Australia’s vibrant culture, strong economy, and high standard of living make it one of the most sought-after destinations for migrants worldwide. But before you start on your journey Down Under, understanding the application for an onshore vs offshore visa Australia is crucial, and it could make or break your migration plans.
Why does this difference matter? Where you apply from, whether you’re already in Australia or still overseas, can affect your eligibility, processing times, and even your rights while your application is being assessed.
Onshore applicants may enjoy benefits like access to Medicare and work rights during the process, while offshore applicants might face different challenges and longer wait times.
Australia offers various visa options for different migration purposes. From work and study to family reunification and tourism, understanding the main visa subclasses is essential for anyone planning to move here. Below, we outlined the most common visa types, categorised by whether you can apply from within Australia (onshore) or must apply from outside Australia (offshore).
Onshore Visa Subclasses
Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa: This allows individuals in Australia to apply for permanent residency. It is based on their relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The process is typically two-step: the temporary (820) visa is granted first, followed by the permanent (801) visa after meeting further requirements.
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: Designed for international students recently graduated from an Australian institution. This allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa: A permanent residency visa for skilled workers who their Australian employer nominates while they are in Australia.
Offshore Visa Subclasses
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: A points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled migrants or workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa: This is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens outside Australia. The 309 is a temporary visa, followed by the permanent 100 visa after meeting further requirements.
Subclass 600 Visitor Visa: Allows individuals outside Australia to visit for tourism, business, or medical purposes.
The visa application process is crucial in Australia. There are specific requirements before the visa processing, depending on your location. Let’s know more:
What is an Onshore Visa in Australia?
An onshore visa application is submitted while you are physically present in Australia. This pathway often allows you to stay and work in the country. At the same time, your application is being processed, and you may even be eligible for a bridging visa to maintain lawful status.
What is an Offshore Visa in Australia?
People outside of Australia apply for offshore visas. You must be outside of Australia to apply for an Australian visa offshore. You must be in Australia when you submit your application and when your visa is sanctioned. This may offer a wider range of Australian visa types but often involves longer processing times.
Now, whether you wish to apply for an offshore or an onshore visa, you must know the application process properly, as it differs for both. Let’s move to the difference between onshore and offshore visa Australia.
What are the Key Difference Between Onshore and Offshore Visa Application Process in Australia?
Australia’s onshore and offshore Visa application differs because of some dynamics:
| Feature | Onshore Visa Application | Offshore Visa Application |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Location | When you apply for the visa, you must be physically inside Australia at the time of the onshore application and visa grant. | You must be outside Australia at the time of the offshore application and visa grant. |
| Bridging Visa | Usually granted a bridging visa, you are allowed to stay in Australia while your onshore visa application is processed. May face travel restrictions. | No bridging visa is issued. You must remain outside Australia until the visa application is being processed. |
| Processing Time | It takes longer to process than offshore applications due to bridging visas and other checks, though some sources note that it can sometimes be faster for certain visas. | Generally processed faster, as there are no bridging visa complications. |
| Work Rights | You may be able to work in Australia depending on the visa conditions for bridging. | Work rights in Australia are unavailable to offshore applicants until the visa is being processed. |
| Access to Services | Easier access to Australian support services, Medicare, and legal aid. | Limited access to Australian services while outside the country. |
| Visa Options | Certain visa subclasses are limited to those available for onshore applicants. | A broader range of visa subclasses is available, including some not offered to onshore applicants. |
| Application Cost | Typically higher due to the higher cost of living in Australia and additional checks. | Usually lower, but fees vary by visa subclass. |
What is the Australian Partner Visa Application Process?
Australia’s Partner Visa allows spouses or de facto partners of OZ citizens, permanent residents, or eligible citizens of New Zealand to live together in Australia. The process is comprehensive and requires careful preparation, so understanding each step is essential for a smooth application. When you apply for an onshore partner visa application, you will have to follow the process:
- Check Eligibility: Genuine relationship, sponsorship, age, health, and character requirements
- Gather Documents: Identity, relationship, sponsor, health, and character documents
- Submit Online: Use ImmiAccount, complete the form, upload documents, and pay fees
- Biometrics/Health: Attend appointments for biometrics and medical examinations
- Wait for Outcome: Track application, respond to requests
- Interview: Attend if required
- Visa Grant: Receive a temporary visa, and later apply for a permanent visa
What Documents are Required for Onshore and Offshore Visa Applicants?
For onshore or offshore applications, here are the documents one will need:
Common Required Documents
Proof of Identity
- Valid passport or travel document
- Birth certificate or national ID card (if applicable)
Visa History
- Previous visas (if any)
- Evidence of current visa status (for onshore applicants)
Health Checks
- Medical examination results (as required by the visa subclass)
Character Documents
- Police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years
Financial Evidence
- Bank statements or sponsorship documents to prove you can support yourself financially
- Proof of funds (for student visas, for example, a minimum amount may be required)
Supporting Documents
- Evidence of relationship (for partner visas)
- Proof of employment or offer letter (for work visas)
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for student visas
- Skill assessments (for skilled migration visas)
Biometrics
- Fingerprints and photograph (if required)
Other Documents
- Passport-sized photographs
- Completed visa application forms
What are the Benefits of an Onshore or Offshore Visa?
It is Important to Note that Onshore Applications Come with Multiple Benefits:
Continuity of Stay: You can remain in Australia throughout the application process, which is especially valuable if you are already living, working, or studying there.
Bridging Visa: Onshore applicants are typically granted a bridging visa to stay lawfully in Australia at the time of application. Some bridging type of visas permit work and study rights.
The Benefits of Offshore Visa Applications
Broader Visa Options: Some visa subclasses are only available to offshore applicants. This gives you more choices depending on your circumstances.
No Temporary Visa Complexity: Offshore applicants do not need to manage temporary visa conditions, which can simplify the application process.
Freedom to Travel: You can travel and continue working in your home country while awaiting a decision, with no restrictions on international travel.
Faster Processing: Offshore visas are often processed more quickly than onshore ones, especially for specific categories like skilled or partner ones.
Onshore Vs Offshore Visa Australia: Which is Right for You?
When you apply for a visa to migrate or visit Australia, start by checking your location. By now, you must have understood that if the applicant is outside of Australia, they can only apply for an offshore visa, while the onshore visa applicants live in Australia. Read on:
When to Choose an Onshore Visa
- You are already in Australia on a valid visa (e.g., student, tourist, or temporary work visa) and further wish to extend your stay or transition to permanent residency.
- You want to remain close to family or a partner in Australia while your application is processed.
- You need access to Australian services such as Medicare, work, or study rights during the waiting period.
- You can easily gather and submit supporting documents while in the country.
When to Choose an Offshore Visa
- You are outside Australia and plan to migrate, visit, or join family in Australia.
- You want more visa options and flexibility, as some subclasses are only available offshore.
- You prefer to continue working or living in your home country while waiting for your visa.
- You do not want the complexities or restrictions associated with bridging visas.
As is evident, understanding the visa application process is essential.
Key Industries for Skilled Migration (Onshore & Offshore)
Engineering & Construction:
If you are willing to apply for civil, electrical, chemical, mining, and construction engineers, as well as project managers, surveyors, architects, and various construction trades (e.g., carpenters, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers), you will need CDR for Australian Immigration!
Furthermore, whether you apply onshore or offshore visa, the preparation of your CDR report for Engineers Australia will be significantly impacted by it. Opt for affordable and the most reliable CDR Report writing services now to smooth your employment journey!
Agriculture & Agri-food:
Australia’s vital agriculture sector needs farm managers, agricultural technologists, food scientists, and agricultural engineers.
Healthcare & Medical:
Doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, medical diagnostic radiographers, and allied health professionals are in high demand due to ongoing skills shortages.
IT & Cybersecurity:
As digital transformation accelerates, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, network engineers, and other IT professionals are sought after.
Education:
Teachers (especially early childhood, secondary, and special education), education managers, and educational psychologists.
Key Takeaways:
| Feature | Onshore Visa Application | Offshore Visa Application |
|---|---|---|
| Where to Apply | Inside Australia | Outside Australia |
| Processing Time | Often faster | Usually longer |
| Work Rights | May be granted during processing | Not until the visa is granted |
| Access to Services | Medicare, legal aid, etc. | Limited |
| Must Leave Australia? | No (with Temporary visa) | Yes, until the visa is issued |
Frequently Asked Questions
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