Subclass 309 – This is a temporary visa for a spouse or de facto of an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. It is usually valid for two years. If you are outside Australia at the time of applying, you will need to make an application for a combined 309/100.

Subclass 100 – This is a permanent visa for a de facto or spouse of a citizen of Australia, Permanent Resident or eligible citizen of New Zealand.

This applies to de facto couples as well as married couples who are located in Australia at the time the application is lodged. Usually the Department of Immigration & Border Protection will first grant a two-year temporary visa, before granting Permanent Residence. This Visa type is suitable for married couples, couples in a de facto or same-sex partnership, where one Partner is either an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

If granted, this visa will allow a spouse, a same sex or de facto partner to travel to and enter Australia.

If you are inside Australia at the time of applying, you will need to make an application combining both subclass 820 and 801.

This Visa type is intended for couples who plan to get married onshore or offshore. This, however, is only a temporary visa, and the applicant will need to apply for a partner visa once married.