Australia Partner Visas: Onshore Vs. Offshore | Which One Fits You the Best?

Are you the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen considering migrating to Australia?

Before moving to Australia, you should choose which visa track is best for you, as the Australian government offers a variety of partner visas. Each category has unique requirements and application processes. To apply for a partner visa in Australia, you must first understand the fundamental differences between these categories.

In this blog post, I meticulously describe the fundamental differences between offshore and onshore partner visas. So, let’s start with a fundamental comprehension of these two.

What is the Partner Visa in Australia?

A partner visa enables the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen to live and work in Australia temporarily or permanently.

The Department of Home Affairs has divided partner visas into these major categories:

• Offshore Partner visas (subclass 820 & 801)
• Onshore Partner visas (subclass 309 & 100) and
• Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)

Onshore Partner Visa (subclasses 820 and 801)

If you are the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen and currently reside in Australia, an onshore partner visa (subclass 820 & 801) is the best option for you.

Stage 1: Subclass 820 (Temporary Stream).

It’s the first step toward permanent residency in Australia. This visa subclass enables you to temporarily stay and work in Australia while your application is processed. You can submit a single application for both temporary and permanent onshore partner visas. You must be in Australia when applying for onshore partner visas.

For additional information on Subclass 820, read Onshore Temporary Partner Visa 820 in Australia in 2024.

Stage 2: Subclass 801 (Permanent Stream).

It is the final step, allowing you to live permanently with your partner in Australia. You can apply for this visa subclass two years after filing your initial application.

No travel restrictions.

With an onshore partner visa, you can normally enter and leave Australia. However, you have to be in Australia at the time of application. Depending on the length of your travel and the conditions of your visa, you may require a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157).

Offshore Partner Visa

If you are outside of Australia and want to rejoin with your lover in Australia, an offshore partner visa (subclass 309 and 100) is the best option for you. You must be outside of Australia to apply for offshore partner visas.

Stage 1: Subclass 309 (Temporary Stream)

This is the first stage of the offshore partner visa application procedure, and it allows the candidate to stay in Australia temporarily. You can submit a single application for both the subclass 309 and 100 visa streams.

Stage 2: Subclass 100 (permanent stream)

Two years after submitting a combined application for both 309 and 100 subclasses, you will be requested to provide further documentation to confirm the legitimacy of your connection with your partner. Once you have been granted this visa, you will be able to stay in Australia forever.

Travel Restrictions

When your visa is approved, you must remain outside of Australia. You will be subject to travel restrictions while your application is being processed. A temporary visa, such as a visitor visa, will allow you to enter Australia for a certain period of time.

Onshore vs. offshore partner visas. What’s the difference?

Both onshore and offshore partner visas have the same relationship standards, which are as follows:

• Your relationship with your partner should be honest and continuing.

Furthermore, the application fees for both classes are the same (AUD 8,850 for major applicants).

The primary distinction 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 given a Bridging Visa, which allows you to stay in the country while your partner’s visa application is completed. You will most likely be given a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to work and sign up for Medicare. You can also travel within and outside Australia (by applying for a free Bridging Visa B).

On the other hand:

If you apply for a Subclass 309 visa in Australia, you will not receive a bridging visa. Furthermore, once your visa is issued, you must remain outside of Australia.

Offshore partner visa (subclass 309 and 100) applications have a shorter processing period than onshore partner visa (subclass 820 and 801).

Onshore vs. offshore partner visas. Which one is best for you?

Choosing between an onshore or offshore partner visa for Australia is critical since it determines when and how you can visit the country with your significant other. Every option has unique advantages and disadvantages to consider. I’ve compiled the key elements you should examine when picking between an onshore and offshore companion visa:

Closing thoughts

In short, the decision between an onshore and offshore partner visa is based on personal circumstances and preferences. You’ve already evaluated the fundamental distinctions between the two and have a good idea of which one to go with if you want to reunite with your lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which spouse visa is right for you: offshore or onshore?

There are various aspects to consider while deciding between an offshore and onshore partner visa. However, if you wish to rejoin with your lover in less time, an offshore partner visa is the better alternative because it has faster processing times than an onshore visa.

What is the typical processing time for an onshore partner visa application?

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the processing period for onshore visa applications (subclass 820 and 801) typically spans between 9 and 14 months.

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