Applying From Ireland for Spouse Visa Subclass 309

[EmiliaH]

I am new to this forum and am trying to get some info and opinions on best options when applying for a Spouse Visa Subclass 309. Whether to apply onshore or offshore makes much of a difference. I am Australian, and my husband is Irish, both currently living in Ireland for 3 years and looking to move back to Australia.  We  have read you have to apply offshore from Ireland via the immi page. But have also heard you can enter Australia on a trourist visa, then get a bridging visa and apply from Onshore in Australia. Has anyone done either of these options and is there a difference in waiting times?

[paulhand]

You could do either and there are a number of considerations around both routes that you need to consider in the light of your circumstances and preferences. For onshore options have a read about the subclass 820 visa as the 309 is, as you say, only an offshore visa. The onshore option has a longer waiting period, but you are in Australia, so hard to advise without knowing what your preferred scenario would be. 

[EmiliaH]

Thanks @paulhand , This is really helpful. We tare still looking at which scenario would suit us best. We are open to either option at the moment. If we start the 309 application here it might be a quicker way forward by the sounds of it, but we also like the option of being in Australia without having to wait over this side of the world for the outcome. I will read into the subclass 820. thanks again!

[Marisawright]

The main downside of applying onshore is finding work. Employers can be reluctant to employ someone who’s on a bridging visa and your partner will be on that visa for a long time