Australia visa guideThe Australia Partner visa lets the spouse or de-facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. Applying from outside Australia, you lodge the temporary Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) and the permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) together: the 309 leads directly to the 100. If you intend to marry your partner in Australia, the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is the route.
These applications turn on proving a genuine and continuing relationship, and Australia assesses that evidence in depth. The permanent Partner visa is normally decided about 2 years after you apply.
Lifeset Overseas helps you assemble thorough, well-organised relationship evidence and coordinates the sponsoring partner's documents so the application stands up to scrutiny.
Partner (Provisional) visa subclass 309 and Permanent subclass 100
Indian spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens apply from outside Australia for the combined subclass 309 (provisional) and subclass 100 (permanent) pathway. The 309 "permits living, work and study while the permanent stage is considered; the permanent stage is normally assessed after the applicable two-year point from the initial application."
The relationship and sponsor file
- An eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor, who lodges their own sponsor application.
- Passports and civil identity documents for both of you; the marriage certificate or evidence of a qualifying de facto relationship; proof that any previous marriages or relationships have ended.
- A relationship history covering the four areas officers assess: finances, household, social recognition and commitment, supported by witness statements on Form 888 from people who know you as a couple.
- For de facto couples, evidence of the relationship's duration, registration or the basis for an exemption.
- For children: birth certificates, custody or consent evidence and proof of dependency, with forms 1229 or 47A where applicable.
- Police certificates and health examinations, including for specified countries of residence, and Form 80 if requested.
- Certified English translations and, if you use a representative, the authority form.
Two cautions from the Knowledge Base
"Subsequent visa grants can affect the partner pathway; check before applying for another visa." Do not apply for a visitor or other visa mid-process without advice. And the relationship evidence must speak for itself: a thin file that relies on the marriage certificate alone is the most common reason a genuine couple is refused.
Official sources
- Home Affairs, Partner (Provisional) visa subclass 309: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-offshore/provisional-309
Checked against this source on 19 September 2026 (Lifeset Visa Knowledge Base, edition 1.1). Fees and rules change; the official page always prevails.
