Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa: Which Pathway is Right for You?

Introduction

Are you in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and looking to settle down in Australia? Navigating the Partner Visa process is a critical step—and one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to apply onshore or offshore.

Australia offers two main pathways for partner migration: the Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) and the Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100). Both lead to permanent residency, but they differ in key areas such as processing times, visa conditions, Bridging Visa access, and travel restrictions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these visa subclasses, and help you understand which pathway may be right for your situation.

What is a Partner Visa?

Australia’s Partner Visas are designed for spouses or de facto partners of:

Australian citizens,

Australian permanent residents, or

Eligible New Zealand citizens.

These visas are typically granted in two stages:

1. Temporary Visa (Subclass 820 or 309)
2. Permanent Visa (Subclass 801 or 100)
   

The primary difference lies in where you apply from:

Criteria	Onshore Visa (820/801)	Offshore Visa (309/100)
Location when applying	Must be in Australia	Must be outside Australia
Bridging Visa eligibility	Yes (Bridging Visa A or B)	No
Ability to stay during processing	Can remain in Australia	Must stay offshore until 309 is granted
Travel limitations	Travel restricted unless Bridging Visa B is granted	Free to travel until visa is granted
Processing time	Typically 23–31 months	Typically 18–28 months

The Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

Who it’s for:

Couples already in Australia.

Applicants holding valid temporary visas (e.g., Visitor, Student, Working Holiday).

Couples who want to stay together in Australia during processing.

Key Benefits:

You can remain in Australia while your visa is being processed.
A Bridging Visa is granted, allowing you to stay legally after your current visa expires.
Eligible Bridging Visa holders may gain work and study rights.

Potential Drawbacks:

You might face longer processing times (up to 31 months).
Travel restrictions apply unless you apply for a Bridging Visa B.
You must have a valid visa without a “No Further Stay” condition to apply.

The Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

Who it’s for:

Couples living overseas.

Australian citizens wanting to sponsor their partner from abroad.

Those who don’t meet the conditions to apply from within Australia.

Key Benefits:

Often faster processing times compared to onshore.
No restrictions on travel while waiting.
Good for couples who can be apart temporarily.

Potential Drawbacks:

Applicant must be outside Australia when lodging the application and when the 309 visa is decided.
Cannot access a Bridging Visa, meaning you must wait offshore unless you enter Australia on another visa.
Being apart from your partner during the process can be emotionally challenging.

Understanding Bridging Visas and Travel Restrictions

Bridging Visa (Onshore Only)

When you lodge an onshore application, you’re typically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This allows you to:

Stay lawfully in Australia after your current visa expires.

Work or study, depending on the conditions.

Apply for Bridging Visa B (BVB) if you need to travel.

Important: If you leave Australia without a BVB, your onshore application will be considered withdrawn.

Offshore Applicants: No Bridging Visa

If you apply offshore, you must stay outside Australia until the Subclass 309 is granted. You’re not eligible for any Bridging Visa, so if you need to visit Australia, you must apply separately for a Visitor Visa, which carries its own risks and limitations.

Processing Times: What to Expect

As of 2025, processing times can vary widely depending on your individual case, documentation, and relationship history.

Average processing time:

Onshore (820): 23 to 31 months

Onshore (801): 11 to 24 months after 820 is granted

Offshore (309): 18 to 28 months

Offshore (100): 12 to 24 months after 309 is granted

Note: Times may fluctuate based on Department of Home Affairs workloads and completeness of your application.

Real-Life Examples: Choosing the Right Pathway

Example 1: Alex & Priya – Living in Melbourne (Onshore Visa)

Alex (Australian citizen) and Priya (Indian national) have been living together in Melbourne on Priya’s Student Visa. They decide to apply for the 820/801 visa before her student visa expires.

Why it suits them: Priya can stay in Australia during processing.

Bonus: Priya is granted a Bridging Visa and continues working while waiting.

Example 2: David & Ana – Living in Spain (Offshore Visa)

David (Australian citizen) lives with his Spanish partner, Ana, in Madrid. They plan to move to Australia next year and apply for the 309/100 visa while living abroad.

Why it suits them: They can stay together in Spain while waiting for the visa.

Bonus: No need for a Bridging Visa or travel restrictions until Ana moves to Australia.

Which Partner Visa is Right for You?

Situation	Recommended Visa
You’re in Australia on a valid visa and want to stay	Onshore 820/801
Your visa is expiring and you can’t extend it	Onshore 820/801 (if no “No Further Stay” condition)
You live overseas and plan to move to Australia in future	Offshore 309/100
You’re in a long-distance relationship	Offshore 309/100
You want to stay with your partner in Australia while applying	Onshore 820/801

Final Thoughts

The decision between an Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa is more than just a paperwork matter—it can affect your living arrangements, emotional wellbeing, and financial planning for years to come.

If you're already in Australia and want to stay, onshore may be the smoothest path.
If you're overseas or unable to meet onshore conditions, offshore could offer more flexibility and faster outcomes.

No matter which route you take, preparation is key. A poorly prepared application can lead to delays or refusals, so it’s wise to get professional support.

FAQs

Can I switch from offshore to onshore after applying?

No. Once you apply offshore, you must be offshore for the 309 to be granted. To switch, you’d need to withdraw and reapply, which could result in lost time and fees.

Can I visit Australia while waiting for my offshore visa?

Yes, but you’ll need to apply for a separate Visitor Visa, and you must be offshore when the 309 visa is granted.

How do I know if my relationship qualifies as de facto?

You’ll need to show at least 12 months of living together, or register your relationship in an Australian state/territory that offers it. Learn more in our article on De Facto Partner Visa Requirements.

Remember:

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent