processing Time: 2025 Guide

If you apply for the Partner Visa subclass 309, you can fulfill your dream of living in Australia with your partner. People already in a legal and steady relationship with an Australian national, permanent resident, or authorized New Zealand citizen can live in Australia on a visa. After you successfully qualify for the 309 visa, it will be easier to apply for the permanent partner visa 100. 

Below is a comprehensive guide on offshore Partner Visa 309 and all important information on processing times to the application process.

Partner Visa

Foreign nationals in a relationship with eligible New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or partners of an Australian citizen are allowed to live permanently in Australia. They can do so with the help of subclass 309 and 100 visas.

Offshore Partner Visa 

This is subclass 309 visa and is open to applicants submitting their documents from outside of the country. The process is two steps. First, you will be issued with the temporary subclass 309. This will enable you to enter Australia and stay there until the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) is finalized.

Temporary Partner Visa

The subclass 309 is provisional in nature. Those applying for this can live in the country until their permanent residency is granted.

Read: Avoid Common Mistakes in Australian Partner Visa Applications

Partner Visa 309 Checklist

On your Partner Visa 309 checklist, make sure these requirements are met:

• Application forms
• Proof of relationship (photos, messages, joint financial documents)
• Identity documents (passports, birth certificates)
• Health check-ups
• Police clearances
• Sponsor’s documents (proof of citizenship/residency, financial capability)

309 Visa Application

The process to apply for a 309 visa is highly technical and needs full attention to minute details. You can file a 309 visa application online on the Department of Home Affairs website in a manner that might allow every single document to be scanned in an appropriate order with no error or mistake.

309 Visa Conditions

Holders of 309 visas need to meet specific 309 visa conditions. 

• One must comply with Australian laws. 
• Maintain a genuine relationship with their sponsor. 

They will also be allowed to work and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa subclass 100. 

Also Read: Essential 462 Visa Australia Requirements 2025

Processing Time of 309 Visa

The 309 visa processing times vary depending on whether the application is completed and submitted in the right way. The DoHA does its best to make it the most streamlined procedure possible, but one needs to expect a bit of delay as sometimes the workload can be overwhelming. The latest processing time estimates can be accessed from the official DoHA website. The estimated time for visa approval is as follows: 

• 25% of applications: 6 Months
• 50% of applications: 10 Months
• 75% of applications: 15 Months
• 90% of applications: 29 Months

Permanent Partner Visa

Subclass 100 is granted after verifying the applicant’s ongoing and committed relationship, allowing them to become permanent residents of Australia. 

It can be very useful to seek the help of a registered migration agent. They can help at each stage of the application process to ensure that the application is comprehensive, which might help with processing time, provide guidance for a positive outcome, and generally assist in navigating the complexities of migration law and regulations.

Processing Times of the Partner Visa

Processing of the partner visas is significantly influenced by other factors:

• The more comprehensive and correct completion of the application, along with the submission of all relevant documents, is one factor that shortens a partner visa processing time.
• Sometimes, the volume of applications exceeds usual; hence, it takes time to process.
• Some specific cases require time to process.
• Resource and priority influence of the Department of Home Affairs will also affect its processing time.

The circumstances of a partner visa vary depending on whether the visa holder has a permanent or temporary visa. The visa holders must follow Australia’s laws and have a real partnership with the sponsor. While waiting for their permanent visa, Subclass 309 visa holders are permitted to work and study in Australia.

Latest Post: Prospective Marriage Visa Processing Time 2025

Process for Application under Partner Visa

Following are the steps of a Partner Visa application process

1. Collection of proofs: Collect all the documents relevant to proving a genuine and committed relationship
2. Form filling: Fill out the forms on the internet completely and correctly.
3. Submission of application: An online application from the Department of Home Affairs website is submitted.
4. You will undergo the medical check-up, and your police clearances will be conducted in all the countries where you stayed for more than 12 months in the past 10 years
5. Information to be filled in with your application: The department may call for further information or documentation.
6. Interview: If necessary, you may be requested to appear for an interview. 
7. The decision on a visa: Your application will now be considered for a visa to be issued.

Core Requirements for a Partner Visa Application: 

• Genuine and committed relationship: You should be in a real and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Meets health and character requirements: You must meet specific health and character requirements.
• Sponsorship: The Sponsorship application must be submitted by your partner.

One of the major and most critical requirements from the applicant side will be the presence of strong evidence. These include: 

• Relationship history: Details of building your relationship or proof of its existence. 
• Financial: Evidence regarding joint finances or shared expenses that indicate financial dependence.
• Social: Participating and attending common social activities, mutual travels, socialisation with family and friends, etc.

Also Read: Australia Spouse Visa Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Conclusion

Getting a Partner Visa 309 or 100 can be a little difficult. Still, if you get ready thoroughly and have the correct paperwork, the whole thing will be easier.

It is recommended that you stay updated with the latest information on processing times, eligibility criteria and application conditions. For the best possible advice, consult with a migration agent. Whether it’s uniting with your partner or planning to study abroad, the best migration experts or education consultant in Perth can help you with professional assistance.