Love No Borders - and in Australia, that feeling is supported by partner visa (subclass 100), a permanent visa, which allows an Australian citizen's spouse or real partner to live permanently in the country.
If you have already been provided with partner visa subclass 309 (temporary) and you are wondering what comes next, or if you are starting your migration journey and want to understand the path towards permanent residence, then this guide will run you through everything that you need to learn about the subclass 100 visa - the final stages of the upstate partner visa process.
What is partner visa (subclass 100)?
australian partner visa subclass 100 is a permanent visa that allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely with your Australian partner. This is the second stage of the two-step process that begins with subclass 309 (temporary partner visa).
You apply simultaneously for both 309 and 100 visas in a joint application, but permanent visa (100) is usually given two years later - assuming that the relationship is still real and running.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the subclass 100 visa, you need:
First hold or conducted a subclass 309 visa
Stay in a real, ongoing relationship with your sponsor (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or character New Zealand citizen)
Meet health and character requirements
Provide updated evidence that the relationship is continuing
You do not need to submit a new application or pay another fee for the subclass 100 - this is automatically evaluated as part of your initial partner visa application.
Major features and benefits of subclass 100
Once given, the subclass 100 visa includes you all the rights of a permanent resident in Australia, including:
Right to remain indefinitely in Australia
Full work and study rights
Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
Ability to sponsor family eligible members to join Australia
A route to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the Residency requirements
Travel freely in Australia for five years (renewable)
Waiting for two years: what is expected
When you receive your subclass 309 visa, you usually wait for two years, the date from which your initial application was recorded before evaluating for the Subclass 100 visa.
During this period, the department of home affairs monitors whether your relationship continues to meet the requirements for permanent residence.
Around the two -year mark, the department will contact you and request the updated documents and evidence that your relationship is still real. It also includes:
Joint financial records (bank accounts, loans, procurement)
Evidence of shared arrangements (rental agreement, utility bill)
Photos, correspondence and travel records
Statements from family and friends (Form 888s)
Updates to your statutory declarations
Can You Get the Subclass 100 Sooner?
Yes, in some circumstances, you may be eligible for immediate grant of the Subclass 100 visa without waiting two years. This is possible if:
You and your sponsors are in a long -term relationship (usually 3 years or more, or 2 years with a child) at the time of application.
You provided strong evidence at the initial stage that the relationship was long-standing and committed
However, its assessment is case-by-case, and not everyone will be eligible.
What if the relationship ends before the subclass 100?
If your relationship breaks down before the subcontinent is given 100 visas, the result depends on your circumstances. You should notify the Department immediately.
In some situations, you may still be eligible to continue the visa process, such as:
You have a child's custody from the relationship
You have suffered family or domestic violence
Your partner has passed away after the 309 visa was granted
It is important to seek legal or migration advice in these cases, as they include sensitive and complex assessment.
Processing time for subclass 100 (as 2025)
By mid -2025, there are estimated processing time for subclass 100 visa:
75% of applications processed within 12–16 months
90% of applications processed within 20 months
If your relationship is not clear or if the department requests more information, there may be a delay. To ensure that your evidence is current and will help keep full things on track.
Tips for a smooth subclass 100 process
Here are some steps to improve the possibilities of a successful result:
Keep record updates
After giving 309 visas, continue collecting evidence of your relationship. The subclass 100 decisions will depend on the ongoing nature of your partnership.
Be honest and consistent
Ensure that the statements of both partners are consistent and honest. Any discrepancies can cause delays or examine more deeply.
Use a Registered Migration Agent
An ever-rented hit-managed migration agent can guide you through the procedure, help in paperwork, and avoid expensive mistakes.
final thoughts
The Subclass 100 Partner Visa is a major milestone in your migration journey - it not only represents a visa, but has a new life with your loved one in Australia. While the process may feel long and sometimes heavy, careful preparation and ongoing documentation can make it smooth.
