Australia Partner Visa Subclass 100 (Permanent, Offshore): Complete Guide

The Partner (Migrant) visa subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the offshore partner visa. If you applied for a partner visa from outside Australia, you lodged one combined application for two visas: the temporary subclass 309 and the permanent subclass 100. The Department of Home Affairs decides the 309 first. About two years after you lodged, it assesses whether you can be granted the 100. This guide explains what the subclass 100 gives you, when it is assessed, what the Department checks, how to prepare your evidence and how to avoid mistakes. It is general information and not legal advice, so check the official website before you act.

What the subclass 100 visa gives you

If the Department grants the subclass 100, you become a permanent resident of Australia. In general you may live in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access Medicare and other services available to permanent residents, and travel in and out of the country during the period of the visa’s travel facility. You may also be able to apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the requirements, and you may be able to sponsor eligible relatives for visas, subject to the rules at the time.

The permanent visa gives more security than the temporary 309. It also marks the end of the partner visa process for most couples, although a permanent visa can still be cancelled in limited situations such as serious character issues, so you should continue to follow the rules.

How the offshore stages work

The offshore process follows a pattern. You and your sponsor lodge the combined application and provide evidence. The Department decides the temporary 309. If it is granted, you travel to Australia and live with your partner. Roughly two years after the date you lodged, the Department assesses the permanent visa, asks for updated evidence and decides whether you meet the requirements. Read the overview of the partner visa family for a comparison with the onshore route, which uses the subclass 820 and the subclass 801.

When is the subclass 100 assessed?

The second stage assessment normally begins after the two-year point, counted from the date you lodged the application. The Department will usually contact you through your online account or by email. In some cases it may consider the permanent visa earlier, for example where the relationship is long-term or there is a child of the relationship. The rules are in the legislation and the Department’s guidance, so check the current position.

Do not assume that you will hear immediately after the second anniversary. Processing times vary. Check your messages regularly and keep your contact details updated.

What the Department checks for the permanent visa

At this stage the Department generally considers the following.

• The relationship. Is it still genuine and continuing, or does an exception apply?
• The sponsor. Is the sponsor still eligible and willing to sponsor you?
• Health and character. Do you still meet the requirements? You may need updated certificates or medical information.
• Other legal criteria. Some circumstances create additional requirements.

If the Department is satisfied, it grants the subclass 100. If not, it may ask for more information or refuse, and you may have review rights, with strict deadlines.

Evidence to prepare

Updated evidence should show your life together since you arrived in Australia. This is usually easier if you collect it as you go.

• Joint bank statements or bills, a lease or mortgage, and other documents with a shared address.
• Photos and records of trips and events from the last two years.
• Messages or letters, especially during periods apart.
• Statements from friends and family in Australia and overseas.
• Evidence of long-term plans, such as insurance, wills or plans for children.
• Updated police certificates and health information if requested.

Step by step

1. Note your lodgement date. The second stage is counted from this date.
2. Collect evidence monthly. Add joint documents and photos as you go.
3. Update your details. Tell the Department about changes of address, passport or contact details.
4. Watch for the request. Check the online account and email.
5. Respond on time. Provide the updated forms and evidence.
6. Complete checks. Update health and character documents if needed.
7. Receive the decision. If granted, save the notice.
8. Plan ahead. Think about citizenship, travel and any family sponsorship.

If the relationship ends before the decision

If your relationship ends before the Department decides the permanent visa, the result depends on your circumstances. Some situations, such as family violence or having a child with the sponsor, may allow the application to continue. These rules are complex, so get advice as soon as possible and tell the Department as required. If you are unsafe, contact support services first.

Costs

The main partner visa charge is paid at lodgement for both stages, so there is normally no second visa charge for the subclass 100. You may need to pay for updated police certificates, medicals, translations and an agent if you use one. Check the current position on the Department’s website because fees and rules change.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring a request for information.
• Not updating contact details.
• Providing little or no new evidence.
• Giving inconsistent statements.
• Travelling for long periods without keeping records.
• Not telling the Department about a change of relationship status.

How GIEC Global UK can help

We can explain how the second stage works and talk through the evidence you may want to collect. We cannot guarantee a decision. To arrange a free consultation, contact GIEC Global UK, or return to the Australia migration hub. If you are thinking about the long term, read our page on Australian permanent residency.

Living in Australia on the temporary visa: what helps the permanent decision

The period between the 309 and the 100 is your real life, not a test. Still, it helps to know what kinds of behaviour naturally produce good evidence.

Settle at a shared address

If you are living as a couple, a shared address is the most basic evidence. Put both names on the lease or the utility bills where possible. Update your driver’s licence, bank accounts and health records with the same address. Register with local services together if that is practical. If you must live apart for a period, keep a record of why and for how long.

Share money in a way that suits you

There is no single right way to handle finances. Some couples have a fully joint account. Others have a joint account for shared costs and separate accounts for personal spending. Either arrangement is fine, as long as you can explain it and the records show that you support each other. Over two years, a pattern of shared expenses, holidays, rent or mortgage payments and household purchases builds a clear picture.

Join community life

Social evidence grows naturally when you join clubs, attend events, meet neighbours and see friends and relatives together. Photos from gatherings, invitations and messages with friends all help. Do not stage events for the sake of evidence. Simply keep what you already have.

Show long-term commitment

Commitment may be shown by buying property together, making a will, having children, moving for each other’s work or planning a family holiday. Choose what fits your life. Keep the records.

Updating the Department about changes

During the temporary stage, you should tell the Department about important changes, such as a new address, a new passport, a change of email or phone number and any change in your relationship. You can usually do this through your online account. If you have a child, think about how to add the child to the application or arrange the child’s status. Keep a record of what you told the Department and when.

Health and character at the second stage

At the permanent stage you may be asked to update health or police certificate information. For police certificates, the Department tells you which countries need new certificates. This often includes any country where you have lived since the last certificate. Apply as soon as you are asked, because processing can be slow. For health, you may need a new medical examination if the earlier one has expired or if a new family member has been added. If there is a health condition in the family, talk to a professional early.

Common questions about time spent in Australia

Do we have to live in Australia for the whole two years?

The temporary visa is intended to allow you to live with your partner in Australia. If you spend long periods outside Australia, check how this affects the application, your visa conditions and your evidence of a shared life. Keep travel records and explain the reasons for any long absences.

What if my partner needs to work overseas?

Work-related travel is common. If your partner must work abroad for a period, keep evidence of how you maintain the relationship and how you plan to be together. Tell the Department if the change affects your circumstances, and take advice if you are unsure.

What if I need to return to the UK for family reasons?

Family needs can arise. Check your visa conditions before you leave and keep your records. A short visit is normally easier to explain than a long absence. If you need to stay in the UK for an extended period, seek advice, because it may affect the application.

After the subclass 100 is granted

When the Department grants the permanent visa, read the notice carefully. It will tell you the visa conditions, the travel facility and other important information. Save the notice in multiple places.

Practical steps

• Check that the details on the notice match your passport.
• Update your records with employers, banks and government agencies where they ask for visa evidence.
• Think about travel plans, and make sure that your passport has enough validity.
• Keep records of your time in Australia and your trips abroad, because you will need them for citizenship.

Citizenship

Citizenship is a separate application with its own requirements. In general you must have been a permanent resident for a period, have spent enough time lawfully in Australia, be of good character, understand the responsibilities of citizenship and intend to live in Australia or maintain a close association with it. Look at the citizenship website to check the current requirements and your eligibility date.

Sponsoring relatives

Permanent residents and citizens may sponsor relatives for some visas. Our pages on parent visas, the subclass 103 visa and the remaining relative visa explain some of the options. These visas have their own costs, waiting times and criteria, so plan early.

Protecting your records

Over the years of a partner visa process, you will accumulate many documents. Keep them well organised. Use a folder structure with clear names, store backups in a secure cloud service and keep original certificates in a safe place. Keep a master list of your visa grant notices, the dates of your applications, your reference numbers and the dates when you updated your details. If you ever need to prove your history, for example for citizenship, a sponsorship or a future visa, you will be glad to have this record.

Relationship wellbeing

Moving countries for a partner is a big change. You may leave behind family, friends and a career. Be kind to each other and talk openly about how you feel. Many couples find that the first year is the hardest because everything is new. Seek support from local groups, community organisations and friends. If you feel isolated or stressed, talk to a doctor or a counsellor. A strong relationship is the best foundation for the visa and for your life.

Final thoughts

The subclass 100 is the stage at which the Department confirms that your relationship is continuing and grants permanent residence. If you keep your evidence organised, update your details and respond on time, the process should be much less stressful. For help understanding your options, contact GIEC Global UK for a free consultation, and always check the Department’s website for the latest rules and fees.

Quick checklist for the second stage

• I know the date I lodged my application and when the second stage is likely to start.
• I have a folder with monthly evidence of our shared life.
• My contact details with the Department are up to date.
• I know which police certificates and health documents I may need.
• I have statements from people who know us as a couple.
• I am ready to respond within the time allowed.
• I have read the current guidance on the official website.

Offshore couples: special points to remember

The subclass 100 follows the subclass 309, so most couples reading this page are already living in Australia after a period abroad. A few points are specific to people who started the process offshore.

The move itself is part of your evidence

The date you entered Australia, the flights you booked and the way you arranged your first home are all part of the story. Keep boarding passes, booking confirmations and the first lease or accommodation records. If you moved from the UK, keep evidence of the steps you took to close down your life there, such as notice to a landlord, a letter from an employer or shipping receipts. These documents show a real decision to build a shared life.

Building a new network

People who move for a partner often arrive with few local contacts. Over two years, you will probably meet your partner’s friends and relatives, make friends through work or community groups, and develop a local routine. Statements from these people are useful at the second stage because they can describe a couple they have seen together over time. If you have been slow to build a network, start now, not to create evidence, but because a full social life is good for you.

Money in a new country

Many offshore couples are surprised by how much it costs to set up a home and how long it takes to find suitable work. If one partner supports the other for a time, that is normal and can be part of the financial evidence. Keep records of shared costs and of how you manage your budget. Do not worry if your arrangement is different from other couples. The Department looks for a consistent, explainable pattern.

Time in the UK and time in Australia

Some couples split their time between the UK and Australia during the temporary stage, for example because of family needs or work contracts. If that happens, keep careful records of dates and reasons. The Department may ask how much time you actually spent together, and a clear log helps you answer accurately. If long absences are likely, take advice before you travel, so that you understand the possible effect on your case.

Preparing the narrative for the second stage

When the Department asks for updated evidence, you may also be invited to give a short account of the relationship since the temporary visa was granted. Treat it as a chance to describe your life together in your own words. Include events such as moving home, starting a new job, meeting new friends, celebrating family occasions, supporting each other through challenges and planning for the future. Keep it factual, avoid exaggeration and mention any periods apart with their reasons.

If English is not your first language, you can write in the language you are most comfortable with and provide a translation, or ask a trusted person to help, as long as the statement is truthful and in your own voice. The Department wants to understand your situation, not judge your writing.

What to do if you receive a request you do not understand

Some requests from the Department are technical. If you do not understand a request, do not guess. Read the request twice, look at the Department’s help pages and, if necessary, speak with a registered professional. If the deadline is close and you need more time, ask for an extension before the deadline passes, with a clear reason. Keep a copy of your request and of any reply.

Evidence quality over quantity

A common worry is how many documents to upload. The answer is that quality matters more than quantity. A well chosen set of documents that cover all areas and all periods is stronger than hundreds of random files. Choose the best examples, label them clearly and include a short index or cover note that explains what each group of documents shows. For example, you might have a section called “Joint finances” with bank statements, a section called “Home” with the lease and bills, a section called “Social life” with photos and statements and a section called “Plans” with insurance and other records.

Avoid including documents that raise questions you cannot answer, such as an old message where one of you used a different name or a bill with an address you do not recognise. If a document has a possible issue, include an explanation instead of hoping nobody notices.

A final word on staying calm

The wait for the permanent decision can feel long, but most couples who have kept records and answered requests do not need to do more than that. Keep living your life, keep your documents organised and keep your contact details current. If something changes, get advice early. And remember that this page is general information: the Department’s website and your own grant notices are the authoritative sources for your case.

Where to read next

If you want to compare the offshore route with the onshore route, read our guides to the subclass 820 and the subclass 801. If you are considering bringing a parent to Australia after you settle, our permanent parent visa overview explains the main options and why planning early matters. If you have a general question about living and working in Australia, the Australia migration hub links to every visa guide we publish. You can also reach our team through the contact page if you want to talk through your plans, and you should always confirm the current rules and fees on the official Department of Home Affairs website.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Australia partner visa subclass 100?

It is the permanent stage of the offshore partner visa. You apply for it together with the temporary subclass 309 in one combined application from outside Australia.

When is the subclass 100 decided?

The Department usually assesses it about two years after you lodged the combined application. In some cases, for example a long-term relationship or a child together, it can be decided earlier.

Do I lodge a separate application for the subclass 100?

No. It is part of the same combined application as the 309. You provide updated information when the Department asks for it.

What is the difference between the 100 and the 801?

The 100 is the permanent offshore partner visa and the 801 is the permanent onshore partner visa. Where you were when you applied decides which applies.

What does the Department check for the 100?

It checks that the relationship is still genuine and continuing, that the sponsor is still eligible and that you still meet health and character requirements.

What evidence should I provide?

Provide updated joint documents, photos, travel records, statements from friends and family and evidence of long-term plans such as insurance, wills or a mortgage.

Will I be interviewed for the 100?

Some people are, but many are not. The Department may request more information or an interview if it needs to clarify the relationship.

Can I work on the subclass 309 while waiting?

Generally yes, but check your visa conditions in the grant notice.

Is there a second visa charge for the 100?

A second visa charge is not normally paid, because the charge covers both stages. You may have costs such as updated medicals and police certificates.

What if my relationship ends before the 100 is decided?

The outcome depends on your circumstances. Some situations, such as family violence or a child with the sponsor, may allow the application to continue. Get advice quickly.

Can I travel while waiting for the 100?

Check the conditions of your temporary visa. Keep travel records because the Department may ask about time spent together.

Does the 100 lead to Australian citizenship?

Permanent residence is one of the citizenship requirements. You also need to meet the residence, character and other criteria and apply separately.

What if I move house while waiting?

Update your address with the Department through your online account and keep documents that show your new address.

Can the subclass 100 be refused?

Yes, if the Department is not satisfied that you meet the requirements. You may have review rights with strict time limits.

Do I need new police certificates?

You may be asked to provide updated police certificates and health information. Follow the Department's request carefully.

Can my sponsor withdraw?

A sponsor can withdraw sponsorship in some circumstances, which may affect the application. Both partners should seek advice before taking action.

How can I show that we are still together?

Provide recent joint bills, bank statements, photos, travel records, messages, statements from friends and family and evidence of shared plans.

Can I add a new baby to the application?

A child born after lodging may be added. The process depends on where the child was born, so check the Department's guidance and tell it about the birth.

Is the subclass 100 permanent?

Yes. When granted, it is a permanent visa that lets you live in Australia indefinitely, subject to the visa conditions and the law.

How can GIEC Global UK help with the subclass 100 stage?

We can explain the process, discuss the evidence you may want to update and guide you through the stages. We cannot guarantee a decision.