Guide on Submitting Partner Visa While Living Apart

Can I Apply for a Partner Visa While I am Still Overseas? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen but living in different countries, you might wonder: Can we apply for a Partner Visa even though we’re not living together right now? Is applying for a Partner Visa while overseas possible?

The short answer is yes, you can.

However, the process and your eligibility are not set in stone; they depend heavily on your current location and the type of Partner Visa you apply for.

This guide explains the difference between onshore and offshore Partner Visa pathways, what evidence you need, and how to make your long-distance relationship work in your migration plan.

Two Partner Visa Pathways: Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) vs Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100)

Australia offers two main Partner Visa pathways, namely the Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) and the Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100):

Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801):

• Must be onshore (inside Australia) at the time of application and at the time of decision.
• Must hold a valid visa at the time of application

Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100):

• Must be offshore (outside Australia) at the time of application
• May be onshore or offshore at the time of decision

So, if you’re still overseas, the Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) is the correct option.

Key Requirements for Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100)

To apply successfully, you will need to prove:

• You’re in a genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsor.
• You’ve met in person and maintain regular communication.
• You both intend to live together permanently in Australia.
• Your sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.

If you’re engaged but not yet married, you might also consider the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) instead.

Can I apply for a Partner Visa without Living Together?

The short answer is, yes, you can.

You can apply for a Partner Visa even though you’re not living together with your partner. However, you must note that you and your partner must have been married and both of you will not live apart permanently.

The challenge in submitting a Partner Visa while living apart is to prove your genuine and ongoing relationship, as you may have less evidence showing you and your partner are together for most of the time.

Learn more: Partner Visa Evidence – Key to Strengthen Your Application

How to Prove a Genuine Relationship When Living Apart

Living apart doesn’t mean your relationship is less valid, but it means you will need more substantial and more consistent evidence to prove it.

You should provide:

• Regular communication records (messages, calls, video chats)
• Travel evidence (visit to each other’s country, tickets, photos)
• Joint financial commitments (fund transfer, shared expenses, etc.)
• Statements from family and friends confirming your relationship.

The Department of Home Affairs places high importance on proof of emotional and financial connection, not just marital status.

Get the complete checklist here

Common Mistakes Leading to Partner Visa Refusal

Many offshore applicants make errors that delay or even risk refusal of their offshore Partner Visa application, such as:

• Applying for the wrong visa subclass
• Insufficient evidence of a long-term relationship
• Submitting inconsistent information between partner statements
• Not updating details when circumstances change.

Because the processing time for an offshore Partner Visa can take 12 to 24 months, even a small mistake early on can create significant delays later.

Why It’s Still Worth Applying Offshore Partner Visa While Apart

Applying for the Offshore Partner Visa while living separately allows you to:

• Start your migration process sooner, instead of waiting to reunite first.
• Secure your relationship status legally under Australian law.
• Build a consistent immigration record, showing intent to settle permanently.

Once the temporary offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309) is granted, you can enter and live in Australia with your partner while waiting for the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100).

Should you get help from a Registered Migration Agent?

Partner Visa applications, especially when living apart, are scrutinised heavily by the Department of Home Affairs.

At ONEderland Consulting, our Registered Migration Agents will:

• Assess which visa (subclass 309/100 or 300) fits your situation best.
• Help you prepare relationship evidence that meets DHA standards.
• Manage communication between you and your sponsor professionally.
• Handle complex cases such as long-distance, cultural differences, or prior refusals.

Being separated by distance doesn’t mean your dream of building a life together in Australia is impossible. The Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) is designed for genuine couples just like you.

With proper preparation and guidance, you can turn your long-distance relationship into a permanent future in Australia, and we are here to help you achieve that.

Contact ONEderland Consulting now to find out the best strategy for your Partner Visa journey.