For couples planning a life together in Australia, the partner visa process can feel overwhelming. One of the most common areas of confusion is the difference between the Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 visas. The good news is that these visas are not separate applications, but rather two stages of a single journey: first the temporary 309 (Provisional) visa, followed later by the permanent 100 (Migrant) visa. Understanding how they work will help you plan with confidence.
The Subclass 309 – Temporary Partner Visa
The Subclass 309 is the first step in the process. It allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen to enter and live in Australia while waiting for the permanent stage of the application to be decided. Think of it as your bridge into Australia – it gives you the right to live, work, and study here while your permanent residency is assessed. Importantly, 309 visa holders are generally eligible for Medicare, meaning you can access Australia’s public healthcare system soon after arrival.
One key detail is that the 309 is an offshore visa. You must be outside Australia both when you apply and when the visa is granted. Once approved, the 309 remains valid until the government makes a decision on your Subclass 100 application. In practice, this means you can move to Australia, settle in with your partner, and begin building your life together while waiting for the permanent outcome.
The Subclass 100 – Permanent Partner Visa
The ultimate goal is the Subclass 100 visa. This is the permanent residency stage, which gives you the right to live in Australia indefinitely with your partner. With permanent residency, you enjoy the same work and study rights as any Australian permanent resident, ongoing access to Medicare, and a level of stability that a temporary visa cannot provide. Permanent residents also receive a five-year travel facility, which means you can freely leave and re-enter Australia during that period. After meeting residency requirements, holding the Subclass 100 also puts you on the pathway to Australian citizenship.
The Subclass 100 is usually granted only after you have held the 309 for a period of time. The Department of Home Affairs will ask you to provide updated evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing before granting the permanent visa. This stage is designed to confirm that your relationship has remained stable since you first applied.
Timeline and Transition
A common question is how long it takes to move from the 309 to the 100. When you lodge your offshore partner visa application, it is considered for both stages at once – you do not submit a separate application later. If you meet the initial requirements, the 309 visa is granted first. From there, you typically need to wait about two years from the date you lodged your original application before the Department begins assessing the permanent stage. During that time, the 309 keeps you lawfully in Australia and gives you the rights you need to live with your partner.
When the two-year mark approaches, you will be invited to provide fresh evidence of your relationship, such as joint financial documents, proof of living together, or other updates that show your commitment is ongoing. If everything checks out, the Subclass 100 visa is granted.
There are, however, some exceptions. If at the time of applying you were already in a long-term relationship – usually defined as three or more years together, or two years with a child – the Department may grant the permanent Subclass 100 visa much sooner, sometimes at the same time as the 309. This is recognition that your relationship has already stood the test of time.
Key Differences Between the Two Stages
While both visas let you live in Australia with your partner, the 309 is a temporary step and the 100 is the permanent status that follows. The 309 lets you work, study, and access healthcare while waiting, but it is time-limited. The 100, by contrast, gives you indefinite residence, more stability, and a pathway to citizenship. Only with the permanent visa do you gain the long-term security of permanent residency and the ability to sponsor certain family members in the future.
Conclusion
The Subclass 309 and 100 visas are not separate hurdles, but two stages of one process. The 309 gets you through the door, allowing you to settle in Australia with your partner, while the 100 provides the permanent security that comes with residency. Most couples move from the 309 to the 100 after about two years, provided the relationship remains genuine and all requirements are met.
At Immigration Gurus, we’ve guided countless couples through this process – from the excitement of receiving the temporary visa to the relief of being granted permanent residency. With careful preparation and the right support, the transition from 309 to 100 can be smooth and stress-free.
If you’re ready to begin your partner visa journey, our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.
