Short answer
Subclass 309 is the provisional stage of the offshore Partner visa pathway.
The subclass 309 visa is for a person seeking a provisional Partner visa based on their relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The relationship may be assessed as a spouse relationship, de facto relationship, or in limited circumstances an intended spouse situation. The related subclass 100 permanent Partner visa is usually linked to the same offshore partner pathway.
Last checked 14 August 2026.