Subclass 100 (Offshore Permanent Partner Visa Australia)
The Subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the offshore spouse visa pathway in Australia. It is the final step between a temporary partner visa and permanent residency, assessed separately from the Subclass 309, roughly two years after your original lodgement date.
Our registered migration agents prepare your Subclass 100 submission, manage your correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs, and make sure your permanent stage application reflects the current state of your relationship.
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The Subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the offshore spouse visa process under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). It is applied for at the same time as the Subclass 309, as part of one combined application, but assessed separately.
The Department of Home Affairs assesses the Subclass 100 roughly two years after the original lodgement date of the combined application. The two-year period runs from lodgement, not from when the Subclass 309 was granted.
The relationship must still be genuine and continuing at the time of assessment. Permanent residency is not automatic. Holding a Subclass 309 does not guarantee the Subclass 100 will be granted.
Unlike the Subclass 309, which requires the applicant to be outside Australia at lodgement, you may be in Australia or outside Australia at the time the Subclass 100 is assessed.
Double grant:
In limited circumstances, the Department may grant both the Subclass 309 and the Subclass 100 at the same time. This is generally available where the applicant and sponsor were in a long-term partner relationship at the time the Subclass 390 application was lodged. This may apply where the couple had been in the relationship for at least two years and have a dependent child of the relationship, or where they had been in the relationship for at least three years. This is not automatic and depends on individual circumstances and the strength of the evidence at lodgement.
The applicant must:
- Hold a valid Subclass 309 visa
- Continue to be in a genuine and continuing relationship with their sponsor
- Continue to meet health and character requirements
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in circumstances since the Subclass 309 was granted
The sponsor must:
- Continue to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Continue to meet character requirements
- Not have exceeded the sponsorship limits under the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth)
What changes at Stage 2:
The Department reassesses the spouse visa application at the Subclass 100 stage. Evidence submitted at the Subclass 309 stage alone is not sufficient. Updated evidence covering the period since the original lodgement must be provided. The Department will invite you to submit updated documents through ImmiAccount when your eligibility window approaches.
Note for New Zealand citizens entering Australia after the Subclass 100 is granted: If you are outside Australia when the Subclass 100 is granted and you enter Australia, you must tell the immigration officer at the border that you hold a permanent Australian visa and do not want a Special Category visa (Subclass 444). A Subclass 444 can override your permanent visa and affect your eligibility for Australian citizenship. Seek advice before travelling.
Government Application Charge
There is no separate government application charge for the Subclass 100. The combined charge of AUD $11,710 for the primary applicant, paid at the time of the original Subclass 309/100 lodgement in the 2026–27 financial year, covers both stages.
Additional costs at this stage may include updated health examinations and updated police clearances where existing clearances have expired.
Please note: Government visa application charges are reviewed and typically adjusted by the Department of Home Affairs each July. The figures above reflect the 2026–27 financial year. If you are reading this page after 1 July 2027, some charges may have changed. We recommend confirming current fees at the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator or contacting us directly before you budget for your application.
Professional Fees
Our registered migration agents charge a professional fee for preparing and managing your spouse visa permanent stage submission. This is separate from any government charges. Our fees are confirmed in full before you commit to anything, and we offer flexible payment plans to help you manage the cost of your application.
The Subclass 100 is assessed roughly two years after the original lodgement date of the combined Subclass 309/100 application. Based on data published by the Department of Home Affairs in early 2026:
- 50% of Subclass 100 applications are decided within approximately 9 months of becoming eligible
- 90% are decided within approximately 21 months of becoming eligible
Providing updated, complete, and consistent evidence when the Department invites your Stage 2 assessment is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delay.
For the most current processing time estimates, visit the Department of Home Affairs Global visa processing times page.
Please note: Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs as percentile estimates and are updated monthly. The figures above reflect data available in early 2026. Actual processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, the completeness of evidence provided at lodgement, and application volumes at the time of decision. These figures are a guide only and are not a guarantee of when your application will be decided.
We prepare updated relationship statements structured to address what the Department looks for at the permanent stage of the spouse visa assessment.
We manage all correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs from your Stage 2 submission through to the final decision, including any requests for further information.
Once your Subclass 100 is granted, we can advise on the steps toward Australian citizenship where applicable.
Explore Other Partner Visa Services
Onshore Partner
Visa Pathways
For couples where the applicant is in Australia at the time of lodgement.
Subclass 820
Temporary Partner Visa
Learn More
Subclass 801
Permanent Partner Visa
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OFfshore Partner
Visa Pathways
For couples where the applicant is outside Australia at the time of lodgement.
Subclass 309
Temporary Partner Visa
Learn More
Subclass 100
Permanent Partner Visa
Learn More
Prospective
Marriage Visa
For engaged couples where the applicant is outside Australia.
Subclass 300
Prospective Marriage Visa
Learn More
Additional Partner Visa Services
For LGBTIQ+ applicants, family violence matters, and partner visa refusals.
Family Violence
Partner Visa Provisions
Learn More
Refusals
Merits Review
Learn More
LGBTIQ+
Partner Visa
Learn More
Spouse Visa News and Updates
Financial, household, social, and commitment. Every category matters. Here is what a decision-ready evidence file looks like across all four.
Most Australians search for a spouse visa. Here is what it's actually called, which subclass applies to you, and how to apply.
Not married but in a genuine relationship? The partner visa pathway is open to you. Here is what the Department looks for in a de facto application.
One application covers both stages. Here is how the temporary and permanent stages work and what changes between them.
Most de facto couples must meet a 12-month requirement before lodging. Here is what counts, what does not, and when exceptions apply.
A refused partner visa application is not necessarily the end. Here is what merits review involves and what you need to know before you apply.
Processing time estimates are updated monthly. Here is what the latest Department data means for onshore and offshore applicants right now.
Explore More Articles
What Is the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
One application covers both stages. Here is how the temporary and permanent stages work and what changes between them.
What the 12-Month Rule Actually Means
Most de facto couples must meet a 12-month requirement before lodging. Here is what counts, what does not, and when exceptions apply.
What Are Your Options at the Administrative Review Tribunal?
A refused partner visa application is not necessarily the end. Here is what merits review involves and what you need to know before you apply.
What the 2026 Data Shows
Processing time estimates are updated monthly. Here is what the latest Department data means for onshore and offshore applicants right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subclass 100 automatic after the Subclass 309 is granted?
No. The Subclass 100 is assessed separately, roughly two years after the original lodgement date. The relationship must still be genuine and continuing at the time of assessment. A granted Subclass 309 does not guarantee the spouse visa permanent stage will be approved.
Do I need to pay further application fees for the Subclass 100?
No. The Subclass 100 fees were paid for at the same time as the Subclass 309 application. You do not need to pay again. You will, however, need to make a subsequent application for the second stage of the application, and provide updated evidence to the Department.
When does the two-year waiting period start?
The two-year period runs from the original lodgement date of the combined Subclass 309/100 application, not from the date the Subclass 309 was granted.
Do I need to be outside Australia when the Subclass 100 is assessed?
No. Unlike the Subclass 309, which requires you to be outside Australia at lodgement and generally at grant, you can be in Australia or outside Australia when the Subclass 100 is assessed and granted.
What happens if my relationship has changed since the Subclass 309 was granted?
You are required to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in your relationship circumstances. If the relationship has ended, the Subclass 100 will generally not be granted. Family violence provisions under Australian migration law may apply in certain circumstances and allow an applicant to progress to the permanent stage independently of the sponsor.
What is the five-year travel facility on the Subclass 100?
Once the Subclass 100 is granted, you can travel in and out of Australia freely for five years from the grant date. After five years, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) to maintain your travel rights as a permanent resident.
Can same-sex couples progress to the Subclass 100?
Yes. The Subclass 100 applies equally to same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The eligibility criteria and assessment process are identical regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
When can I apply for Australian citizenship after the Subclass 100 is granted?
In most cases, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship once you have lived in Australia lawfully for four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before applying. You must also meet the other eligibility requirements under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, including character requirements. We can advise on your specific citizenship timeline once your Subclass 100 visa is granted.
Trusted Australian migration experts helping individuals and families build their future in Australia.
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Address
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