Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?
Summary: Choosing between an onshore or offshore Partner Visa can make a big difference to your timeline, travel flexibility, and ability to stay together during processing. This article explains the key differences, pros and cons, and when each option makes sense for your situation.
➡️ Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) Apply inside Australia, stay with your partner on a Bridging Visa A, and travel with a Bridging Visa B. Best for couples already living together in Australia.
➡️ Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) Apply from outside Australia and join your partner once approved. Best for couples living overseas or not eligible to apply onshore.
➡️ Understand processing times, no further stay conditions, and how bridging visas really work.
➡️ Learn why choosing the right visa stream upfront saves time, money, and stress.
Get clear on your options before you apply. Download our Free Partner Visa Guide or book a Free Call with Port Migration’s Registered Migration Agents to choose the best pathway for your relationship.
When it comes to applying for a Partner Visa for Australia, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is where to apply from — inside Australia (onshore) or outside Australia (offshore).
It might seem like a small detail, but choosing between an onshore and offshore Partner Visa can have a big impact on your visa journey — your timeline, your ability to stay together during processing, and even your peace of mind.
This blog post will walk you through the key differences, pros and cons of each option, and how to choose the right pathway for your relationship.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) | Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) |
Can apply inside Australia | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Must be outside Australia | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Bridging Visa (stay in Aus) | ✅ Yes (BVA) | ❌ No |
Travel while waiting | ❗ Limited – need BVB | ✅ Travel to Australia with a valid visa |
Processing time (temporary) | 9–15 months (avg) | 11–18 months (avg) |
Cost | $9,365 AUD | $9,365 AUD |
Marriage or de facto accepted | âś… Yes | âś… Yes |
What Is an Onshore Partner Visa?
The Onshore Partner Visa is for people who are already in Australia on a valid visa when they apply. Once the application is submitted, in most circumstances you’ll be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) which allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while the Department processes your application.
This option is ideal if:
- You're currently living in Australia with your partner
- You want to stay together in Australia while the application is assessed
- You hold a visa that allows you to apply onshore (not all do)
Once granted, the visa comes in two stages:
- Subclass 820 (Temporary)
- Subclass 801 (Permanent, usually 2 years later)
If you hold a Prospective Marriage Visa, you can apply for an onshore Partner Visa when you are eligible.
What Is an Offshore Partner Visa?
The Offshore Partner Visa is for people who are outside Australia when they apply, and they can be inside or outside the country at the time of the decision.
This option is ideal if:
- You're currently living overseas
- You're not eligible to apply while in Australia
- You're planning to move to Australia in the future
Like the onshore process, the visa is granted in two stages:
- Subclass 309 (Temporary)
- Subclass 100 (Permanent)
You can visit your partner in Australia (you need a valid visa) while the visa is processing, and you can be inside or outside Australia when the Subclass 309 is granted.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
✅ Onshore Partner Visa – Pros
- Stay together in Australia during the wait (with BVA)
- Avoid separation from your partner
- Apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to travel
❌ Onshore Partner Visa – Cons
- Some visas have a no further stay condition (8503)
- There are extra requirements if you apply while unlawful or holding a Bridging Visa
- If you leave Australia before a decision is made, you’ll need a BVB
✅ Offshore Partner Visa – Pros
- Start your application from overseas
- Ideal for couples living abroad
- Can be faster processing than onshore (in some cases)
❌ Offshore Partner Visa – Cons
- Must be outside Australia when you apply
- No Bridging Visa — you’ll need another visa to visit your partner in Australia during processing
- Time apart can be challenging emotionally and logistically
Can You Switch Between the Two?
This is a big consideration.
The Prospective Marriage Visa pathway ends up being more expensive over time.
If you’re eligible for the Partner Visa now, it’s usually the more cost-effective option.
Timing Is Everything
Technically, once you lodge a Partner Visa application, you can’t “switch” to the other stream. That’s why it’s so important to get it right the first time.
We often see clients who:
- Apply for a tourist visa, visit their partner in Australia, and then apply onshore
- Apply onshore while holding another visa like a 482 or WHV
- Planned to apply onshore without realising their visa had a no further stay condition
This is why getting professional advice early is essential to make sure your plan is the best plan for your situation.
What About Bridging Visas?
- Stay in Australia lawfully while waiting for the 820 to be granted
- Apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if you need to travel
Offshore applicants don’t get a bridging visa — so if you want to visit Australia while your 309 is processing, you’ll need to apply for another visa like a Visitor Visa.
Final Thoughts
There’s no right or wrong visa stream — but there is a right choice for your situation.
If you’re in Australia and eligible, an onshore Partner Visa might be the best way to stay together during processing. If you're overseas or not eligible to apply onshore, the offshore Partner Visa gives you a path to live in Australia with your spouse or de facto partner.
Success comes from choosing the right strategy early, preparing your evidence carefully, and making sure you're eligible before you press submit.
Need Help Choosing?
We've helped hundreds of couples choose the right Partner Visa stream — and get it right the first time.
Download our Free Partner Visa Guide
Book a Free Call with our expert team
Listen to the Partner Visa Podcast
Let’s bring your partner home, the smart way.
At Port Migration, We Make it Easy
We’re a full service Migration Agency with a 100% success rate for Partner Visas. We support our clients from start to finish — from strategy to submission — taking the stress out of the process so couples can focus on what really matters: building a life together.
Whether you're applying onshore or offshore, switching from a different visa, or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help with:
âś… Visa strategy and eligibility
âś… Document checklists and guidance
âś… Relationship statement reviews
âś… Full application preparation and lodgement
âś… Ongoing support until your visa is granted
We’re passionate about helping couples navigate the system with clarity and confidence — and we’ve helped hundreds of couples do exactly that.
Book a Free Call to chat about your Partner Visa options with our MARA Registered Migration Agents and get your application started with confidence.
Let’s bring your partner home.
Frequently Asked Questions
An onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is applied for from within Australia, while the offshore version (Subclass 309/100) is lodged from outside Australia.
To apply offshore you must be outside Australia at the time of application and you will need another visa to visit Australia during Partner visa processing.
Processing times vary year to year. In 2025, offshore applications are often processed slightly faster, but each case is unique.
No, unless that condition is successfully waived, you cannot lodge a valid onshore Partner Visa with a “No Further Stay” condition in place.
This depends on your relationship, goals, and immigration strategy. Many couples wait offshore together, while others proceed with the sponsor returning to Australia first.
