820 / 801 vs 309 / 100: which Australian visa is right for you?
The same partner visa, decided by where you are when you apply: the 820/801 is for applicants in Australia, the 309/100 for applicants offshore.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Partner visa (onshore) (820 / 801) | Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Partners or spouses of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen, applying in Australia. | Partners or spouses applying from outside Australia. Same relationship basis as the onshore partner visa. |
| Government cost | ~$9,365 (covers both stages) | ~$9,365 (covers both stages) |
| Processing time | ~12-24+ months for the 820 stage | ~12-24+ months for the 309 stage |
| Length of stay | 820 (temporary) then 801 (permanent) | 309 (temporary) then 100 (permanent) |
| Where to apply | Onshore | Offshore |
| Work rights | Unlimited | Unlimited (once granted and in Australia) |
| Pathway to PR | The 801 stage is permanent residence, usually assessed around 2 years later (sooner for long-term or registered relationships). | The 100 stage is permanent residence, usually assessed around 2 years later. |
Which is right for you?
Partner visa (onshore) (820 / 801)
Partners or spouses of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen, applying in Australia.
Full 820 / 801 guide →Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100)
Partners or spouses applying from outside Australia. Same relationship basis as the onshore partner visa.
Full 309 / 100 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, 820 / 801 or 309 / 100?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Partner visa (onshore) (820 / 801) is the lowest at ~$9,365 (covers both stages). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, 820 / 801 or 309 / 100?
Indicatively Partner visa (onshore) (820 / 801) is the quickest at ~12-24+ months for the 820 stage. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. 820 / 801: The 801 stage is permanent residence, usually assessed around 2 years later (sooner for long-term or registered relationships). 309 / 100: The 100 stage is permanent residence, usually assessed around 2 years later.
What's the main difference between 820 / 801 and 309 / 100?
Partner visa (onshore) (820 / 801) is for partners or spouses of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen, applying in Australia. Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100) is for partners or spouses applying from outside Australia. Same relationship basis as the onshore partner visa.