Are you a spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and considering moving to Australia?
Hold on!
Before planning to move to Australia it’s important to know which visa pathway is suitable for you as the Australian Government offers different kinds of partner visas. Each category has different requirements and application processes. Therefore, you must understand the basic differences between these categories before applying for a partner visa in Australia.
I have carefully summarized the key differences between offshore and onshore partner visas in this blog post. So, let’s get started with the basic understanding of these two.
What is a Partner Visa in Australia?
A partner visa allows the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia temporarily or permanently.
The Department of Home Affairs has categorized partner visas into these main divisions:
- Offshore Partner visas (subclass 820 & 801)
- Onshore Partner visas (subclass 309 & 100) and
- Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801)
If you are a de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen and currently living in Australia, an onshore partner visa (subclass 820 & 801) is the suitable choice for you.
Stage 1: Subclass 820 (Temporary Stream)
It is the first step towards permanent residence in Australia. This visa subclass allows you to temporarily stay and work in Australia while your application is being processed. You can submit the combined application for temporary and permanent onshore partner visas. You must be within Australia while applying for onshore partner visas.
To learn more about Subclass 820, read: Onshore Temporary Partner Visa 820 in Australia in 2024
Stage 2: Subclass 801 (Permanent Stream)
It is the final step and provides you with the opportunity to live with your partner in Australia permanently. You can apply for this visa subclass after two years of submitting your initial application.
No Travel Restrictions
With an onshore partner visa, you can usually enter and exit Australia. However, you had to be in Australia at the time of application. Depending on the length of your trip or the requirements of your visa, you may need a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157).
Offshore Partner Visa
If you are outside of Australia and want to reunite with your partner in Australia, an offshore partner visa (subclass 309 and 100) is the ideal choice for you. You must be outside of Australia while applying for offshore partner visas.
Stage 1: Subclass 309 (Temporary Stream)
This is the initial stage of the offshore partner visa application process, which allows the candidate to stay in Australia temporarily. You can submit a combined application for both the subclass 309 and 100 visa streams.
Stage 2: Subclass 100 (Permanent Stream)
Two years after the submission of a combined application for both 309 and 100 subclasses, you will be asked to submit further documents to prove the genuineness of your relationship with your partner. Once you are granted this visa, you can stay in Australia permanently.
Travel Restrictions
When your visa is approved, you must be outside of Australia. You will be subject to travel restrictions while your application is being processed. However, you can enter Australia for a limited time with a temporary visa, such as a visitor visa.
Onshore vs. Offshore Partner Visa. What’s the Difference?
The relationship criteria for both onshore and offshore partner visas are same and that is:
- Your relationship with your partner must be genuine and ongoing.
Moreover, the application fee for both types is also the same (AUD 8,850 for main applicants).
The main difference between subclass 820 (Onshore temporary partner visa) and subclass 309 (Offshore temporary partner visa) is;
If you apply for a Subclass 820 visa in Australia, you will be granted a Bridging Visa, allowing you to stay in the country while your partner visa application is processed. You will probably be granted a Bridging Visa A, which gives you the ability to work and sign up for Medicare. You can also travel in and outside Australia (by submitting a free application for a Bridging Visa B).
On the other hand:
If you apply for a Subclass 309 visa in Australia, you will not be granted a bridging visa. Moreover, when your visa is granted, you must be outside of Australia.
The processing time for an offshore partner visa (subclass 309 and 100) applications is shorter than the onshore partner visa (subclass 820 and 801) applications.
Onshore vs. Offshore Partner Visa. Which is Best for You?
Choosing between an onshore or offshore partner visa for Australia is crucial since it affects when and how you can visit the nation with your significant other. Every choice has particular advantages and things to consider. Below, I’ve summarized the important factors you need to consider before deciding between an onshore and offshore partner visa:
Closing Insights
In short, deciding between an onshore and offshore partner visa depends upon one’s personal circumstances and preferences. By now, you have analyzed the key differences between these two and have got an idea of what you should choose to reunite with your partner.
However, if you are still confused and unable to decide, you can contact us at The Migration for professional and customized assistance. Therefore, schedule an online appointment now and let us help you throughout your visa application process in Australia.
Related Articles:
- A Guide to Offshore Australian Permanent Partner Visa 100
- Step-by-Step Guide to a Partner Visa 309 in Australia
- Onshore Temporary Partner Visa 820 in Australia in 2024
FAQs
Which partner visa is suitable for you, offshore or onshore?
Choosing between an offshore and onshore partner visa depends upon several factors. However, if you want to reunite with your partner in less time, an offshore partner visa is the best option because it has shorter processing times as compared to an onshore visa.
What is the processing time for an onshore partner visa application?
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the processing time for onshore visa applications (subclass 820 and 801) usually ranges between 9 and 14 months.
What is the fee cost for partner visa applications in Australia?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has set the fee cost for onshore and offshore partner visas to approximately AUD 8,850 for main applicants.
| Visa Type | Fee Cost |
| Partner visa (subclass 820/100 or 309/100) | $8,850 for main applicants |
| Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) | $8,850
+ $1,475 additional government fee for subsequent partner |
What is the age limit for a partner visa in Australia?
To be eligible to apply for a partner visa in Australia, you must be 18 years of age or above. Both the sponsor and the applicant must be 18 years of age to submit an application for any kind of partner visa.
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.
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Samavia Shahidhttps://themigration.com.au/author/samaviashahid/
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Samavia Shahidhttps://themigration.com.au/author/samaviashahid/
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Samavia Shahidhttps://themigration.com.au/author/samaviashahid/
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Samavia Shahidhttps://themigration.com.au/author/samaviashahid/
