Partner (Migrant) Visa (subclass 100)
The Subclass 100 Partner Visa is a permanent visa for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The final step in the partner visa process is granting permanent residency in Australia.
This visa is typically granted to applicants who have already held the Subclass 309 Partner Visa for at least two years. After receiving the Subclass 100 visa, applicants can stay in Australia permanently and enjoy all the benefits of being a permanent resident. The visa can also eventually lead to Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
Benefits of the Subclass 100 Visa
Permanent Residency
Live, work, and study in Australia permanently
Citizenship Pathway
Be eligible to apply for citizenship
Healthcare Scheme
Access Australia’s public healthcare scheme - Medicare
Social Security
Be eligible for social security benefits (Centrelink payment after a qualifying period).
Sponsor Family Members
Bring eligible family members to Australia
Travel rights
Travel in and out of Australia
Subclass 100 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 100 Partner Migrant Visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria:
Hold a Valid Visa
You must already hold the Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) Visa and have continued to meet the requirements of that visa. You must wait 2 years after applying for the combined 309 and 100 visas to be eligible for assessment for the permanent visa.
Continued Relationship Requirements
You must continue to be the spouse or de facto partner of the same person who sponsored you for the temporary Partner Visa.
| You are not married to each other | You and your spouse are mutually committed exclusively to each other. | Your relationship is genuine and continuing | you either live together or don't live permanently apart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Married | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| De facto partners | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Supplementary information
Your relationship can be with someone of the same or different sex.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, You can apply for consideration to be granted your temporary and permanent visa. More information about the Family Violence Provisions.
You might still be eligible for the permanent visa if your relationship ends or your partner dies before the permanent visa grant.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 100 Visa
If you were granted a permanent Partner Visa - subclass 100 immediately after your temporary Partner visa - subclass 309, you do not need to provide any additional documents or take further action. If the DHA did not grant the permanent visa, you will need to submit additional documents.
Prepare Updated Relationship Documents
After holding the Subclass 309 visa for about two years, you will need to submit updated evidence of your ongoing relationship. This includes financial, personal, and social documents showing that your relationship is still genuine and committed.
1
Submit Your Application
You will be invited to provide additional documentation when it’s time to assess your eligibility for the Subclass 100 visa. You submit these through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2
Meet Health and Character Requirements
You may need to undergo health and character checks, though new assessments are generally not required unless your circumstances have changed.
3
Await a Decision
Once all documents are submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your eligibility for the Subclass 100 visa. While waiting, you can remain in Australia on your Subclass 309 visa.
4
Grant of Subclass 100 Visa
If successful, you will be granted the Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) Visa, giving you permanent residency status in Australia.
5
Frequently
Asked
Questions
-
The current average processing time for the subclass 100 visa is approximately 10 to 20 months (covering 50-90% of applications). This timeframe is only an estimate and may vary. The processing time for your application will depend on your specific circumstances, such as whether all required documents are submitted or if additional checks are needed to confirm eligibility.
-
You can apply for this visa whether you are inside or outside Australia. Upon a successful application, you will receive permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live there indefinitely with full work and study rights. Additionally, a travel facility will be granted, valid for five years from the visa grant date.
-
You must already hold the Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) Visa and have continued to meet the requirements of that visa. You must wait 2 years after applying for the combined 309 and 100 visas to be eligible for assessment for the permanent visa.
-
You might still be eligible for the permanent visa if your relationship ends or your partner dies before the permanent visa grant.