100 Visa Australia

The Subclass 100 Visa, also known as the Partner (Migrant) Visa, offers a permanent pathway for those in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows couples to build a stable life together in Australia after holding the temporary Subclass 309 visa. This visa grants permanent residency, enabling the holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Applicants who progress to the Subclass 100 stage have already demonstrated the authenticity of their relationship and met the requirements of the temporary visa. The process confirms long-term commitment and provides access to many of the same rights as Australian permanent residents. It represents a significant milestone for couples planning a future together in Australia.

Key Takeaways

• The Subclass 100 Visa grants permanent residency to partners of eligible Australians.
• Applicants must first hold a temporary Partner Visa before progressing to this stage.
• The visa allows holders to live, work, and study permanently in Australia.

Benefits Of The 100 Visa

The Subclass 100 Visa provides full permanent resident rights in Australia. Holders can live, work, and study without restriction. They also gain access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, and may later apply for Australian citizenship.

Family members included in the application can enjoy the same rights and access to essential services. The visa holder can also sponsor eligible relatives for migration in the future.

Additional benefits include the ability to travel freely to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant. After this period, a Resident Return Visa (RRV) may be required to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Visa Subclass Details

Feature	Subclass 100 (Permanent)	Linked Temporary Visa
Type	Partner (Migrant) Visa	Partner (Provisional) Visa
Subclass	100	309
Residence Status	Permanent	Temporary
Application Process	Applied together with Subclass 309	Granted first, then assessed for 100
Sponsor Requirement	Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen	Same

The Department of Home Affairs assesses the Subclass 100 Visa after the applicant has held the Subclass 309 for a suitable period, typically two years. Processing may occur sooner if the relationship is long-term or involves dependent children.

Applicants must continue to meet relationship, health, and character requirements throughout the process to secure permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria For The 100 Visa

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship with an eligible Australian partner, meet sponsorship conditions, and satisfy health and character standards. The criteria confirm the authenticity of the partnership and ensure the applicant’s suitability for permanent residence in Australia.

Relationship Requirements

The applicant must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The relationship must be genuine, continuing, and mutually committed to a shared life.

For de facto partners, the relationship generally needs to have existed for at least 12 months before applying, unless there are compelling circumstances such as having a child together or the relationship being registered under Australian state or territory law.

Evidence must show financial interdependence, shared household arrangements, and social recognition of the relationship. Examples include:

• Joint bank accounts or shared financial commitments
• Joint lease or property ownership
• Photos or travel records together
• Statements from friends or family confirming the relationship

The Department of Home Affairs assesses all evidence collectively to confirm the relationship’s authenticity.

Sponsor Eligibility

The sponsor must be the applicant’s eligible partner—an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and capable of supporting the applicant financially and socially.

A person can sponsor only a limited number of partners in their lifetime. Typically, a sponsor may sponsor two partners in total, with a waiting period of five years between sponsorships. Exceptions may apply in special circumstances.

Sponsors must also pass character checks, including police clearances, to ensure they can provide a safe environment. They agree to assist the applicant for the first two years after visa grant with accommodation and financial support if needed.

Health And Character Criteria

Applicants and any dependent family members must meet Australian health standards. This usually involves medical examinations, chest X-rays, and tests for specific conditions to ensure they do not pose a public health risk or create undue costs for the healthcare system.

They must also meet character requirements under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958. Police certificates from every country lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years are required.

A visa may be refused if the applicant has a substantial criminal record or fails to disclose relevant information. The Department assesses each case individually, considering the nature and seriousness of any offences.

Application Process For The 100 Visa

Applicants move from the temporary Partner (Subclass 309) visa to the permanent Partner (Subclass 100) visa after meeting eligibility and relationship requirements. The process involves providing updated evidence, completing forms, and submitting documentation to the Department of Home Affairs for assessment.

Step-By-Step Application Guide

Applicants usually apply for both the 309 and 100 visas at the same time. The 309 visa is assessed first, and about two years after the initial application, the Department invites the applicant to provide information for the 100 visa.

At this stage, they must confirm that the relationship with their Australian partner is ongoing and genuine. Evidence such as shared finances, joint living arrangements, and social recognition of the relationship helps demonstrate this.

The Department then reassesses the relationship and eligibility criteria. If approved, the applicant is granted permanent residency under the Subclass 100 visa, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide updated and accurate documents to support their claim. These include:

Document Type	Examples
Identity	Passport, birth certificate
Relationship evidence	Joint bank statements, lease agreements, photos, communication logs
Character	Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months
Health	Medical examination results if requested

Each document must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. The Department may request additional evidence if the submitted documents do not sufficiently show a continuing relationship.

Applicants should ensure all documents are current and consistent with earlier submissions made for the 309 visa. Missing or inconsistent information can delay processing.

Lodgement Methods

The 100 visa application is lodged online through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. Applicants can upload documents, update details, and track progress through the same account used for the 309 visa.

Those unable to lodge online may, in limited cases, submit a paper application, though this is uncommon.

All fees for the 309 and 100 visas are paid at the time of the initial combined application. Applicants must keep contact details updated in ImmiAccount to receive requests or notifications from the Department.

Processing Times And Costs

Applicants for the Subclass 100 Partner Visa should plan for a lengthy assessment period and be prepared for significant government charges. Processing times vary based on individual circumstances, while fees remain standardised and payable at the time of application.

Current Processing Times

The Subclass 100 (Partner – Permanent) visa is granted after the Subclass 309 (Temporary Partner) visa. As of 2025, the Department of Home Affairs reports that processing takes approximately 14 months for 50% of applications and up to 26 months for 90% of cases.

Delays often occur when applicants submit incomplete documentation or fail to meet eligibility requirements. Applications supported by strong evidence of the relationship and accurate documentation generally progress faster.

Processing times can also depend on factors such as case complexity, applicant location, and workload within the processing office. Applicants should regularly check official government updates, as timeframes are reviewed monthly and may adjust with demand.

Visa Fees And Charges

The government application fee for the Partner visa stream is AUD 8,850 when lodged from outside Australia. This payment covers both the temporary (Subclass 309) and permanent (Subclass 100) stages.

Additional costs may apply for health examinations, police checks, and biometric collection, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.

Fee Type	Approximate Cost (AUD)	Notes
Main application charge	8,850	Payable at submission
Additional applicant (18+)	4,430	If applicable
Health & character checks	200–500	Varies by provider

All fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Payment must be made in full before processing begins.

Rights And Obligations Of 100 Visa Holders

Holders of the Subclass 100 Partner visa gain permanent residence in Australia, allowing them to live, work, and study indefinitely. They must also comply with Australian laws and maintain accurate personal information with the Department of Home Affairs.

Work And Study Rights

A Subclass 100 visa grants full work rights in Australia. Holders can work for any employer, in any occupation, without restrictions on hours or industry. They are entitled to the same workplace protections as Australian citizens under the Fair Work Act 2009, including fair pay, safe conditions, and protection from discrimination or exploitation.

They may also study at any Australian institution without limitation. However, they are not automatically eligible for government-funded student loans such as HECS-HELP. Some institutions may offer reduced tuition rates or scholarships for permanent residents.

Visa holders should ensure that their employer complies with lawful employment standards. They have access to support from agencies such as the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Human Rights Commission if workplace issues arise.

Travel Conditions

Subclass 100 visa holders have the right to travel freely to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. This travel facility allows multiple entries without restriction.

After five years, if the holder wishes to travel internationally and return as a permanent resident, they must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV). Without an RRV, re-entry to Australia may not be permitted as a permanent resident.

While overseas, visa holders remain subject to Australian laws regarding customs, taxation, and residency obligations. Maintaining ties to Australia, such as property, employment, or family, can support future travel or residency applications.

Permanent Residency Status

The Subclass 100 visa provides permanent resident status from the date of grant. This status allows access to Medicare, social security benefits (subject to waiting periods), and the ability to sponsor eligible family members for migration.

Permanent residents must obey Australian laws and keep their personal details, such as address and passport information, up to date with the Department of Home Affairs.

After meeting residency and character requirements, holders may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. They retain their permanent residency even if they do not pursue citizenship, provided they continue to meet entry and residence conditions.

Transition From 309 To 100 Visa

Applicants who hold a Partner (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 309 can progress to the Partner (Migrant) Visa – Subclass 100 once they meet eligibility requirements. The process confirms the ongoing nature of the relationship and ensures that the applicant continues to meet the conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Two-Stage Application Process

The Partner visa pathway involves two stages. The Subclass 309 visa grants temporary residence, allowing the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while their permanent visa is assessed. After approximately two years from the initial application, they become eligible for consideration for the Subclass 100 visa.

During this stage, the Department reviews the original application rather than requiring a new one. Applicants must provide updated evidence that their relationship remains genuine and continuing. This may include joint financial documents, shared household evidence, and social proof of the relationship.

Stage	Visa Type	Key Features
1	Subclass 309 (Provisional)	Temporary stay, work and study rights, access to Medicare
2	Subclass 100 (Migrant)	Permanent residency, full work rights, access to social benefits

The permanent visa stage grants the right to stay in Australia indefinitely, sponsor eligible family members, and apply for citizenship once residency requirements are met.

Assessment Criteria For Granting The 100 Visa

The Department assesses whether the relationship is genuine, continuing, and mutually committed. Both partners must demonstrate that they live together or, if apart, that any separation is temporary and justified.

Evidence is reviewed across four key aspects:

1. Financial – shared assets, joint accounts, or financial responsibilities.
2. Household – shared living arrangements and domestic duties.
3. Social – recognition of the relationship by family and friends.
4. Commitment – long-term intentions and emotional support.

If the relationship involves children or has lasted for more than three years, the Department may grant the Subclass 100 visa sooner. Applicants must also continue to meet health and character requirements before the visa is approved.

Common Reasons For Refusal

Applicants often face visa refusals due to missing documentation, unclear evidence, or inconsistencies in personal or relationship details. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each case carefully, and even minor errors or omissions can lead to rejection if they affect the credibility or completeness of the application.

Incomplete Applications

Incomplete or inaccurate applications remain one of the most frequent causes of refusal. When required forms, identity documents, or supporting evidence are missing, the Department cannot verify eligibility. This includes missing financial statements, employment records, or proof of genuine intent to stay temporarily.

Applicants must ensure all documents meet format and translation requirements. For example, unverified copies, expired passports, or unsigned declarations can invalidate an otherwise strong application.
Errors in dates, inconsistent travel histories, or failure to upload mandatory attachments through the online portal also raise concerns.

A simple checklist can help reduce mistakes:

Common Missing Items	Impact on Assessment
Proof of funds	Questions financial capacity
Police certificates	Unclear character record
Health examination	Non-compliance with health standards

Attention to detail and early preparation significantly improve approval chances.

Relationship Authenticity Issues

For partner or family visa applicants, authenticity of the relationship is a major factor. The Department evaluates whether the relationship is genuine and ongoing rather than formed primarily for migration purposes.

Evidence must demonstrate shared life aspects such as joint finances, cohabitation, and social recognition. Inconsistent timelines, lack of communication proof, or contradictory statements during interviews can lead to doubts about authenticity.

Supporting evidence should be clear and consistent. Examples include joint lease agreements, shared utility bills, and photos with family members.
Applicants should avoid providing overly staged or repetitive evidence, as this may appear insincere.
Strong, verifiable documentation reflecting daily life together carries more weight than formal declarations alone.

Pathways To Australian Citizenship

Australian citizenship can be obtained through several routes, most commonly by conferral for permanent residents or descent for those with Australian parents. Each route has specific eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, and procedural steps set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility For Citizenship

Eligibility depends on the applicant’s visa status, residency duration, and personal background. Most applicants qualify through citizenship by conferral, which requires holding permanent residency and living in Australia lawfully for at least four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident before applying.

Applicants must also demonstrate good character, usually verified through police checks and background reviews. Those aged between 18 and 59 must pass the citizenship test, which measures knowledge of Australian values, history, and responsibilities.

Certain groups, such as New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (subclass 444), may have streamlined pathways introduced from July 2023. Children born overseas to Australian citizens may qualify automatically through citizenship by descent, provided the parent held citizenship at the time of birth.

Applicants should ensure they meet all residency, character, and language standards before applying, as incomplete eligibility can delay approval.

Application Steps

The application process begins with gathering required documents, including identity proof, residency evidence, and travel records. Applicants then complete the online application through the Department of Home Affairs portal and pay the relevant fee.

After submission, the Department reviews eligibility and may request additional information. Eligible applicants are invited to sit the citizenship test or attend an interview.

Once approved, applicants receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony, where they make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. The process formally grants citizenship rights, including the ability to vote, apply for an Australian passport, and access full consular support overseas.

Looking to join your partner in Australia? Check out these helpful guides to understand your options: the Partner Visas in Australia overview, the onshore 820 Visa and 801 Visa pathway, the offshore 309 Visa and 100 Visa route, and the 300 Visa for engaged couples. These resources will help you choose the right visa for your relationship and migration goals.