When applying for an Australian Spouse Visa, one of the first things you need to decide is whether you are applying onshore or offshore. This depends on where you are when you submit your application.
Offshore means you are applying from outside Australia — for example, from Bangladesh. This is the most common route for Bangladeshi applicants. You stay in Bangladesh while your application is processed, and once approved, you travel to Australia to join your spouse.
Onshore means you are already living in Australia on another valid visa — such as a student visa or work visa — when you apply. In this case, you stay in Australia throughout the process and do not need to leave.
For most Bangladeshi applicants, the offshore pathway is the standard option. You apply from Dhaka, wait for the decision, and then migrate to Australia after approval.
The key difference is not just location — it also affects processing times, bridging visa eligibility, and certain conditions attached to your visa. Understanding which pathway applies to you is an important first step before starting your application.
